Animal Services Officer I
: Job Details :

DescriptionMarin Humane is an equal opportunity, non-profit employer. Our mission is to transform lives through exceptional animal care, humane education, and advocacy. Every day, we inspire compassion and positive relationships between animals and people. Our Core Values are Dedication to Animals, Collaborative Spirit, Courage with Compassion, Pursuit of Learning, and Celebrating Differences.One of our core values is Celebrating Differences, and we see diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) as an essential component. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for our staff, volunteers, and the communities we serve. We're at our strongest when everyone is valued and empowered so we're committed to advancing DEIB throughout our organization.SUMMARY: The Animal Services Officer I (ASO I) responds to all animal-related calls, complaints, investigations and other animal-related activities throughout Marin. They are responsible for enforcing local and state laws concerning the care and control of animals both wild and domestic by professionally communicating with the public. Our officers are encouraged to build trusting community relations that support our organization and promote the human animal bond. They provide humane treatment of animals including euthanasia of wildlife that cannot be rehabilitated, and transportation of a variety of animal species throughout the County of Marin. They are accountable for accomplishing department goals, working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and supporting the mission, goals and philosophy of Marin Humane.ACCOUNTABILITY: Supervising Animal Services OfficerHOURS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Alternate Work Schedule - Four 10-hour days SALARY: GRADE 11 - $29.84/hr to $33.16/hr; Non-Exempt - $1.00/hr differential for candidates who are bi-lingual in SpanishApplication filing deadline: Accepting internal and external applications until position is filledBenefits - see belowESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ANIMAL CARE AND HANDLING

• Treat all animals humanely, properly and with compassion, including those that may be injured, wild or potentially dangerous

• Utilize humane animal handling techniques to contain and handle all domestic, livestock, wild, and captive exotic animals that can be friendly, fearful, aggressive, and potentially dangerous
• Removal and disposal of deceased animals in various stages of decomposition, both wild and domestic, in a professional and sensitive manner on public and private property, including collecting fees from the public

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES

• Engage in community relations with the public that create trusted relationships to problem-solve animal issues
• Develop awareness of potential animal guardians that may need support services for their pets
• Ensure all people are served with empathy and compassion no matter what the circumstances
• Support individuals that may be in a crisis situation and determine appropriate action
• Select support-based services over punitive-based services whenever possible

ANIMAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

• Enforce all laws pertaining to animals including complaints about aggressive dogs, dog control, leash laws, licensing, neglect, cruelty, etc.

• Issue citations for local and state law violations when appropriate

• Conduct regular patrols in vehicle and on foot throughout an assigned area for dogs at large, returning them to their guardian or transporting them to our shelter when a guardian can't be found

• Testify and appear in court and administrative hearings when necessary
• Produce and maintain accurate case files, records and reports as required, including a daily log of casework completed
• Create data file information on field contacts utilizing shelter software
• Investigate potentially dangerous and vicious dog cases, under the guidance of the Field Services Supervisor
• Provide investigative information and obtain search and arrest warrants when required
• Promote dog license sales, issue corrective notices and citations, and ensure proper follow-up

• Inspect and prepare reports on commercial animal establishments, exhibits, dog hobbyists, and ranch dog permittees, under the guidance of Field Services Supervisor and Lead ASO II for permits

EMERGENCY RESCUE AND TRANSPORTATION

• Provide safe handling and transportation of sick and injured animals utilizing all types of roadways, including streets, highways, freeways and off-road terrain
• Conduct advanced animal rescues, utilizing specialized equipment, in open space and wilderness areas, inaccessible to motorized vehicles, upon completion of training of rescue operations
• Provide immediate emergency rescue and transportation of sick and injured animals and provide immediate euthanasia to sick, injured and orphaned wild animals that cannot be rehabilitated

• Become certified to carry and use controlled substances and follow all safety protocols for the safe keeping of controlled drugs
• Determine when domestic animals need to receive emergency veterinary care and ensure immediate transportation to a veterinary hospital, if shelter veterinary staff is not available
• Respond and assist to disasters impacting pet guardians, including the potential deployment out of county

GENERAL VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT OVERSIGHT

• Clean, disinfect and restock vehicle and equipment to comply with sanitation and safety protocols

• Follow general protocols to promote clean appearance of vehicles both inside and out
• Follow sanitation and disease control protocols to prevent disease transmission
• Provide a daily vehicle assessment at the start of each shift for new damage and/or malfunctioning equipment and report findings to supervisor

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Understand, support, and accurately communicate policies and philosophies to the public in a positive and effective manner

• Demonstrate excellence in customer service by providing courteous, prompt and responsive service
• Value diversity, teamwork and creativity to positively contribute to Marin Humane's mission and values
• Provide educational talks to students, community groups and others on a variety of animal-related topics as assigned

• Answer a high volume of phone calls, including emergency calls, while remaining calm, courteous, professional and efficient as assigned
• Facilitate intake paperwork & support customers in preparation for euthanasia services as assigned
• Dispatch calls and provide support to other animal services officers as assigned
• Facilitate the process to provide microchips for animals as assigned
• Gather details in order to complete detailed reports, pertaining to Rabies Control, Lost and Found and Animal Complaints as assigned
• Assist the licensing department with issuing dog licenses as assigned
• Assist other departments as needed and assigned

