Animal Control Officer I

BRIEF OVERVIEW

The City of Harrisburg is accepting applications for an Animal Control Officer I in the Department of Public Safety

• Bureau of Police
• Community Services.

Division. This is a civilian uniformed position responsible for investigation and follow-up on complaints or incidents wherein domestic animals or wildlife have impacted on the community or the public welfare. Supervision received from the Community Services Division or his/her designee, McCormick Public Services Center.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The City of Harrisburg offers an annual salary range of $47,537.90. This full-time FSLA position also includes an excellent benefits package: defined pension plan, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation, sick and personal time) and health care benefits (medical, dental, prescription and vision). If interested, please submit a cover letter, your resume, three employment references and salary history to: HR@harrisburgpa.gov (electronic submission preferred) The City of Harrisburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Wanda R.D. Williams, Mayor Grade 6 Job Title Animal Control Officer I

• Department of Public Safety
• Community Services Division
• Office of the Chief of Police

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

This is a civilian uniformed position responsible for investigation and follow-up on complaints or incidents wherein domestic animals or wildlife have impacted on the community or the public welfare. Supervision received from the Community Services Division or his/her designee, McCormick Public Services Center.

JOB LOCATION/ EQUIPMENT

Actual duties and functions are performed at the City Island; and throughout the City of Harrisburg. Work involves the use of telephone, portable communications equipment; computerized equipment; and various approved animal containment and control equipment. Also, possible contact with hazardous and/or toxic materials. Duties are typically performed on weekdays, hours to be determined, for eight hours and half-hour unpaid lunch, however employee may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Work involves but is not limited to the following: enforcement of City Ordinances and State Law pertaining to the control and proper licensing of dogs. The employee in this assigned class and function is responsible for investigating all complaints involving dogs and other commonly recognized domestic animals such as cats. This employee further patrols the City in areas where complaint generation provides for assessment of probable stray dogs; employee picks up such animals and delivers them to approved animal shelters. Work is performed independently but is subject to general supervision by the Supervisor of the Community Services Division. Work is further reviewed through evaluation of reports submitted by employee on weekly activities to the Office of the Office of the Chief of Police. Patrols Harrisburg City in designated vehicle to enforce City Ordinances and State Law pertaining to dogs and other domesticated animals. Picks up dogs running at large and delivers them to animal shelters. Follows up on all animal complaints where empowered by City Ordinance to do so; to include complaints concerning live fowl, entrapped wildlife, and stray cats; delivers same to proper animal shelters. Cites dog law violators; attends District Justice or Court hearings where necessary. Posts notices of dog laws and companion regulations. Monitors and maintains records pertaining to animal-related complaints and their adjudication. Maintains regular, punctual and predictable attendance. Reports to work and remains at work in a productive condition which includes not being under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs. Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with supervisors, co-workers and the general public. Completes all assignments in an efficient, consistent and timely manner.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs other reasonably related duties in equal or lower classifications as assigned by supervisory personnel. Performs work as directed by supervisors in accordance with Article XXIX, Job Classifications, Section 1 provision of the Basic Labor Agreement.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

Ability to evaluate incidents and/or situations and ensure that they are adjudicated in accordance with established Police Bureau policy, procedures, and general work instructions. Ability to interact with the public and police personnel. Ability to learn the geography of the City of Harrisburg Ability to evaluate incidents and/or situations and ensure that they are adjudicated in accordance with established Police Bureau policy, procedures and general work instructions. Ability to interact with the public and police personnel. Ability to satisfactorily complete the National Animal Control Association I and II training. Ability to satisfactorily complete the Humane Police Officer I and II training. Ability to learn State and Local regulations as they pertain to dog controls, licensing, and public health requirements; e.g., PA Dog Law. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with State and Local officials and various citizen groups and civic associations. Ability to enforce laws and regulations firmly but tactfully. Ability to understand and follow instructions. Ability to complete information reports in a prescribed manner. Knowledge in the general care and handling of canines, felines and other domesticated animals. Skill in the usage of trapping and tranquilizing equipment subsequent to prescribed training. Ability to endure strong physical encounters in the entrapment of animals and securing the animal in a caged van. Ability satisfactorily complete a prescribed course of training in the use of a Taser, baton and pepper spray. Ability to learn a prescribed course of training in first aid, naloxone and CPR. Ability to receive the pre-exposure rabies vaccination. Ability to training and utilize a .22 caliber rifle to euthanize an animal.

QUALIFICATIONS

High School diploma or educational equivalent. Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License, Class C. Ability to satisfactorily complete a prescribed course of training.