Chief Animal Control Officer

Chief Animal Control Officer

The Chief Animal Control Officer is a working supervisor in the Animal Control division of the Kenai Police Department who works under the direction of the Police Lieutenant. The Chief Animal Control Officer administers and enforces the Animal Control Ordinance and supervises all personnel and functions of the Kenai Animal Shelter, including investigating animal-related complaints, removing animals from inhumane conditions, impounding nuisance and / or dangerous animals, providing aid to distressed animals, and euthanizing animals when required. The position is responsible for maintaining accurate animal shelter records and yearly statistical reports and includes daily contact with the public and outside agencies, frequently requiring tactful resolution of controversial situations and citizen complaints. Physical exertion is required to restrain and control animals and work with equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review, and lead all functions, operations, and personnel at the Kenai Animal Shelter, including enforcement of City codes relating to animal control.
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals and objectives as well as make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Participate in the selection, evaluation, and scheduling of employees and volunteers in accordance with City personnel policies.
• Feed, water, and care for animals; vaccinate animals as necessary; show animals to potential adopters; issue permits and licenses; collect fees; complete all necessary paperwork.
• Perform a variety of janitorial duties, including washing dishes, laundry, sweeping, mopping, trash disposal, and disinfecting bathrooms; sanitizing kennels, stalls, cages other areas.
• Provide information, respond to public or agency inquiries, and resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner in-person, on the telephone, and through email.
• Coordinate Animal Control programs and services; participate in and present educational programs for community groups; conduct outreach programs and annual rabies clinic.
• Operate an animal services vehicle; maintain, clean, and fuel vehicle; transport vehicle to shop for routine maintenance as necessary.
• Capture and / or confine wild or stray animals; impound sick, injured, stray, or trapped animals; remove and dispose of dead animals from public and private properties; transport injured animals.
• Conduct euthanasia of animals by lethal injection.
• Physically control domestic and exotic animals of all sizes using approved methods, including live traps and quarantine of dangerous and / or rabid animals.
• Investigate animal-related complaints at the animal shelter and in the field; interview complainants, witnesses, animal owners, and neighbors; mediate situations between citizens involving their animals, sometimes in hostile and emotionally-charged situations.
• Enforce applicable animal control codes and licensing ordinances; issue citations for violations of applicable regulations; testify in court.
• Maintain a variety of files, documents, records, and databases; compile information and statistics as needed for various reports; disseminate, report, and communicate information; prepare reports, including but not limited to intake reports, adoption reports, complaint summaries, phone logs, case files, and license records.
• Perform purchasing duties in accordance with City policies and procedures; participate in budget process, including obtaining quotes, preparing requisitions, and placing orders.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of privileged communications and information and comply with privacy laws and regulations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, vendors, City employees, and the general public.
• Perform job duties with minimal or no supervision.
• Attend Department training and other continuing education programs.
• Have regular, reliable, and predictable attendance at work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications :

Supplemental Information :

Working Environment :

The work environment exposes the employee to unpredictable environments and potentially hazardous situations (e.g., cuts, bites, scratches) and the employee must deal with unpleasant or angry people. The employee must be able to do strenuous work in all kinds of weather (