Animal Investigations Officer

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent and two years of experience as an animal control officer or law enforcement officer. Must provide means of being contacted by phone.   Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience may be considered for trainee status.

A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment.   If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.

As a condition of employment, incumbents must meet all Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) requirements/prerequisites to handle controlled substances and be a certified Animal Control Officer through the Florida Animal Control Association (FACA) at time of employment.  In addition, they must pass the Euthanasia Technician Certification Course through FACA and become a Florida Notary Public within six (6) months of date of hire. 

Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen & physical examination and successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.

Acceptable education/experience:

 

• Graduation from high school or equivalent and two years of experience as an animal control officer or law enforcement officer. 
• Associate degree and one year of experience as an animal control officer or law enforcement officer. 

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Veterinary/Medical Forensics and no experience as an animal control officer or law enforcement officer required.

 

Position Summary

This is specialized enforcement and investigative work in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department.

An employee assigned to this classification investigates animal cruelty and neglect charges and performs related duties to promote compliance with Alachua County ordinances regulating animal treatment.

Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of the results obtained.Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. 

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including:  integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.

Investigates pet shops, pet fairs, boarding kennels and other animal establishments.

Conducts investigations and files reports of complaints of animal cruelty, abandonment and neglect.

Prepares and executes search warrants.

Prepares written investigative reports, issues warning notices or citations, and takes sworn statements that may result in court action.

Testifies in civil or criminal court.

Picks up and impounds stray or at-large animals. Removes animals from inhumane conditions and examines animals to determine need of services from veterinarian.

Drives vehicle to transport animals to shelter for treatment and care. Provides for care and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment and facilities.

Responsible for humane euthanasia of designated animals in accordance with department procedure policy, applicable laws and regulations and best practices.

Responds to serious animal control problems in the field; Operates tranquilizing equipment to subdue dangerous animals when necessary.

Prepares rabies specimens for laboratory tests. May transport rabies specimen.

Builds strong working relationships with department staff, County departments, animal welfare partners and other local and state partners.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

NOTE: The examples listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of County ordinances regulating animal control and related legal procedures.

Considerable knowledge of the Gainesville/Alachua County geographical area.

Ability to comprehend and enforce County ordinances as they relate to animal services.

Ability to deal effectively with the public, especially during emotional or stressful situations.

Ability to effectively investigate complaints and prepare appropriate documentation.

Ability to handle animals safely, effectively, and with compassion in all situations.

Ability to comprehend and utilize legal and court procedures as they apply to Alachua County Animal Services Ordinances.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.

Ability to deal effectively with outside agencies, other County employees and the general public.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.BoCC-Contributed Benefits

• Medical/Health Insurance  
• Employee Life Insurance  
• Florida Retirement System  
• Employee Assistance Program

Optional Benefits

• Dental Insurance  
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Deferred Retirement Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Roth IRA
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Computer Purchase Program

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits. 

• FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement.  A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
• TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
• HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows: 

1. New Years Day  
2. Martin Luther King Day  
3. Memorial Day  
4. Juneteenth
5. Independence Day  
6. Labor Day  
7. Veterans' Day  
8. Thanksgiving Day  
9. Friday following Thanksgiving  
10. Christmas Eve (IAFF*)  
11. Christmas Day  
12. Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)  
13. 2 Floating Holidays  (All non- IAFF employees)

*IAFF – International Association of FirefightersPay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.

Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2.

Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3 *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.

$21.86 Hourly