Animal Welfare Officer I - City

$18.98 - $29.36 Hourly

Note:  The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.

Full-time City employees will receive preference in the following order: major division first, then department, then all other full-time City employees. Part-time/year-round City employees will receive preference next. If there are no qualified full-time City employees or part-time/year-round City employees, external applicants will then be considered.  

This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019.   This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

Important Application Information:  Completion of the supplemental questions is required. Applicant responses to supplemental questions must specifically answer the questions asked.  Responses to supplemental questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume. Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to supplemental questions have not been provided.

Important Application Information: Applicants are required to complete an online job knowledge test at the time of application.  There are 50 items on this job knowledge test, and completion will require up to 60 minutes.  This time is in addition to the time needed to complete the application and respond to the supplemental questions.  Applicants will not be able to submit their applications without completing this job knowledge test.  The Criteria testing platform is 100 percent web-based and runs on modern browsers. It does not require any workstation installation.  For an optimal experience, Criteria recommends using the most up to date version of one of the following browsers:  Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge. Applicants can contact Criteria candidate support using the chat in the bottom right corner of the testing center screen, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.   When the Support team is not available, there are help guides, a link to Frequently Asked Questions, and a chat bot to assist applicants, until the Support team comes back online.  Applicants must receive a score of 70 percent or better on this job knowledge test, be eligible for employment with the City of Oklahoma City and meet the minimum qualifications to receive further consideration in the employment process. The use of cell phones, smart watches, or any other devices/methods to research test answers is strictly prohibited by the City of Oklahoma City and will result in applicants being disqualified from consideration. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process are encouraged to notify one of the Human Resources Department Representatives by calling 405-297-2530.

JOB SUMMARY

This posting will be used to fill a current vacancy in the Animal Welfare Division of the Development Services Department within the City of Oklahoma City and is under the direction of an immediate supervisor. However, an eligibility list will be established or supplemented for filling future vacancies in the department, per provisions of the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement. This classification is the entry-level position for Animal Welfare Officers.  The Animal Welfare Officer I is under the direction of an immediate supervisor. 

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs the care and upkeep of shelter animals, such as, feeding, watering, and exercising and performing other care tasks as assigned.
• Performs cleaning, disinfecting, and maintenance of shelter equipment and facilities.
• Conducts daily kennel inventory.
• Assists with monitoring the behavior and medical status of animals and driving animals to external veterinary locations when necessary.
• Assists in identifying potentially adoptable animals’ using established protocol.
• Assists in the euthanasia and disposition of animals and ensures proper disposal per legal statute.
• Assists in educating, counseling, and exchanging information with the public and co-workers concerning lost and found animals.
• Assists in training new Animal Welfare Officer I employees, as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Possession of valid Driver License (Operator).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic and wild animals.
• Knowledge of basic methods of animal welfare and care.
• Knowledge of small animal/livestock behavior and their care.
• Skill in communicating with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to handle animals safely and humanely.
• Ability to work with animals of various sizes and temperaments.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to work with others.
• Ability to deal with the public.
• Ability to work with and care for sick, injured and/or vicious animals.
• Ability to assist in the euthanizing and disposal of animals.
• Ability to work around noxious odors.
• Ability to follow all applicable safety rules and regulations.

NOTE:  The incumbent will be required to successfully complete a prescribed course of training administered by the Animal Welfare Division. The training will consist of information regarding the safe and proper handling of animals, applicable laws or regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.

COMPETENCIES

• Execution and Results: (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job (as specified on the approved job description) and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required.
• Conduct: (1) Conducts oneself with the utmost integrity and professionalism; (2) demonstrates humility; (3) encourages people to share their perspectives, ideas, and opinions; (4) makes decisions based on a sense of shared purpose; (5) takes responsibility for actions and decisions; (6) resilient; (7) leans in to challenges and problems with creative solutions; (8) speaks up and challenges the status quo; (9) relies on the character, ability, strength, truth, and transparency of others and the organization.
• Teamwork/Team Oriented: (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed.
• Customer Centric: (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City's mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind.
• Safety: (1) Complies with all safety policies and practices; (2) promotes a safe work environment; (3) participates in safety meetings; current on completion of safety trainings.
• Workplace Standards: (1) Takes meal periods and breaks according to policy; (2) ensures sick leave usage does not negatively impact productivity of work unit; (3) notifies supervisor of unscheduled absences; (4) accepts suggestions and supervision with a positive approach; (5) completes work timely and correctly.

SAFETY SENSITIVE STATUS

This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019.   This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Outside occasionally, exposed to heat, cold, humidity, rain, etc.
• Constant contact with slick surfaces floors and uneven surfaces.
• Capable of working in cramped, confined areas such as animal cages, which may be close to the ground or high up.
• Frequent exposure to steady and loud noises.
• Frequent exposure to toxins such as chemicals used in the euthanasia process.
• Frequent exposure to large concentrations of noxious odors.
• Frequent exposure to the possibility of animal bites.
• Frequently exposed to chemical irritants such as disinfectant, bleach and flea dip.
• Possibility of infections or illness caused by disease carrying animals.
• Frequent exposure to allergy-causing agents such as dust; bee or wasp stings; poison oak, ivy, and sumac; etc.
• Local travel on a daily basis.
• Required to work weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and occasional overtime.

Note:  Typical City employee working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require work to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may require work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work unit/department.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Strength enough to lift, push, and pull objects such as animals weighing up to 75 lbs.
• Stamina to exert oneself physically throughout the workday.
• Flexibility enough to bend, twist, and reach frequently and for extended periods of time to perform duties such as loading and unloading animals on and off a truck and in and out of carriers, cages and kennels and cleaning at or just above the floor surface level.
• Significant body coordination and balance enough to remain upright while capturing large animals such as cattle, horses, etc.
• Mobility enough to continually move oneself from place to place.
• Manual dexterity enough to perform duties such as placing identification collars on animals and completing forms.
• Near vision enough to read items such as forms, tags, or animal identification numbers, etc.
• Far enough vision to be able to perform duties such as identifying species of animal from a distance (e.g. skunk vs. cat).
• Visual color discrimination enough to perform tasks such as distinguishing color of animals for identification purposes.
• Hearing enough to identify and locate sounds in a noisy environment.
• Speech and hearing enough to communicate clearly and distinctly in person and by telephone.

Note:  The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

OTHER DETAILS

Note:  An eligibility list will be established from this posting consisting of applicants who receive a score of 70 percent or better.  Multiple selection procedures may be utilized; a minimum of 70 percent or better will be required on each; and the results of multiple selection procedures will be equally weighted.  The eligibility list will be in effect for 180 days from the date of the final selection procedure and will be used to fill future vacancies.

Pay Method:  City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Former Employees:  If this position is open to external applicants and you are a former employee, you must be eligible for rehire to participate in any selection process. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the Human Resources Department at (405) 297-2530. If your rehire status has been coded “Not Eligible,” “Eligible 3,” or “Conditional,” you will need to request a review of your rehire status through the Human Resources Department’s Employee and Labor Relations Division.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination:  Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.   

If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants. 

If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test.

If the position accepted is cyber security sensitive, internal and external applicants will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check.  Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass an online certification test.

If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination. 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

If you require reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process, please notify one of the Human Resources Department Representatives by calling 405-297-2530. The City of Oklahoma City is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. The City of Oklahoma City will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (to include sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression), age, genetic information, disability or political affiliation.