Animal Control Officer

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, enforces laws, regulations and Tribal Ordinances pertaining to the care, treatment, impounding and quarantine of animals. Investigates and reports people bitten by animals, cruelty to animals and animal nuisance complaints. Perform field sampling and testing inspections that pertain to public health issues.

This job description is illustrative only of the responsibilities performed by this position and is not all inclusive

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responds to all Santa Clara Community Members complaints regarding animal control and ensures that laws, regulations and ordinances are enforced.
• Determines animal ownership and issues citations to violators.
• Investigates animal cruelty reports, animal nuisance cases and other related complaints.
• Investigates ordinance violations involving animal bites; acts as a complainant and/or third party mediator to resolve complaints; places animals in quarantine as specified by law; traps animals as necessary.
• Impounds stray animals, secures animals in vehicle and unloads animals at holding facility.
• Cares for impounded animals, releases impound animals and sales unclaimed animals.
• Keeps required records of all animals, animal sales, and collects animal impoundment fees.
• Picks up and/or directs the pick up of dead and/or dying animals.
• Keeps and maintains appropriate written records; such as citations written, daily activity log, bite reports, impound forms, accident report forms, radio logs, and other memorandums regarding animal activity.
• Prepares courts cases as complainant, witness or third party; contact necessary parties regarding court sessions, may appear in court and testify as complainant and/or witness.
• Performs additional duties as necessary or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Requires experience in the care of handling and/or feeding of all types of domestic, farm and/or exotic animals.
• Must have a current valid New Mexico Driver's License and be insurable through the tribal insurance carrier.
• Must be knowledgeable of the laws, regulations and ordinances involving animal impounding and tribal procedures.
• Must maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive issues.
• Must be able to prepare reports, documents, court cases, etc...
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess abilities to analyze a situation accurately and act promptly in emergencies.
• Must possess physical and mental ability to work under adverse conditions.
• Must be willing to perform work weekends, holidays, or as needed.
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.

Pysical Requirements and Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position is required to remain on-call 24 hours per day.

Operating Values:

• Respect - Treats everyone with courtesy, politeness and dignity. Listens to and communicates with teammates, employees and community members in ways that build mutual respect and positive working relationships.
• Citizenship - Follows proper procedures and keeps appropriate records. Ensures compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.
• Caring - Cares about and demonstrates concern for employees and community members. Builds mutually beneficial relationships with employees, vendors and community members.
• Trustworthiness - Takes actions that build confidence in Department and Pueblo of Santa Clara. Demonstrates honesty and high standards of integrity in all interactions. Gains trust and confidence in relationships with teammates and employees at all levels.
• Fairness - Listens to the concerns of employees and community members. Takes specific actions to ensure the success of employees. Make decisions after careful and appropriate consideration.
• Responsibility - Takes accountability for the services provided, pursuing excellence in everything you do. Finish what you start rather than surrendering to obstacles or excuses. Continually look for ways to improve your work. Fulfill your obligations and assist in fulfilling the obligations of the Department.