Animal Services Officer

Kansas City Pet Project

Job Description

Position: Animal Services Officer
Department: Animal Services
Reports to: Animal Services Field Supervisor
Hours: 40 hours per week; full-time
Salary: $18-$19/hour; non-exempt
Schedule: varies, typical schedule is 4 ten hour shifts weekly and on call as needed. Must be able to work at least one weekend day.

Job Purpose:
Performs specialized work for residents of Kansas City, Missouri, to resolve various issues related to animals and when necessary, the enforcement of local ordinances and State statutes related to animal issues. The position is subject to the common risks of animal control enforcement and care. Work is performed in accordance with City Ordinance and State statutes. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief of Animal Services and the Manager of Animal Cruelty Investigations and is evaluated through observation and discussions concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of performed duties.

Daily Duties and Responsibilities:
Receiving and responding to requests for animal control service(s), including but not limited to aiding residents in the compliance of animal control regulations, capturing and confining of stray animals and attempting to locate and return animal to the owners prior to impoundment, rescuing injured and diseased animals and impounding, when necessary, dangerous animals.
Treats all animals humanely, properly and with compassion at all times.
Provide community outreach and engagement with residents to provide information on proper pet care and control including spay/neuter, welfare concerns, and related ordinances and regulations.
Maintains records of various impounds, road activities, investigations, etc.
Conducts investigations and issues citations for violations of city ordinances.
Testifies in court, when compliance efforts fail against owners who disregard or violate ordinances.
Operates a company vehicle in carrying out enforcement duties.
Maintains all assigned equipment to ensure cleanliness and proper functioning.
Performance Factors and Necessary Skills:
Tact and courtesy in explaining proper animal care and animal control regulations to animal owners and the general public.
Ability to remain pleasant and calm in a high stress environment.
Working knowledge of, or ability to learn, relevant laws and ordinances related to animal control.
Independent judgment and initiative in application of the law.
Handling animals of all temperaments, species, breeds, and sizes in a humane and safe manner.
Ability to work with animals of unknown disposition and animals who may exhibit medical and/or other problems, including aggressive tendencies.
Ability to use the equipment and physical means necessary for the purpose of capturing and caring for animals.
Ability to record and maintain accurate records concerning daily activities, calls and investigations.
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
Works with minimal supervision and direction.
This position requires the ability to work any shift, including weekends and holiday (including limited notice response for emergencies and disaster response).
Performs related duties as required.
Working Conditions:
Must have reliable transportation and ability drive in hazardous conditions. Ability to handle domestic, exotic, wildlife, and animals with dangerous or unknown temperament. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a motor vehicle, two-way radios, hand tools, animal traps, etc. The ability to lift 50lbs and to work in all weather conditions.

Qualifications/Educational Background:
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Experience in a kennel, shelter or veterinary setting preferred.
Customer service experience preferred.
Ability to successfully complete in-house training program.
Minimum of 2 years customer service and community outreach experience preferred.
Possessions of a valid driver's license and safe driving record acceptable to KC Pet Project's insurance carrier.
Completion of course(s) related to basic animal control functions.
Have a basic understanding of Microsoft Suite, Shelter Database, Database Analytics & Collection within the first 90 days of employment.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This is a full time job