DOMESTIC ANIMAL INTAKE

• Provide a cursory evaluation for incoming animals of all species, determine and document temperament issues and safety concerns
• Identify potential health or medical issues on incoming animals and complete requests for veterinary examinations through paperwork and shelter software
• Complete data entry to facilitate and track animals within the shelter software program
• Determine appropriate animal housing area for incoming animals

SAFETY, SECURITY, AND CONFIDENTIALTY

• Demonstrate a commitment to a high standard of safety and compliance with safety laws and Marin Humane's safety policies

• Report safety violations and potential violations to supervisory or management personnel
• Be proficient at reading animal body language and act accordingly towards fearful or aggressive animals
• Abide by the department's safety program and ensure timely compliance
• Abide by the Field euthanasia and chemical capture security protocols
• Follow sanitation and disease control protocols to prevent disease transmission
• Provide campus safety checks as assigned
• Maintain assigned files and records in compliance withrecords retention policies and procedures
• Handle sensitive, private, and personal information in a confidential manner

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 employee must occasionally lift, carry, push and/or pull up to 50 pounds and up to 100+ pounds, with assistance, from ground to table height for short distances
• Ability to work in various terrains, environments, and weather conditions.
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animals, unpleasant odors, and emotionally challenging situations.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk, listen, and walk, including walking on uneven and/or slippery ground and surfaces
• The employee is regularly required to bend and twist at waist and with neck
• The employee is occasionally required to run, climb (including ladders and stairs), stoop, crouch, kneel, jump, or crawl, including going under, over and through barriers, such as fencing
• The employee is occasionally required to balance using knees, feet and toes
• The employee is occasionally required to reach, feel, grasp, handle, push and pull with hands and arms below and above shoulder level
• Operate motor vehicles and/or equipment

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus and distinguish color

• This position involves a regular amount of repetitive motion of hands and wrists
• The employee should have no known allergies to animals or other substances that would prevent the employee from performing the essential duties as required

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. Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the ability to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals
• On occasion, the employee will be exposed to very unpleasant odors and gruesome sights
• The noise level in the work environment can be loud
• The work schedule will require working overtime, nightshift, swing shift, weekends and holidays, and rotates regularly
• The employee will sometimes be exposed to members of the public that can be confrontational, angry, emotional, and grieving
• The employee will be required to work in a variety of terrain conditions, some of which can be potentially dangerous
• The employee will be exposed to dangerous and rabies suspect animals
• The employee may be exposed to traumatic experiences that can expose them to stress, compassion fatigue, and post-traumatic stress disorders

• The employee regularly works in a variety of environments including outdoor and indoor spaces and will be exposed to elements consistent with these environments

BENEFITS:FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES (AT LEAST 30 HOURS/WEEK):

• Medical Plan- Kaiser - High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Reimbursement Account
• Dental/Vision Plan- Includes Orthodontia for dependent children
• Domestic Partner Coverage Available (Medical and Dental plans)
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance

ALL REGULAR EMPLOYEES (AT LEAST 20 HOURS/WEEK):

• Section 125 Cafeteria Plan
• Fitness Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Sabbatical Leave

ALL EMPLOYEES (INCLUDING PART-TIME AND TEMPORARY):

• Paid Sick Leave

RequirementsDESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: An ideal Candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge and compassion for domestic animals and wildlife
• Exemplary customer service that emphasizes good cultural awareness and appropriate communication skills
• Ability to learn California laws as it applies to animal cruelty and neglect
• Ability to learn Marin County ordinances as they apply to animals
• Must be available to work irregular hours (including night and swing shifts), weekends, holidays, and overtime through a rotating shift system
• Good written and oral communication skills with emphasis on report writing
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office and good computer keyboarding skills (data entry)
• Must be flexible and capable of working both independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations, utilize good judgment, and embrace stress-relieving techniques
• Safely drive and operate equipment including vehicles with limited visibility and trailers
• Knowledge of Marin County roads and landmarks or the ability to learn County and City boundaries
• Bi-lingual language, Marin County community awareness, and support of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
• Ability to wear respiratory equipment.

Background check, at Marin Humane's expensePossession of a valid California Drivers' License and proof of a good driving record is necessary.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A typical way of gaining the necessary knowledge, skill and ability outlined above is:

• One (1) year of paid, full-time experience working in an animal control agency or humane society, veterinary or kennel/boarding facility, ranch or zoo handling, controlling and caring for animals required; OR Six (6) months of experience as an Animal Control Officer.
• Must have a valid California Drivers' license with proof of a good driving record for insurance purposes.
• High School diploma or G.E.D.
• Completion of course on laws of arrest, search and seizure (PC 832) within six months of hire.
• Completion of Basic Animal Law Enforcement Academy within one year of hire.
• Completion of Advanced Animal Law Enforcement Academy within two years of hire, if academy is available.
• Completion of euthanasia training and the ability to become a certified euthanasia technician within six months of hire. Ability to pass full background check.
• Training and certification to carry an asp baton and OC pepper spray.
• Training and certification to handle oiled wildlife when needed.
• Training and certification on the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS), as well as additional disaster response-specific training.