Job Description
The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Apprehends and confines animals that are sick or injured, including domestic pets, exotic pets, livestock, horses and indigenous wildlife. Evaluates animal injuries, provides first aid and transporting to veterinary facilities or, in the case of wildlife, performs field euthanasia. Apprehends and impounds animals that attack or injure humans or other animals. Apprehends and impounds dogs and livestock that are off their property and unrestrained by their owners. Communicates details of incidents and situations to other animal control officers and supervisors. Determines the violation (e.g., cruelty, abuse, abandonment), gathers evidence, follows up on conditions of animals and executes proper procedures for removal of animals from harmful situations. Investigates and mediates neighborhood complaints pertaining to violations, such as animals disturbing the neighborhood. Issues warnings and summonses as appropriate. Investigates possible municipal ordinance violations and takes appropriate enforcement action. Issues summonses and provides case preparation and testimony in court, as required. Assists police agents in situations when animals are an issue. Maintains knowledge of the procedures and policies of Foothills Animal Shelter and abides by those procedures. Performs special projects or assignments as assigned by the Animal Control Supervisor. Provides assistance, education, presentations (both formally and informally) and information to citizens. Humanely euthanizes sick or injured wildlife. Writes detailed reports and establishes probable cause for the issuance of summonses and complaints. Uses computer (over 5 hours per shift) writing reports, running history searches, dog licensing compliance and responding to official animal control notices that have been posted for the resident to contact animal control on a frequent basis. Writes daily log, manual notices and miscellaneous forms, and bite reports on a frequent basis. Educates citizens, City Council and other City employees regarding all animal control enforcement-related ordinances and topics. Works with and provides assistance to peers, as well as police agents and other Police Department employees. Quarantines any animal capable of carrying rabies, following the confirmation of a human bite for rabies monitoring. Writes recommendations guiding the prosecutors for disposition of plea bargain cases as well as after a finding of guilt. Must be able to interact with others in a positive, collaborative and respectful manner. Requires dependable, reliable and prompt attendance. Must maintain and utilize City-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when conducting activities where the employee is exposed to risks above those encountered in a traditional office setting. If injured on-the-job due to failure to utilize PPE a safety violation can be taken. In addition to the above, an ACO II:
Demonstrates leadership and an understanding of contemporary supervisory techniques. Possesses the ability to give direction and guidance to other employees. Serves as a role model, resource and mentor for other Animal Control Officers. Serves as the acting supervisor of the Animal Control Unit as necessary. Serves as a field training officer. Assists with interviewing and selecting new employees as appropriate. Demonstrates a commitment to all aspects of animal control and consistent proficiency as an ACO. Demonstrates support for the unit, division and organization through action and words. IMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS
Maintains clean and professional appearance including proper care of uniform, boots/shoes and duty belt and equipment. Maintains vehicle and equipment in operational readiness. Maintains a clean and sanitary vehicle to prevent spreading diseases to other animals. Utilizes the City computer to do background investigations on complaints. Ensures open cases receive further investigation. ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Supervision Received Receives general supervision from the Animal Control Supervisor. Supervision Given An ACO II may serve as the acting supervisor for the Animal Control Unit. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Education High school education or equivalent. Two years of college education is desirable. Bachelor's degree is highly desirable. Experience Experience dealing with the public in adverse or volatile situations and deals with those situations in a professional manner with the goal of problem resolution. ACO II:
In addition to the above, three (3) years of experience as an Animal Control Officer, which includes one year experience as an Animal Control Officer for the City of Lakewood. Licensure/Certification/Registration Valid driver's license and good driving record required. ACO II:
In addition to the above, an ACO II must hold state certification as an animal control officer. Other knowledge, skills and abilities Ability to maintain professional composure in unpleasant and sometimes appalling situations and demonstrate tact in emotional situations. Ability to perform duties with little or no supervision. Demonstrate self-initiative to complete investigations, perform license compliance follow up and proactively patrol high complaint areas. Ability to develop strong and consistent discretionary skills. Ability to work through a problem objectively to ensure an effective solution. Ability to handle a large volume of calls in a single shift. Ability to complete required paperwork. Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills to write accurate and professional reports regarding situations for each call for service received and other field-generated or initiated calls. Must possess a positive, respectful, collaborative and customer service focus and attitude. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely under high-pressure, unusual situations and inclement weather. Must be able to write effective reports for use in establishing cases and courtroom testimony. Polygraph and psychological examinations, oral board interview, background investigation and reference checks, physical, respiratory exam, and hair follicle drug test are required. Must possess an affinity for animals. Ability to pick up domestic and small wildlife carcasses and transport for disposal and tolerate unpleasant smells including vomit, feces and skunk smells. A willingness to pursue and attend continuing pertinent animal-related training, as approved or directed by supervisor. Must occasionally decapitate animals for rabies testing. Pay Range $25.15-$32.67 Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions. Lakewood is full of possibilities for businesses, residents and visitors with innovative approaches, community collaboration, a strong financial foundation and healthy local economy. The city serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures while also providing a 10-minute commute to the heart of the metropolitan area. Much of Lakewood's charm derives from neighborhoods as varied as horse properties, live/work units for artists, urban-style lofts and traditional homes. Lakewood has dedicated one-quarter of the land in the city to parks and open space, providing for a healthy, active lifestyle. The city also provides a comprehensive array of services, and we are home to global and national companies while also having a robust array of small businesses. We're an All-America City connected to the metro area with the latest technology and multiple transportation options. If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page: Access Lakewood Not finding the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Get Started below or create an account by clicking 'Sign In' at the top of the page to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest! The City of Lakewood offers a robust benefits package. The following applies only to regular full-time and part-time positions. Medical Cigna HDHP with Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) Kaiser Permanente DHMO with Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) Dental Delta Dental PPO plus Premier Plan Vision Vision Service Plan (VSP) Life Insurance Employees are covered for 1.5 times their annual base salary in life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment, up to a maximum of $500,000 (the minimum benefit is $50,000). The city pays the cost of this coverage. Pension Our pension fund is a social security replacement, money purchase plan. Mandatory employee contribution is 11% of gross base salary; city contribution is 13% of gross base salary. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn 8 hours per month. Part-time employees earn 6 hours per month. Vacation Full-time employees with less than five years of service earn 8 hours per month. Part-time employees with less than five years of service earn 6 hours per month. City Holidays Holidays:
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Following are Additional Benefits the City Offers:
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Deferred Compensation Voluntary Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Short Term Disability Long Term Disability (LTD) Injury Leave Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) Military Leave Jury Duty Tuition Assistance Credit Union Recreation Facilities Employees are eligible for free general admission into the city's recreation centers, swimming pools and Bear Creek Lake Park. Wellness Programs Value-Added Benefits
