Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Law & Public Safety
Animal Control Officer
East Chicago, IN
Find & Apply For Animal Control Officer Jobs in East Chicago, Indiana
Browse jobs from a variety of sources below, sorted with the most recently published, nearest to the top. Click the title to view more information and apply online.
Under the direction of management, the Animal Warden shall enforce state and local laws about stray, nuisance, and dangerous domestic animals. The majority of duties are performed without direct supervision; however, tact and diplomacy must be utilized daily through extensive contact with the general public. All work must conform to departmental policies and procedures, with particular emphasis on the enforcement of the City's Animal Ordinance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by the position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned. Investigate complaints; capture animals humanely and safely as prescribed by the Humane Society of America's recommendations. Capture and impound dogs and cats that are not properly restrained. Patrol assigned areas and serve as a quarantine officer. Feed and provide clean, safe, and appropriate housing for domestic animals. Immediately report problems that cannot be resolved according to the current direction provided by ordinances or other readily available resources authorized by the Board of Health to the Health Officer. Ensure that all day-to-day operations are completed in an appropriate and timely manner, including but not limited to feeding and providing water to animals, cleaning of cages and runs, and ensuring that calls to service are completed. Receive and respond to complaints from the public regarding stray, nuisance, dangerous, diseased, wild, or uncontrolled animals. Prepare and maintain filed reports, animal records, and citations, review said documents for completeness and accuracy, and perform/direct the necessary corrections. Uphold state and local laws with enforcement and the investigation of reported problems. Observe and enforce strict adherence to safety regulations and safe work practices, particularly with regard to handling of animals, equipment, cleaning supplies, and the operation of patrol/work vehicles. Investigate reports of animal bites, complete the necessary forms, and perform quarantine as indicated. Take action on reported cases of animal abuse and other criminal activity, including but not limited to dog fighting, cock fighting, etc. Instruct complainants on setting traps when necessary. Explain to the public the state and local laws about the ownership of animals, the responsibility of animal owners' control, the care and control of animals, vaccination requirements of animals, licensing requirements, as well as any other issues related to public safety, animal control, and welfare. Evaluate animals for medical and temperament problems and direct appropriate action to consist of medical care, temperament evaluation, or euthanasia when indicated. Euthanasia should be restricted to severe medical problems that are not readily remedied, severely debilitating, or painful for the animal, and aggressive animals that are not actively in the quarantine phase and are beyond the holding period. Notify the owner, if known, of animal capture or complaint. Inform owners of persons bitten by animals and instruct them on the proper quarantine procedures required according to City or State ordinances. Bite cases are retained for ten (10) days. Animals that appear to be rabid or are suffering from infections or dangerous diseases are humanely killed, and their heads are removed and shipped to the State Board of the Health laboratory for Investigation and confirmation. Assist and implement vector (i.e., mosquito) eradication and abatement control Operate city vehicles, radios, and other animal control equipment in the correct and intended manner. Work closely with Public Health, Sanitation, and Police departments to assure proper control and extermination of animals in accordance with the State and Local laws and regulations. Appear in City court to represent the department in all cases involving animal violations. Responsible for maintaining equipment provided and requesting supplies needed to perform the duties.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Knowledge of the purposes and methods of animal control programs. Knowledge of effective methods of controlling and containing domestic animals. Knowledge of the geographical layout of the City of East Chicago. Ability to understand local ordinances and quarantine procedures. Ability to perform animal control duties efficiently. Ability to operate animal control equipment. Ability to handle animals safely and effectively. Ability to identify various breeds of animals and determine their age. Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare concise reports. Ability to deal courteously with the public. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, co-workers, and the public. Ability to handle stressful situations professionally. Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. Ability to operate the vehicle safely.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS
Must possess a valid Indiana driver's license. Must be able to attend work-related classes or seminars
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential function of this job successfully. Environment - Work is performed outdoors and indoors. Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, and is exposed to potentially volatile situations, which can present a risk of violence or injury. It's in an environment where there is exposure to potentially dangerous animals, animal waste, and other changing conditions. Physical - The work is regularly active with periods of heavy exertion and is performed in the office, field settings, and outside in varying weather conditions. Typical positions require walking and standing for long periods; climbing stairs and ladders; frequently stooping, crawling, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, turning, and twisting; lifting, carrying, pushing, driving, operating office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including use of a computer keyboard; and verbally communicating with others to exchange information. Occasionally push/pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds; occasionally required to lift/carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds. Vocal - Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly. Vision - See in normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing:
Hear in normal audio range with or without correction.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the online application at https://www.eastchicago.com/Jobs.aspx. Attach a cover letter and current resume. This role offers an exciting opportunity for motivated individuals passionate about community safety and animal welfare. If you thrive in active environments that require leadership, quick thinking, and compassion—this is your chance to make a meaningful difference every day.
