ANIMAL SERVICES FIELD MANAGER

Job Specifications

Class Code: AC9

Analyst: ES, RKM, EM

Date Originated: Revised:

06/02 05/11, 4/15

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the General Manager Animal Services, plan, coordinate and supervise field and animal control activities; to supervise the work of animal control staff engaged in the operation of a comprehensive animal control program which includes, but is not limited to the interpretation and enforcement of state and local laws and ordinances related to the impound and rescue of domestic animals, rabies control, animal cruelty and neglect, humane euthanasia of animals, and spay and neuter; to provide information to the public regarding animal control operations and procedures, to act for the Animal Services Authority General Manager during periods of absence; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single position class that reports directly to the General Manager Animal Services and is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the animal control, field, licensing, and rabies control programs.

TYPICAL TASKS

Manages, plans, supervises and coordinates the daily operations of the Animal Control Division which includes the work of field, patrol and licensing staff, including the impounding of animals, assessment of physical and behavioral conditions of stray and impounded animals; performs enforcement tasks such as issuing of notices to appear in court, warrant service, and related duties; establishing protocols for the assessment of emergency medical attention of animals; responsibility for protocols for the proper care of animals during impoundment and transportation; assigns vehicles and equipment to staff and arranges for the proper maintenance of equipment and vehicles; insures the safety of field, patrol and licensing staff; trains and acts as a technical resource to field, license and shelter staff; recommends, implements, and writes operation policies and procedures related to animal control field services, and establishes uniformity in the application of rules, regulations and policies established by the General Manager; work with other agencies and County departments regarding Animal Control matters.

Interviews and recommends applicants for job openings in assigned positions; evaluates the work performance of subordinates, recommends and justifies merit increases; resolves performance or operational problems; may inspect and license kennels and pet shops; responds to complaints and enforces laws and regulations pertaining to the operation of kennels and pet shops; coordinates and conducts rabies clinics for the vaccinations of dogs, and maintains appropriate records; supervises and performs quarantine of animals which have bitten humans or other animals; reports suspected cases of rabies to proper health officials, and arranges for the necessary tests and treatment of animals and suspected victims; supervises and monitors the sale of licenses of animals, and the collection of established fees, and develops programs to improve the percentage of licensed animals; supervises the administration and personally administers euthanasia according to established procedures, as may be required in the field; develops protocols for the humane dispatch of domestic animals in the field; serves as the Animal Services Shelter Manager during periods of absence; and participates in the formulation of over-all policies.

Assists the General Manager to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with federal, state and local agencies and private groups concerned with the care and well- being of animals, responsible pet ownership; provides recommendations to the General Manager on the development of effective animal control legislation and regulations effecting the protection of public health and safety, treatment of animals, and animal nuisance abatement; may serve as a hearing officer for Animal Control matters. Assists in performing routine maintenance of field equipment and minor maintenance and repairs of animal transport units. Provides assistance in handling telephone inquiries and complaints; provides data for records systems and operating reports.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough Knowledge of:

• State and local laws and ordinances relating to animal care and control;
• The proper care and handling of various breeds of animals;
• The legal processes and protocols related to the enforcement of state and local animal control, rabies control, animal cruelty, and rabies control laws and ordinances;
• Organization, operation and procedures of related government and law enforcement agencies;
• Safety procedures, OSHA and CAL-OSHA requirements;

Working Knowledge of:

• Principals and practices of personnel and fiscal administration;
• Animal health processes, such as emergency first aid;
• The normal behavior patterns of domestic animals;
• The principals of rabies control protocols and vaccination clinics.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relations with fellow employees, law enforcement agencies and the public;
• Supervise subordinate employees;
• Analyze animal services control problems and adopt effective courses of action;
• Prepare clear and concise verbal and written reports; handle sensitive inquires from and contacts with public officials;
• Identify immediate and long-term staffing needs and propose solutions;
• Plan and oversee staff training and development;
• Complete work plan goals in a timely manner;
• Manage the animal services field and licensing budget;
• Complete educational programs covering legal aspects of animal control;
• Operate computer, facsimile, copier equipment;
• Follow oral and written directions;
• Read, understand and interpreted relevant complex state, federal and local laws and administrative procedures. Capture and impound stray, unlicensed, injured or vicious animals;
• Load and transport livestock using livestock trailer;
• Perform the duties of Animal Control Officer I/II and Animal Health Technician when necessary;
• May conduct appeal hearings as required in front of the Animal Nuisance Abatement Commission;
• Issues citations for violations of laws, ordinances or regulations, and appear as a witness in court;
• Receive calls from the public or law enforcement agencies regarding emergencies or violation of animal control laws;
• May dispatch officers in the field using radio control systems.

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed is qualifying, unless otherwise specified.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be training in supervisory and administrative techniques, coupled with three years of supervisory experience in animal control, humane society, or other agency that has provided municipal or public animal control field operations.

Special Requirements, Conditions:

· Training: Incumbent must attend and pass the euthanasia certification course as provided by State law prior to the completion of the probationary period for this class; completion of POST course work and certification in the use of firearms and exercising the power of arrest required by Penal Code 830.9 is required prior to the completion of a probationary period for this class. Incumbent must attend and pass the Public Officer training course.

· License: Incumbent must possess or have the ability to obtain a California Class C driver's license. Possession of an Animal Health Technician Certificate is highly desirable.

· Background Investigation: Departmental background investigation and fingerprints are required. Employment in this class requires successful completion of a criminal background investigation.

· Hours: Availability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and/or holidays, and standby/on-call duty as required.

· Lifting: Incumbent must be able to lift 50 lbs unassisted.

· Special Working Conditions: Exposure to animals who may be hostile or dangerous.

Bargaining Unit: 11
Workers Comp Code: 1073
EEOC Code: 04
Occ Unit Group: 91