Supervising Animal Protection Officer

Job Description:

Supervising Animal Protection Officer

Description

The Position

Recruitments posted as "Continuous" are subject to close at any time (sometimes without warning) after an initial two-week posting period. Upon closing, the applications received will be screened (generally within 48 hours) and notices will be sent to the applicants regarding the status of their application. Once a continuous recruitment closes it will often be posted again immediately. You will not be notified by HR regarding the status of your application until the recruitment you applied under closes.

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur.

Under general direction, primarily responsible for enforcing state laws and county ordinances pertaining to the control, and licensing of animals; supervising, assigning, coordinating, reviewing and evaluating the work of Animal Protection Officers; handles the most difficult and complex cases requiring a high level of knowledge of state laws and county ordinances pertaining to the control of animals; exercise a high degree of tact and understanding and perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisor Academy is mandatory for all supervisors and consists of nine courses that must be completed within two years. Participation is required and completed during work hours.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Carry out supervisory responsibility in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws including interviewing, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Oversee, and is responsible for specialized functions within Animal Protection Operations.
• Reviews reports of subordinates and makes suggestions for changes, to ensure reports are complete and accurate.
• Patrol in county vehicle for violations of animal laws; issue citations for violations of applicable regulations, as well as verbal and written warnings.
• Investigate complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild or diseased animals; performs rescue of stranded or injured animals.
• Capture and impounds wild, stray, licensed and unlicensed domestic animals and livestock running at large.
• Capture abused/neglected, injured, sick, abandoned, dead, or aggressive animals; quarantines animals suspected of being rabid, if needed.
• Investigate reported possible rabies exposure from animal bites to humans and wild animal bites to domestic owned animals.
• Investigate reports of animal abuse cruelty, animal bites, livestock loss due to dogs; arranges for identification and quarantine.
• Responds courteously and diplomatically to the general public, including hostile or irate people, to provide appropriate level of customer service.
• Conducts inspections of pet stores, boarding kennels and related businesses for compliance with county ordinances and state statutes; inspects residential properties for compliance with animal permits and suitable containment of animals.
• Researches and updates computerized records; prepares a variety of department reports.
• Assists law enforcement agencies at crime scenes, evictions, accidents and other situations where animals are present.
• Transports sick or injured animals to the Animal Shelter or Veterinarian as appropriate; determines if a sick or injured animal presents a public health risk.
• Promote good public relations by educating pet owners on laws, codes and ordinances pertaining control of animals, spaying/neutering pets, vaccinating and licensing pets; filing of complaints; conducts or assists with education programs for schools and groups on animal control issues. Acts as information sources for the public and the press
• Maintain contact and effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies, Animal Protection Units and Animal Care Services.
• Prepare documentation and court case reports; appear and testify in court, as required. Prepares for criminal cases; acts as liaison with court; obtains search warrants, sites or arrests offenders and testifies in court
• regarding citation and criminal cases.
• Maintain records and logs relating to firearm discharges and control and capture of animals.
• Conduct Investigations regarding complaints against Animal Protection Officers.
• Coordinate arrangements for maintenance and repair of equipment and vehicles.
• Order supplies as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED; and, a minimum of two (2) years of journey-level responsible related experience equivalent to Animal Protection Officer II with Mendocino County when possessing a valid Basic State (CA) Humane Officer Academy certificate; or,

Substitution: A minimum of three (3) years of journey-level experience performing duties that that is equivalent to Mendocino County’s Animal Protection Officer II, and ability to obtain a valid Basic State (CA) Humane Officer Academy certificate within one (1) year of appointment .

Special Requirements:

Must successfully pass pre-employment, criminal history and other background checks; must not be prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid State Driver’s License

Completion of Basic State (CA) Humane Officer Academy - within one (1) year of appointment

Completion of Penal Code 832 Training - within one (1) year of appointment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Techniques of effective supervision.
• Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.
• Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff.
• Characteristic animal breeds (domestic and wild), common diseases and animal behavior.
• Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Report writing techniques.
• Local geography and street locations.
• Basic techniques for dealing with the public in a tactful but firm manner
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• General office procedures, policies and practices, as well as basic knowledge of computer and other general office equipment.

Skill in:

• Applying principles of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and professional development.
• Planning, organizing, assigning and directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Exercising interpersonal skills to provide effective leadership to subordinate personnel and to develop cooperative working relationships with employees, senior management, elected officials, and outside agencies.
• Dealing with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Recognizing erratic or uncommon behavior of domestic & wild animals.
• Using methods of chemical immobilization & restraint devices.
• Using techniques of handling chemically immobilized animals
• Effectively interpreting, applying and enforcing laws & regulations pertaining to animal control.
• Working effectively in highly emotional situations.
• Handling and discharging firearms safely and accurately.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
• Using a computer terminal to enter and retrieve data and information.
• Testifying in court.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Write reports and correspondence.
• Speak effectively before individuals or groups and organizations and have the poise and tact to answer questions and handle sensitive and confidential matters with public entities and the media.
• Work with and handle animals safely, in a humane manner in hazardous and non-hazardous situations.
• React quickly, efficiently, and calmly in an emergency situation and to adopt an effective course of action.
• Interpret, apply and enforce laws, regulations, ordinances and policies related to animal control.
• Care for and use a variety of small firearms, pepper spray, and impact weapons.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, run, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands; considerable use of arms and legs to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; speak and hear; and push, pull move, or lift objects and/or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to use color, sound, odor and shape perception and discrimination.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known. You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate your request .

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$57,470.40 - $69,846.40 Annually