Nampa - Animal Control Officer

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary responsibility of employees in this position is to deliver comprehensive animal control, welfare, and safety services while enforcing relevant City and state animal control laws and ordinances. Employees will perform their duties primarily in outdoor settings, which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions and both wild and domestic animals. As such, there is an inherent risk of injury associated with handling and working with these animals.

The Animal Control Officer Level 1 (ACO 1) serves as the entry-level position within the Animal Control Officer classification. This role includes participation in a structured Field Training Program and attendance at academy classes. An employee in the ACO 1 position will remain in this role until they successfully meet the established criteria for advancement to ACO 2.

While on duty, Animal Control Officers engage regularly with the public. Their responsibilities include issuing citations and warnings to individuals for any mistreatment of animals in their care, as well as the removal of animals from negligent owners when necessary. Additionally, officers may conduct educational seminars for the community, focusing on topics related to animal welfare and applicable animal-related laws.

Given the nature of their work, animal control officers must exercise caution and implement appropriate safety measures when dealing with potentially dangerous situations involving unfamiliar and unpredictable animals. The risk of injury is particularly high when attempting to capture animals that may be under stress due to prior abuse, neglect, or unfamiliar surroundings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborate as a member of the Patrol Support Unit.
• Capture and impound dangerous or stray animals.
• Assists with animal cruelty investigations by documenting observations, collecting evidence, photographing scenes, obtaining witness statements, and preparing reports under supervision.
• Enforce licensing regulations and other applicable state, county, and city laws.
• Provide testimony in court as required.
• Rescue animals that are trapped or in distress.
• Provide necessary care and support for impounded animals.
• Respond to a variety of situations, including but not limited to: animal noise complaints, reports of abuse, bite incidents, stray animals, and nuisance animals, including large livestock.
• Will assist in educating the public about animal control issues through various means, including press releases, public forums, and disseminating information on laws, ordinances, and responsible animal husbandry.
• Attend meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay informed about current principles, practices, and developments in the field of animal control.
• Perform any other tasks or duties as assigned by the supervising officer on duty.
• An ACO 1 shall be able to assist in the performance of the tasks/roles/responsibilities of a CSO 1.
• Assists in Department wide education on animal control issues.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Proficient in English, with strong writing and communication skills.
• Exhibit a high level of professionalism in all interactions, demonstrating an understanding of the importance of representing the Nampa Police Department.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
  Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including in front of diverse audiences.
• Maintain confidentiality with tact and diplomacy.
• Adapt quickly and learn effectively to work under pressure and manage competing demands within tight timelines.
• Collaborate successfully with individuals at all levels of the organization, both internally and externally.
• Function as an effective team member to achieve departmental goals.
• Make sound judgments and draw valid conclusions based on available information.
• Maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and the community.
• Successfully pass the City of Nampa’s background check and drug testing processes, which may include reference checks, criminal history checks, driving record checks, and pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug tests.
• Interpret and apply complex laws and regulations accurately.
• Ensure the accurate maintenance of files containing confidential and sensitive information.
• Understand and follow both verbal and written policies, procedures, and instructions effectively.
• Utilize logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions based on written specifications and/or verbal instructions.
• Perform a diverse range of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and efficiency, especially under time-sensitive conditions.
• Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in carrying out assigned tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The majority of work is conducted in an outdoor environment, requiring adaptability to various weather conditions.
• Shift work is mandatory, with duties performed in scheduled and rotating ten-hour shifts.
• Employees must maintain physical, emotional, and mental fitness to effectively meet the essential functions of the role.
• The position requires personal mobility and physical reflexes necessary to operate a motor vehicle, utilize tools (such as a baton, OC spray, and radios), collect evidence, and perform self-defense as well as other physical duties as circumstances dictate.
• Uniform requirements include the wearing of equipment, which may consist of a baton, OC spray, radio, and a protective ballistic vest. The combined weight of the belt and accessories may exceed five pounds.
• Employees may be required to work in excess of ten hours during a single shift on occasion.
• There is a high potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals, domestic animals, wild animals, and biohazards while performing job duties.
• The position involves the management and handling of large and aggressive animals, which may place employees in high-stress and potentially dangerous situations.
• Employees must possess the ability to lift items and animals from ground level to shoulder height on a frequent basis.
• When operating a motor vehicle, the use of seat belts is mandatory.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Finger Dexterity:  Sufficient finger or manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation to enable the employee to operate a personal computer, telephone and related equipment and use primarily just the fingers to make small movements such as typing, picking up small objects, or pinching fingers together.
• Speech:  Sufficient clarity of speech or other communication ability with or without reasonable accommodation to enable the employee to communicate effectively and convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing:  Sufficient clarity of hearing with or without reasonable accommodation to enable the employee to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information.
• Visual Abilities:  Sufficient visual acuity or other power of observation with or without reasonable accommodation to enable the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form and perform activities such as viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection).
• Physical Strength & Personal Mobility: Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to permit the employee to maneuver and function in and around an active interior and exterior environment

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT:

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily.  A reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EEO STATEMENT:

The City of Nampa is an equal employment opportunity employer.  All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.