Animal Control Officer

Job Description

SUMMARY: The Animal Control Officer ensures public safety through the enforcement of local and state animal control laws. The Animal Control Officer responds to calls for service including animal bites, cruelty and neglect investigations, stray animals, sick/injured animals, and nuisance complaints. The Animal Control Officer interacts with the public on a daily basis, and acts as a mediator in certain situations.

JOB RELATIONSHIP: Under the direct supervision and direction of the Animal Control Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Responds to calls for service from citizens, law enforcement, emergency agencies (fire, ambulance, etc.), and other authorities requesting assistance from animal control

Apprehends and impounds stray, unleashed, vicious, or dead animals, in addition to those suspected of having rabies. Rescues and impounds sick, injured, and abused animals. Removes wild/exotic animals from homes and businesses.

Enforces animal control and rabies control ordinances. Issues notices to appear at court, and issues citations in the enforcement of state, county, and municipal ordinances.

Investigates cruelty or neglect to animal complaints. Inspects properties for appropriate sanitation, housing, and care for animals. Participates in mass impoundments due to animal hoarding in private homes, abandonment, or other violations.

Investigates all reports regarding animal bites to people and other animals. Determines proper rabies inoculation history, confinement and observation. Takes information from citizens, emergency and medical personnel about animal bites. Completes animal bite reports as well as inform victims and pet owners of rabies confinement procedures. Notifies pet owners of possible legal repercussions.

Enters and retrieves information on pets, pet owners, citations, bite reports, and other situations.

Conducts systematic inspections for violations of animal control ordinance.

Performs on call standby after work hours for emergency situations.

Notifies Animal Shelter Director of investigations for dangerous/vicious dogs. Serves impoundment notices and dangerous dog notifications.

Provides information to the public on the animal control ordinance and general requirements for caring for animals.

Prepares dead animals for animal disease laboratory for rabies examination and necropsy.

Appears and testifies in court as needed.

Utilizes a tranquilizer gun for chemical capture as necessary.

Completes and submits written reports to describe activities and actions. Maintains care of the animal control vehicle, and equipment.

Euthanize animals in emergency situations.

EDUCATION and /or EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) with one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience in office/clerical duties.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 7, 2024

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, Tazewell County job application and contact information to:

Libby Aeschleman, Animal Control Director

21314 State Route 9

Box 158

Tremont, IL 61568-9252

The Tazewell County Employment application and job description can be found on the Tazewell County website at: under "How Do I Apply For A Job."

Tazewell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

EOE - race/color/religion/sex/Sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability