Animal Welfare Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Animal Welfare Officer will perform animal care and control work for the City of South Bend. This is a municipal animal law enforcement position and will have the capability of writing citations for violations of Chapter 5 of the South Bend Municipal Code. The work involves patrolling assigned areas of the City and investigating complaints to enforce animal control ordinances and related laws, rules, and regulations. Animal Welfare Officers complete thorough and accurate reports to document animal and property conditions, and violations. The employee is expected to carry out daily assignments, including responding to complaints / reports, following up on and investigating active cases, issuing warnings and citations, handling animals in the field and at the shelter, and assisting with animal care at the shelter. An Animal Welfare Officer uses independent judgment and training when taking appropriate actions in dealing with situations occurring in the field. This field position works in a combination of environments including in the field, in the shelter facility, and in an office. They work extensively with the public and there is regular interaction with animals in the field as well as in the shelter. The employee will be expected to investigate and document complaints and at times may appear in court as a witness to animal welfare crimes. Euthanasia is required of this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements list below are representative of the knowledge, education, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond to and answers complaints regarding nuisance, abandoned, and neglected animals, wild and domestic.
• Pick up confined, injured, unwanted, and deceased animals; captures stray, wild, and domestic animals.
• Conduct general investigations in cases of animal care and control complaints and/or identified concerns.
• Initiate the set-up procedures for animals brought into the shelter.
• Enforce city, state, and federal laws regarding animal control and care.
• Utilize electronic devices, including iPads, to document violations and conditions, take pictures, complete inspection/investigation reports, and track citation history.
• Complete required reports and keep accurate records and files.
• Represent the Department professionally and interact with constituents courteously and knowledgeably.
• Analyze issues and propose solutions to chronic problems.
• Communicate concerns and critical issues to co-workers and supervisors.
• Educate community members about animal care and welfare issues and violations.
• Testify at Animal Welfare Hearings and court when needed.
• Be accessible by handheld radio, phone, and email throughout the workday.
• Use safety equipment and wear uniform per departmental policy.
• Maintain clean and sanitary equipment, vehicles, work area, and building.
• Feed, water, and clean up after the animals in the shelter.
• Serve as a backup when needed in the office to clean kennels or attend to animals daily.
• Other duties as assigned.

UNUSUAL DEMANDS:

Employee is subject to work beyond normal scheduled hours, weekends, and holidays and subject to emergency callback.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

N/A

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY

• The purposes and methods of animal care and control programs.
• Effective methods of controlling and containment of domestic animals.
• Demonstrated experience following processes to achieve goals.
• Ability to problem solve and critically think.
• Ability to accurately, and systematically, collect and track data.
• Ability to research, read and understand applicable ordinances, statutes, and codes.
• Knowledge of existing City and State laws regarding animal welfare is strongly desired.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have good technology skills and the ability to learn new technologies.
• Must be able to communicate using iPad, computers, and software.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods; ability to diffuse tense situations.
• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Ability to drive a vehicle, car and/or truck daily.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions requiring a moderate degree of physical stamina.
• Ability to perform animal control duties efficiently.
• Ability to handle animals safely and effectively.
• Ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public.
• Ability to operate a vehicle safely.
• Background in law enforcement a plus.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATION

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum three years' experience in animal handling and care.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid driver's license required .
• NACA Certification a plus.
• Euthanasia and/or a Chemical Capture Certificate (must be obtained within six (6) months of hiring).

EQUIPMENT

This employee will be required to operate a computer, calculator, telephone, fax machine, copy machine, and other general equipment, as well as drive a vehicle, in completing job tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work is regularly active with periods of heavy exertion. Typical positions require employee to walk or stand for extended periods; lift and carry up to 75 pounds; climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding; bend, kneel, crouch and crawl; reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; feel the size, shape, and temperature of items; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboard. The work requires the ability to speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing, and to detect odors. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in the office, field, and in outside settings in varying weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office and loud in the Animal Shelter. The entire office is smoke-free.

UNION AFFILIATION

N/A

REQUIRED

Driver's License

Pre-Employment Drug Screen

Background Check

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at-will employer.

Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values

All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:

• Excellence - Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
• Accountability - Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
• Innovation - Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
• Inclusion - Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
• Empowerment - Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.

This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service. These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Statement

The City of South Bend is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or tolerate harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We value and celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.