Jobs for People with MS: National MS Society

Primary Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Animal Protection Services Supervisor, the purpose of this position is to investigate animal cruelty within Craven County. The Employee investigates reports, complaints, and incidents of animal cruelty. This position is responsible for interviewing complainants, issuing citations for violations of local and state laws, and coordinating with county and/or state agencies as needed in pursuing legal action and attending court hearings or trials.

Essential Functions

Responds to questions, concerns, and complaints from animal owners and the public. Advises citizens of animal-related laws as well as handles irate citizens and difficult situations arising from the enforcement of animal ordinances and statutes. Investigates allegations of animal cruelty, neglect, abuse, and abandonment in potentially hostile environments.

Investigates, analyzes, and evaluates animal cruelty scenes. Apprehends animal cruelty offenders as well as investigates, reports, and prepares evidence for court in related cases. Investigates reports of nuisance animals and conducts dangerous dog investigations in accordance with state statutes.

Interviews and obtains written statements of suspects and witnesses to determine the nature of violations and actions to be taken. Prepares and issues civil citations that will be taken to small claims court. Conducts legally authorized searches and seizures. Attends court hearings as needed and attends trials of criminal defendants as well as testifies in court when necessary.

Enforces state and local animal abuse laws. Conducts surveillance as needed. Locates necessary witnesses and may obtain subpoenas on behalf of the county. Issues citations, warning tickets, and enforcement documents. Transports injured animals or animals in violation of county ordinances to the animal shelter. Responds to requests for services and capturing and capturing stray, diseased, and bothersome animals, setting traps as necessary.

Creates and maintains positive public relations with the general public and aids in the promotion of animal welfare at various functions, meetings, and events. Provides information to and responds to inquiries regarding Animal Protective Services activities.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school is required.
• Two years of previous experience in Animal Control or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Special Requirements

• Must obtain NACA Certification levels I and II or equivalent.
• Must obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification and Chemical Immobilization Certification.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's license.

Additional Information

Operates motor vehicles, transports rabies specimens to local health department, maintains vehicle, uses a computer to log in data, answers phones, dispatches calls. Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of the geographic and socioeconomic layout of the County.
• Some knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and procedures.
• Skill in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment.
• Ability to deal courteously, fairly, and firmly with defendants, lawyers, plaintiffs and the general public.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency and routine situations and to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Has working knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of Craven County as such pertains to the performance of the essential duties of Animal Control Officer.
• Has working knowledge of principles and practices of pursuing and apprehending animals and ensuring disease control throughout the County due to rabid animals.
• Has considerable knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the essent al duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Has working knowledge of the organization of the office, and of related departments and agencies.
• Clearly understands the occupational hazards and safety precautions required to perform the essential functions of the work.
• Has working knowledge of terminology and related professional languages used within the department as such pertains to work responsibilities.
• Knows how to maintain cooperative and effective relationships with intra- and interdepartmental personnel, as well as any external entities with whom the position interacts.

Physical Requirements Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment, including computers, copiers, facsimile machines, restraint devices, two-way radios, audio, and visual surveillance equipment, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert up to 55 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 40 pounds of force frequently, and/or 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work may involve walking, standing, running, and physical confrontation. Physical demand requirements are for medium to heavy work.