Find & Apply For Animal Control Officer Jobs in Durango, Colorado

LA PLATA COUNTY

Sheriff's Office Animal Control Deputy:

Patrol unincorporated areas of LPC by various means to ensure public safety & enforce applicable laws & ordinances.

Address violations incl:

stray, dangerous, diseased animals, livestock & bear complaints, etc. Provide public outreach & education on LPC Ord Chap 10, environmental protection & wildlife safety. Operate humane traps, radios, phones & related animal control tools & equipment. HS diploma or GED. Written exam, physical assessment, oral board, psychological exam, polygraph & background investigation req'd. Salary $27.95/hr. FT w/ med, dental, vision, 401a, up to 208 hrs pd vac & up to 104 hrs pd sick leave/yr, pd hols & pd parental leave. Deadline 4 PM 9/6/26. Apply @ https://lpcgov.org/jobs or @ kiosk @

LPC, 1101 E

2nd Ave, Dgo. Equal Opportunity Employer.

LA PLATA COUNTY, COLORADO CLASS SPECIFICATION CLASS TITLE

ANIMAL

CONTROL DEPUTY CLASS CODE

PS06

DEPARTMENT:

SHERIFF FLSA STATUS

N

REPORTS TO

SHIFT

SUPERVISOR/SPECIAL OPERATIONS SERGEANT DATE

11/25

JOB SUMMARY:

The Animal Control Deputy position is a uniformed, non-sworn employee responsible for enforcing local ordinances related to County Ordnance Code Chapter 10 Animals, and animal welfare (depending on assignment) within the exterior boundaries of La Plata County. The position focuses on community safety, education, and environmental stewardship while promoting the humane treatment of animals and ensuring compliance with La Plata County Ordinances and Colorado Revised Statutes. Animal Control Deputies will respond to calls for service, investigate complaints, conduct patrols, and serve as ambassadors to the community. The role requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex or emotionally charged situations with professionalism and integrity.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible. Core Duties and Responsibilities (All Animal Control Deputies):

• Patrol the unincorporated areas of La Plata County by vehicle, bicycle, ATV, or on foot to ensure public safety, and enforce applicable laws and ordinances.
• Address violations of county ordinances, including, stray, dangerous, diseased animals, livestock complaints, bear complaints, etc.
• Provide public outreach and education on La Plata County Ordinance Chapter 10, environmental protection, and wildlife safety.
• Provide information about licenses, rabies, microchips, and sterilization to pet owners.
• Identify basic symptoms of common animal diseases and recommend care.
• Operate humane traps, radios, phones, and related animal control tools and equipment.
• Issue citations for violations of applicable regulations.
• Investigate animal bites and arrange appropriate quarantine procedures.
• Capture stray and unlicensed pets for impounding.
• Removed dead animals from public and private properties and transport injured animals.
• Maintain communication with dispatch and other public safety units, including law enforcement, animal welfare agencies.
• Coordinate with partner agencies such as Durango Police Department, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Land Management for joint enforcement or investigation efforts.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive reports documenting enforcement actions, incidents, and resource damage using the La Plata County Sheriff's Office records management system.
• Testify in court proceedings related to citations, investigations, or ordinance violations.
• Operate under the administrative supervision of the Elected Sheriff and in accordance with the La Plata County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Represent the La Plata County Sheriff's Office and La Plata County with professionalism, integrity, and exceptional customer service.
• Maintain confidentiality of departmental information and sensitive records.
• Maintain departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities in safe working conditions.
• Assist patrol officers with traffic control during accidents, special events, and other situations requiring roadway management.
• Assist officers with vehicle tows at accident scenes and other incidents involving vehicle impoundment.
• Work a rotating schedule that may include days, evenings, and nights, including weekends and holidays.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality as an essential function of the position.

When Assigned to

Animal Patrol:

• Enforce animal-related ordinances including stray, dangerous, or neglected animals; humanely capture and transport animals as needed.
• Investigate and document complaints related to animal cruelty, neglect, bites, and nuisance animals, coordinate rabies quarantines and public safety notifications.
• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, licensing, rabies vaccinations, sterilization, and local leash and waste disposal laws.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

This position has no direct fiscal responsibilities.

La Plata County Organization Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent the La Plata County Sheriff's Office and the and the Board of County Commissioners and members of the public.
• Provide quality customer service to individuals needing directions or assistance.
• Uphold the La Plata County Sheriff's Office's mission, vision, and values in all daily tasks and interactions, ensuring our commitment to excellence is reflected in the work you do for the community.

Supervisory Relationships:

Works under general supervision of the Patrol Sergeant on Duty and Special Operations Sergeant. The incumbent does not supervise other employees. Works an assigned shift using independent judgment in deciding the course of action and is expected to handle complex and emergency situations without assistance. Performs other related duties as assigned. Regular and predictable attendance is required.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computers Motor Vehicle Photographic Equipment Audio-Visual Equipment Communication Equipment Restraint Equipment General Office Equipment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or GED; and, Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid State Driver's License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

State and local ordinances governing animal welfare, park use, and environmental protection. Animal behavior, species identification, and signs of common animal diseases. County geography and the use of GPS, maps, and field-based data collection applications.

Skill in:

Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing. Using computer systems, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and electronic report-writing software. Providing excellent public service and resolving conflicts with tact and professionalism. Safely and humanely handling, capturing, and transporting animals under stressful or emergency conditions. Operating and maintaining departmental vehicles, equipment, and tools.

Ability to:

Interpret and enforce county ordinances and department policies. Exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions in stressful or emergency situations. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and members of the public. Work independently, follow verbal and written instructions, and meet deadlines. Work outdoors in all weather conditions and navigate varied terrain on foot for extended periods. Lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Maintain a professional attitude, appearance, and demeanor at all times. Other Recommended Certificates (preferred): Canine and Feline Identification Biosecurity and Zoonotic Diseases Injury Assessments and Veterinary Evaluations Companion Animal Capture and Handling Canine and Feline Behavior Animal Cruelty Forensic Photography Animal Fighting Animal Hoarders Cruelty Science and Evidence Processing Basic Nutrition Body Condition Scoring of Dogs and Cats The above-mentioned certifications are a combination of classes provided by Code 3 Associates Modules A and B. Code 3 provides scheduled in-person training. The same courses can be completed through NACA though an online self-paced course. BAP Agents (Bureau of Animal Protections) could pursue criminal misdemeanor or felony charges under the Department of Agriculture.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily performed outdoors and requires moderate physical exertion. May be exposed to inclement weather conditions, equipment, wildlife, hazardous materialize, and possible exposure to bodily fluids. Periods of indoor work include sedentary or light physical activities including computer work.

Physical and Mental Requirements/Activities:

This work requires walks, hikes, and physical exertion. Frequently lifts up to 50 pounds and carries up to 50 feet; occasionally pushes and pulls items weighing up to 100 pounds. Work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling and reaching with hands and arms. Occasionally climbs ladder; must be able to stand and balance on ladder, regularly walks over uneven terrain. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus. I will spend a significant amount of time viewing a computer screen. Vocal communication and normal hearing are required for expressing or exchanging ideas using the spoken word. Acceptable verbal and conversation skills to effectively communicate with others via the phone, at meetings, and to greet and assist visitors. Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities. Frequent use of phone handset and repetitive use of hand & fingers to operate office equipment, use computer keyboard & computer mouse, and perform other office tasks. Ability to recognize occupational hazards in work activities and take safety precautions. Maintain mental capacity, which allows for making sound decisions and following directions.