Position Summary
Enforces state and county animal control laws and ordinances within unincorporated areas of Shelby County. Patrols assigned areas, investigates animal-related complaints, responds to suspected bite cases, and impounds animals when necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Pay Grade: 44
Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience in the enforcement of codes related to animal and/or vector control in a lead or supervisory capacity; AND
High school diploma or possess a GED.
PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Duties and Responsibilities
Responds to dispatch calls and patrols assigned areas using a County-issued vehicle to address animal-related complaints and public safety concerns.
Investigates reports involving animal bites, animal abuse, neglect, inhumane treatment, animals running at large, and potentially dangerous, sick, injured, stray, deceased, unvaccinated, or unlicensed animals.
Verifies reported animal bite incidents by gathering information from victims, witnesses, and individuals who had contact with the animal.
Takes possession of and impounds animals as required in suspected rabies cases, bite cases, dangerous animal situations, or when necessary to protect public health and safety.
Transports animals to the appropriate agency, shelter, or facility for care, quarantine, evaluation, or other required action.
Collects animal specimens for examination and transports them to the state laboratory in accordance with established procedures.
Issues citations or warrants, as appropriate, and attends court hearings related to animal control violations and enforcement actions.
Provides information and responds to public inquiries regarding licensing, vaccinations, euthanasia, adoptions, spaying and neutering, and other animal control matters.
Educates the public and community groups on proper pet care, responsible pet ownership, and pet population control.
Uses department-issued equipment and weapons, when necessary, to capture, control, or euthanize animals in accordance with laws, policies, and safety protocols; may also serve as Lead Animal Control Officer by providing guidance and support to staff and volunteers.
Performs related duties as required or directed.
KSAs
Knowledge of laws and ordinances pertaining to animal and rabies control, search, seizure, and animal collection procedures.
Skill in animal identification and observing behavior.
Skill in conflict resolution.
Ability to effectively communicate, orally and in writing.
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel or similar County applications and software.
Special Requirements
Must have a valid Tennessee driver''s license or secure one as of employment date and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
Must attend and complete Animal Control Training Course Level I or II within one year of employment.
Must be able to be commissioned as an Unarmed Special Deputy.
Must be available to work shifts and weekends.
Must maintain all required certifications, licenses, and training throughout the duration of employment.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to stoop, squat, crawl, and perform other physical duties as needed to investigate locations and animals and to apprehend animals when needed.
Must be able to lift or pull up to 50 pounds at a time.
Must be able to work in all types of weather.
Must successfully pass a physical assessment.
Disclaimer
This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Shelby County Resident Disclaimer
All employees hired after September 1, 1986, must be residents of Shelby County and shall continue to reside in the County as a condition of their employment. The residency requirement shall not apply to certain public safety/civil service employees. This means exemption from this policy is in effect for the following departments and positions: (1) Sheriff Deputy Patrol Officers, Deputy Jailers and Dispatchers, employed by the Sheriff Department, (2) Correction Officers employed by the Division of Corrections, (3) Firefighters, Paramedics and Dispatchers employed by the Shelby County Fire Department. The residency exemption for public safety/civil service employees does not include appointed positions with the Sheriff's Office, Division of Corrections, or the Fire Department.