Animal Protection Officer I

The Position

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur.

Under direct supervision, in a learning capacity at the entry/trainee level, and general supervision at the journey level, enforces state laws and county ordinances pertaining to the control, and licensing of animals

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

Duties may include but are not limited to the following :

• Patrol in a county vehicle for violations of animal laws; issue citations for violations of applicable regulations, as well as verbal and written warnings.
• Respond courteously and diplomatically to the general public, including hostile or irate people, to provide appropriate level of customer service.
• Conduct inspections of pet stores, boarding kennels and related businesses for compliance with county ordinances and state statutes; inspects residential properties for compliance with animal permits and suitable containment of animals.
• Research and update computerized records; prepare a variety of department reports.
• Assist law enforcement agencies at crime scenes, evictions, accidents and other situations where animals are present.
• Transport sick or injured animals to the Animal Shelter or Veterinarian as appropriate; determine if a sick or injured animal presents a public health risk.
• Capture and impound wild, stray, unlicensed domestic animals and livestock running at large.
• Capture abused/neglected, injured, sick, abandoned, dead, or aggressive animals; quarantines animals suspected of being rabid, if needed.
• Investigate reported possible rabies exposure from animal bites to humans and wild animal bites to domestic owned animals.
• Investigate reports of animal abuse/neglect; animal bites, investigate livestock loss due to dogs.
• Promote good public relations by educating pet owners on laws, codes and ordinances pertaining to control of animals, spaying/neutering pets, vaccinating and licensing pets; filing of complaints; conduct or assist with education programs for schools and groups on animal control issues.
• Prepare documentation and court case reports; appears and testifies in court as required.
• Maintain records and logs relating to firearm discharges, and control and capture of animals. Maintain firearms and equipment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or GED equivalent and six (6) months of progressively responsible experience involving animal control, professional handling of animals, or law enforcement experience.

*Upon recommendation of the Director of Animal Care Services and approval by the Human Resources Director, Animal Protection Officer I incumbents may be promoted to Animal Protection Officer II upon the successful completion of the Basic State (CA) Human Officer Academy, PC832 and the field training program.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Driver's License.
Basic State (CA) Human Officer Academy - within one (1) year of appointment
Completion of Penal Code 832 training - within one (1) year of appointment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations.
• Record keeping, report writing techniques and report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques.
• Characteristic animal breeds (wild and domestic), common diseases, and animal behavior.
• Techniques and procedures for safe, humane and efficient handling of animals.
• Local geography, topography, and street locations.
• Customer Service practices including techniques for dealing with the public in a tactful and firm manner.
• General office procedures, policies, and practices, as well as basic knowledge of computer and other general office equipment.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.

Skill in:

• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Capturing, transporting and caring for animals in a safe and human manner.
• Recognizing erratic or uncommon behavior of domestic and wild animals.
• Using methods of chemical immobilization & restraint devices.
• Using techniques of handling chemically immobilized animals.
• Effectively interpreting, applying and enforcing laws & regulations pertaining to animal protection.
• Working effectively in highly emotional situations.
• Handling and discharging firearms safely and accurately.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Testifying in court.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Communicating clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret, and communicate complicated policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Using a computer terminal to enter and retrieve data and information.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Write reports and correspondence.
• Speak effectively before individuals or groups and organizations, and have the poise and tact to answer questions and handle sensitive and confidential matters with public entities and the media.
• Work with and handle animals (domestic and wild) safely, in a humane manner in hazardous and non-hazardous situations.
• React quickly, efficiently, and calmly in an emergency situation, and to adopt an effective course of action.
• Interpret, apply, and enforce laws, regulations, ordinances, and policies related to animal control.
• Care for and use a variety of small firearms, pepper spray, and impact weapons.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to use color, sound, odor, and shape perception and discrimination.

Selection Procedure & Other Important Information

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference “see résumé” will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: The County of Mendocino is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), if special accommodations for a disability or religious conviction are necessary at any stage of the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 234-6600. Reasonable notice is required to allow adequate time for review and evaluation of your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

The County of Mendocino is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This information is a summary of general benefits. Benefits listed in Mendocino County Resolutions or Memorandums of Understanding prevail over this listing. This information is not legally binding, nor does it constitute a Contract.

SALARY
Compensation is based on a five-step salary range, with annual merit-based increases within the salary range.

RETIREMENT
Covered under Social Security and the 1937 act; both employees and the County pay into the retirement fund. For the most current information regarding County Retirement please go to:
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/retirement

HOLIDAYS AND PERSONAL LEAVE
Mendocino County observes 11 paid holidays per year. Employees are granted 24 - 48 hours of personal leave annually, depending upon Bargaining Unit.

VACATION
Accrues at the rate of two weeks per year for three years. Three weeks per year after three years, four weeks after eight years and five weeks after 15 years.

SICK LEAVE
Paid sick leave accrues at the rate of 1.25 days per month, or 15 days per year. Accruals are pro-rated for part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week. Part-time employees working less than 20 hours per week, and extra-help employees receive up to 24 hours (or 3 days) of paid sick leave annually.

MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, AND LIFE INSURANCE
The County and the employee share the cost of an employee selected health care plan; enrollment in the plan includes $20,000 Life Insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE
For the most current information regarding Health Insurance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/ehb

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Assistance please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/eap

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS PROGRAM
For the most current information regarding Employee Wellness please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/mcwow

LABOR CONTRACTS
For the complete list of most current labor agreements please go to:
http://www.mendocinocounty.org/hr/labor

Closing Date/Time: 4/25/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

• 

• County of Mendocino

• 707-234-6600

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