Do you love animals more than a cat loves to ignore you? Do you talk to dogs like they are family? Then you may be perfect as our next Animal Control Officer (or Trainee)! The Animal Control Officer (ACO) performs various duties relating to animal control including patrolling assigned areas to enforce animal control ordinances and related laws, rules, and regulations. He or she responds to complaints regarding domestic animals including the capture and removal of stray, uncontrolled, abused, or dangerous animals from undesirable conditions. The ACO is responsible for investigating animal cruelty cases, processing animals for adoption and transfer to rescue organizations, maintaining appropriate records, and answering incoming telephone calls. He or she works at our shelter helping our sheltered animals feel safe and loved.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and experience working with animals. Florida Animal Association approved Certification for Animal Control is required; however, candidates can apply for a trainee position at a reduced starting rate with the understanding that Level I Certification will be required within the first year of employment. Candidates must have strong communication and public relations skills and must be able to work well under pressure and manage stress effectively. This position is subject to on-call emergency response for 24-hour/365-day coverage and may require working nights, weekends, and holidays.

Note: Some adverse working conditions are associated with this position, including exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety (e.g., exposure to blood-borne pathogens, infectious diseases, hazardous materials or chemicals, noxious odors and fumes, poisonous plants, heavy equipment, dangerous animals, confined spaces, elevated noise levels, etc.). This position may require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Standard field equipment includes chemical immobilization equipment, various animal control equipment, catch and restraint poles, animal traps, and an animal control truck with animal transport closure. Position includes handling all types of animals and situations, including impoundment, quarantine, euthanasia, and carcass removal. Work may require some combination of standing, sitting, walking, running, climbing, reaching, crawling, kneeling, crouching, lifting, pulling, pushing, repetitive motions, and exerting force in situations involving domesticated animals and wildlife.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Enforces all applicable animal regulations for domestic animals (dogs, cats, livestock, fowl, etc.), including cruelty to animals, dangerous/vicious animals, and animal bites.
• Patrols assigned areas and contains and picks up stray, sick/injured, feral, and/or unwanted and captured domestic animals, transporting them to appropriate destinations.
• Performs emergency animal rescue service, emergency night call service, and animal first aid when required.
• Sets traps to capture evasive domestic animals.
• Educates the public on proper animal care, wildlife problems, and animal control regulations.
• Issues warnings/citations to animal owners found in violation of animal regulations.
• Tranquilizes or destroys dangerous/vicious animals in a safe humane manner as authorized by the supervisor.
• Responds to and investigates complaints from citizens concerning domestic animals.
• Manages all required paperwork and records and prepares documentation (forms, reports, etc.) when needed.
• Maintains cleanliness of vehicles and performs routine maintenance tasks.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required; some post high school education or training preferred.
• Experience working with animals preferred; experience in animal control or regulation enforcement a plus.
• Valid Florida driver's license.
• Florida Animal Association approved Certification for Animal Control.
• Ability to learn the purposes and methods of animal control programs and of effective methods of controlling/containing domestic animals.
• Able to handle animals safely and effectively.
• Able to deal courteously with the public.
• Available for emergency on-call 24/7.
• Must have the physical ability to perform the essential functions as described.

Benefits

The City of Lynn Haven offers a competitive, robust benefits plan, with the City covering 100% of the cost of various benefits to include MDLive, Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-term Disability. In addition, the employee may opt to add additional insurance. A list of all available benefits is as follows:

• MDLive - Virtual Medical Care (provided by the City)
• $50,000 of Life & $50,000 of Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (provided by the City)
• Long-term Disability Insurance (provided by the City)
• Virtual medical coverage through MDLive (provided by the City)
• Major Medical Insurance (Florida Blue-Blue Options)
• Dental Insurance (Florida Combined Life)
• Vision Insurance (MetLife VSP)
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance Options
• Critical Illness and Accidental Insurance Options
• Flexible Spending Account

Employees also earn Paid Time Off (PTO), Personal Paid Time Off (PPTO), 13 Paid Holidays, as well as time off for jury duty, bereavement, and military leave.

The City also provides a DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN, including a Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP).