60970
(NON-Competitive)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for seizing stray animals and investigating complaints received from the public and police regarding small domestic and/or wild animals that are causing a nuisance or threatening health and safety, in accordance with state and local laws and ordinances regarding animal control. The types of animals that are subject to animal control may vary depending on local ordinances. Employees in this class exercise independent judgment in dealing with individual complaints and seizures while performing within prescribed practices and procedures. General supervision is received from an administrative superior and assignments are received through assigned work schedules or by emergency radio dispatch calls. Employees may be required to be "on-call" and work is sometimes physically demanding or hazardous when it is performed during inclement weather or involves vicious or rabid animals. Supervision of employees is not a function of this class. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Investigates various types of complaints such as barking dogs, injuries, sick, mistreated, abandoned and dangerous animals, unlicensed or unleashed dogs; informs the owners of the nature of the complaint. Issues warnings or fines for excessive barking, unlicensed, unleashed, neglected or abused animals; may be required to appear in court in cases involving dangerous or nuisance animals and those that are neglected or abused to present evidence.
Seizes unleashed dogs off the owner's property and unlicensed dogs on or off the owner's property and impounds the animals at a shelter; informs owners of their responsibilities as a pet owner, advises them of complaints concerning their animal, violations of local and state laws and advises them on the procedures for redeeming their animals.
Seizes and traps strays and unidentified animals.
Transports injured or sick animals to a veterinarian if the owner is unknown or is unable to take the animal themselves.
Follows up on investigated complaints whenever possible to be sure the owner is in compliance with laws and ordinances.
Sets traps for nuisance wildlife such as skunks, raccoons, pigeons. squirrels, feral cats, bats, etc.; checks the condition of the animal when it is secured in the trap. All trapping, releasing, euthanizing and disposal of animals must be accordance with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Nuisance Wildlife Regulations.
Provides advice to the public on how to prevent nuisance wildlife from returning.
Maintains incident records and logs containing information such as dates, names, location of complaint or seizure, start and completion time of assignment, type of animal, type of violation, condition of animal, disposition of the complaint, investigation, etc.
Skill in handling animals.
Ability to learn and apply state and local laws and ordinances with regards to the licensing and control of animals.
Ability to deal tactfully, courteously and firmly with the public.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to prepare written logs and reports accurately.
Physical condition commensurate with demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Six (6) months of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in handling animals, which must have included handling dogs.
SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS
When required to operate a motor vehicle, employees must possess a valid non-CDL or CDL with appropriate endorsements as required by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for the class of vehicle(s) being operated.
Depending on assignment, employees must possess a current Nuisance Wildlife Control License from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at time of appointment.
4/98 REVISED