Animal Control Officer

 

Code: 203A BU: 01 (Salary Info) Grade: 030 Effective Date: 6/21/1993

Description of Work
General Duty Statement

Performs responsible work enforcing animal and pest control ordinances; investigates complaints and makes routine patrols and inspections to determine compliance with Saint Paul legislative codes dealing with animals; performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

Works under the close supervision of a unit supervisor.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Typical Duties Performed

The listed examples may not include all the duties performed by all positions in this class.

• Captures and impounds loose animals, both feral and domestic.
• Captures any animal that has bitten.
• Imposes and releases animal quarantines.
• Responds to complaints regarding animal problems and possible mistreatment and investigates to determine action to be taken to gain compliance with City ordinances or remove possible danger to public. Issues violation tag, warning notices and follows up as appropriate.
• Inspects residential properties of animal permit applicants or holders of these permits for compliance with permit requirements.
• Deals with dangerous or potentially dangerous animals using traps, tranquilizer equipment as appropriate. Dispenses poisons and pesticides for the control of animal pests.
• Attends District Council and neighborhood group meetings to hear citizen concerns and to provide information on ordinances and animal behavior and care.
• Attends functions at schools to provide information on animal behavior and care.
• Testifies in court regarding complaints and results of investigations.
• Disposes, in a humane manner, of live animals that cannot be sheltered.
• Feeds and cares for animals in shelter.
• Keeps records and maintains reports of complaints and inspections.

Competencies

• Working knowledge of animal behavior in an urban environment.
• Working knowledge of animal codes, laws and regulations.
• Working ability to meet and communicate with the general public.
• Working ability to perform strenuous work.
• Working ability to keep records of daily activities.
• Working ability to handle and control frightened and/or vicious animals.

Requirements

High school graduation or General Education Development certificate (GED) equivalency. Must possess a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license, or an equivalent out-of-state driver's license. This driver's license must have no suspensions or revocations for driving-related offenses within the two year period prior to the date of appointment. Suspensions for parking related offenses are excluded.