Animal Control Officer

Why Work for Kirkland?
Ranked as one of the most livable cities in America, Kirkland is an attractive and inviting place to live, work, and visit. We have big city vision while maintaining a small-town, community feel. If you are a candidate with the desire to join an organization looking to innovate into the future, the City of Kirkland is the place for you!
If you ask our employees why they love where they work, they'll tell you about the great people, work environment, supportive management and City Council, and fearless innovation.

We also invest in you!
Competitive Wages: We strive to maintain competitive compensation packages and work to provide wages that meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities of our employees.

Awesome Benefits: The City offers benefits that are unmatched by most other employers. Please click on the benefits tab above to view more details.

Childcare Programs: To help address the challenge of finding reliable childcare, the City of Kirkland has reserved spots for City employees at local and regional service providers, available at a discount. New employees gain access to Kirkland's reserved spots as soon as they start employment. !

Training and Career Development: The City of Kirkland believes in developing its employees. You will have access to training opportunities designed for career development and advancement based on your position, skills, and interests.

Job Summary
Performs the full range of animal control services to include enforcement of city codes and ordinances related to the care, control, and licensing of animals within city boundaries. Enforces applicable state, and city laws and ordinances to protect the safety of the public and the welfare of animals. Responds to calls and complaints, gathers information, and issues warnings / citations for violations of animal regulations. Locates, restrains, and controls stray or lost animals in a safe manner; transports animals as necessary to animal shelter facility. Assists in efforts to ensure citizen compliance with City pet licensing requirements. Serves as key liaison to contracted animal shelter service and external pet licensing company. Assists in creating a visible community-oriented animal services program which encourages citizen participation and involvement. Educates and informs the public on animal care and licensing requirements. Work is performed under the supervision of the Administrative Sergeant.

Principal Accountabilities

• Responsible for enforcing animal control ordinances and codes; issues warnings and citations. Investigates and resolves complaints and reported problems related to animal control.
• Organizes and prioritizes routine and emergency calls, takes appropriate action or relays the information to the proper authority.
• Contributes to a community-oriented animal services program; encourages citizen involvement and participation.
• Attends and represents Kirkland Police Department at various City and public meetings.
• Transports animals to appropriate shelter and other care facilities as needed.
• Maintains accurate records, files, databases, and statistics related to animal control services; prepares reports for police management.

• Prepares and maintains a variety of files and records. Writes reports and maintains records of warnings and citations, contacts made, and required follow-ups.
• Answers general animal related inquiries and provides information in regards to available resources such as spay/neuter, rabies vaccinations, pet adoption, feral animals, etc.
• Prepares case reports and presents testimony in Court as needed.
• Enforces City and state animal controls laws and ordinances by patrolling assigned areas within city boundaries.
• Apprehends, controls and confines loose, unlicensed, injured, abandoned or dangerous animals; assesses and evaluates the condition of animals to determine appropriate course of action. Re-unites lost animals to their owners when possible.
• Ensures proper arrangements for severely injured or diseased animals which may include euthanization. Retrieves and properly disposes of dead animals from roads and other public property.
• Transports animals as needed to designated animal shelter facility. Coordinates animal intake process with shelter facility staff.
• Maintains records of animal bites and quarantines. Coordinates with health officials regarding notifications/requirements to affected individuals.
• Helps to plan, organize, and present animal care and control outreach education programs as assigned; assists as liaison with community groups, civic clubs, schools, etc. Education topics may include: animal adoption, alternatives to sheltering, licensing requirements; animal services laws and ordinances.
• Participates in the City's emergency preparedness planning and disaster response efforts; provides assistance in regards to responding to animal related issues and needs in emergency situations.
• Operates, maintains, and sanitizes the animal services department vehicle and other equipment and supplies as needed.
• Enforces other non-criminal city ordinances as needed. Provides parking enforcement duties in areas of the City not routinely monitored by regular Parking Enforcement Officers.
• Assists with other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of methods, equipment, materials and techniques used in animal care, control and restraint, and shelter/housing of animals.
• Ability to effectively navigate Kirkland streets/geography. Ability to read and use city maps and identify property locations.
• Ability to safely and efficiently capture and control animals.
• Ability to utilize cell phone, radio, laptop computer, and other communication devices. Must be able to operate a camera in order to photograph animals, animal bite victims, and property for the purpose of gathering evidence to support animal control violations.
• Ability to utilize various animal capturing equipment such as nets, leashes, muzzles, traps, ropes, cages, tranquilizer darts, snare poles, etc.
• Skills in records management, maintaining case files, and preparing reports.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local animal control and licensing laws.
• Ability to use tact, patience, and courtesy in dealing with the public.
• Ability to interact effectively with confused, upset, insulting, and argumentative people in a calm and rational manner.
• Knowledge and identification of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic or wild animals.
• Knowledge of common animal diseases, recognition of disease symptoms and injuries.
• Ability to think and act quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, and discretion.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from High School or GED equivalent. Three (3) years of work experience as an animal control officer, or experience in an animal shelter, kennel, veterinarian's office or similar work environment. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted which would allow the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Must possess excellent written and oral communications skills, and demonstrated customer service skills. Demonstrated computer skills using MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) and ability to use police department software programs. Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License. The selection process includes a full background investigation to include CVSA/polygraph, psychological, medical, and background prior to hire.

Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in animal control services desirable. One-year experience with enforcement of policies, procedures, ordinances, rules and regulations at local, state, or federal level preferred.

Licenses/Certifications
Chemical Capture Certification, ACCESS Certification, and other related certifications may be required within a specified period of time after hire. Must be able to become certified as an Animal Control Officer by a nationally recognized organization such as NACA (National Animal Control Association) within two years of hire date.

Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in the field. Involves driving a department vehicle and working at times in inclement weather. May be required to walk/run on uneven, rocky, rough ground, or hazardous areas, including in and around moving traffic, and small, cramped areas. Work includes exposure to unpleasant situations involving cruelty to animals, animal remains, injured or dangerous animals, unsanitary conditions including animal feces. Exposure to disagreement and situations involving conflict, anger, verbal abuse. Physical requirements include the ability to run, maneuver quickly and apply physical strength in the apprehension and containment of animals, lift and move 5 - 50-pound animals on a routine basis and lift live and dead weight up to 75 pounds without assistance. Work schedule may include occasional holidays and/or weekend shift. Must be available to respond to off-hour emergency call-outs. Wears police department approved uniform and related equipment.

Selection Process
Position requires a resume and cover letter (letter of interest) for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or email. Job open until filled with first review of applicants by 7th day of initial posting.