Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY. Under supervision of the assigned supervisor is responsible for care, custody, and control of live evidence from point of seizure through court disposition. Responsible for providing safe, clean, healthy environment for all animals at all times. Maintain evidence logs and other animal maintenance records following established procedures. May be required to testify in court concerning live evidence. Work schedule may include weekends and holidays. Cash handling responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES.

• Responsible for thorough cleaning of all animal areas, including inside and outside runs, flooring, dishes, bedding and for proper disposal of waste and other trash around the kennel areas.

• Responsible for feeding and watering of all animals, providing special diets as directed.

• Pick up and restock supplies and food as needed following established procedures.

• Perform medical treatments as directed by veterinarian and walking of the animals on leashes following established schedules.

• Identify potential medical issues and brings to the immediate attention of the supervisor.

• Weigh animals, conduct visual examination and documents each on daily maintenance log.

• Must drive a county vehicle to transport animals and conduct errands in support of court hold facility.

• Maintain care and treatment logs and complete required paperwork documenting chain of custody of animals through to release and disposition.

Evidence handling:

• Must be able to keep an accurate accounting of animals impounded using a departmental evidence form.

• Maintain records showing the final disposition of all animals seized as evidence.

• Must be able to maintain an accurate chain of custody on all evidence submitted and show that any adjudicated cases are closed in a timely manner.

• Collect fees in accordance with established fee schedule, provides receipts and delivers funds to supervisor for depositing.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES. Other duties may be assigned.

• Follow up with veterinarian medical reports, responsible for chain of custody and transportation of animals impounded or seized as evidence in alleged cases.

• Represent the County in court proceedings related to animal cruelty cases as needed.

• Clear weeds and other debris as needed to keep areas safe and neat.

• Perform and/or assist with animal rescues in disaster situations, such as flooding, fire, or other natural disasters as directed.

• Communicate with ACO, veterinary staff, and public as needed regarding animals.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS.

A. Education. High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

B. Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County Policy.

C. Experience. A minimum of six (6) months experience in the care and handling of animals. Good working knowledge of computer word processing, filing procedures, and recordkeeping. Prior experience working at a shelter or veterinary office is highly preferred. Knowledge of report writing, and court demeanor and protocol preferred.

D. Licenses/Certifications. Valid Class D driver’s license is required. Must maintain an acceptable driving record.

E. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.). Background Check, credit, and driver’s license check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge:

• Court demeanor and protocol (preferred but not required).

• Knowledge of animal handling procedures including humane treatment, care and behavioral characteristics.

• Familiarity with health characteristics of animals.

Skills:

• Proficient in using a variety of tools, including hand tools, for cleaning and maintaining areas.

• Strong communication skills required for interacting with the public and staff in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner.

• Proficient in reading, writing, and performing mathematical calculations necessary fo case documentation and other job related tasks.

• Proficiency with computers and utilizing appropriate software.

• Experience with office equipment such as telephone, fax machine, and calculator.

• Report writing at an intermediate level.

Abilities:

• Correctly and humanely apply a variety of animal handing techniques to safely restrain aggressive or vicious animals.

• Operate radio communication equipment effectively.

• Make sound decisions in accordance with existing law, regulations and policies.

• Accurately and legibly post updates to maintenance logs and other written reports.

• Handle sensitive and confidential matters and situations with discretion.

• Accurately interpret information and make decisions based on that interpretation.

• Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language.

• Organize and coordinate tasks according to established guidelines.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with others.

• Handle difficult situations using professionalism and tact.

• Accurately interpret and Implement animal control regulations, county ordinances, department policies, and standard operating procedures.

Compensation Range

$15.30 - $20.62

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assis