Animal Care & Regulation Officer (ACRO) (RFT)

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the enforcement of animal care and regulation ordinances and for the impounding and care of animals.

Work is performed and duties are carried out in accordance with established policies, procedures, and Borough core values: Accountability, Customer Focus, Dedication, Integrity, Responsiveness and Teamwork.

Please note: This position typically follows a rotating schedule of four 10-hour shifts over a two-month cycle. However, scheduling may change to ensure seven-day-a-week coverage, including weekends and holidays. Each Animal Care & Regulation Officer (ACRO) is also assigned 1–3 “on-call” 24-hour shifts during which they must remain within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and be able to respond immediately.

Pay Grade

N1 - N5 - DOE

Minimum Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.

Three years of experience in the occupational field, sufficient to understand the major duties of the position.

Experience or skills that demonstrate the ability to work independently, interact professionally with the public, investigate and document incidents, resolve conflicts, and make sound decisions in dynamic situations. Relevant backgrounds may include animal care or handling, law enforcement, code enforcement, dispatching, emergency response, customer service, veterinary services, military service, public education, report writing, field operations, or other positions requiring responsibility, problem-solving, and effective communication.

Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Alaska for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. Must be at least 19 years of age with one (1) year of driving experience.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain National Animal Control Association certification or equivalent within six (6) months from date of hire.

Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen and physical. Must complete a baseline audiometry screening and will be required to undergo annual testing as part of the Animal Shelter’s Hearing Conservation Program. Must complete the Hepatitis B vaccination series, Rabies vaccination series and maintain a current Tetanus (Td or Tdap) vaccination, or provide signed declinations, in accordance with applicable health and safety guidelines.

Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) courses, ICS 100 and IS 700, within ninety (90) days of hire. Completion of Incident Command System (ICS) courses, ICS 200 and IS 800 within one (1) year of hire.

Duties/Responsibilities

Responds to emergency incidents involving bites or attacks, loose animals, aggressive animals, cruelty to animals, or other like events.

Investigates domestic animal bites, attacks, cruelty, or other violations of Title 24 through personal interviews, collection of statements, and collection of physical evidence and photographs.

Completes forms, reports, citations and other documentation.

Issues animal vaccination certifications and registrations.

Provides emergency first aid to domestic animals and determines if emergency veterinarian care is required.

Captures and transports loose, abandoned or impounded animals to the shelter and other appropriate locations.

Takes complaints involving domestic animals; ensures adequate information is gathered to initiate an investigation.

Files investigative reports and case files with the Chief Animal Control officer; makes recommendations for classifications consistent with Title 24.

Enforces Title 24 through the issuance of administrative directives, warnings, or citations as required.

Attends court and provides testimony; presents evidence and assists witnesses at court proceedings and administrative hearings.

Assists the public with animal adoptions.

Assists in the intake processing of shelter animals.

Assists with kennel maintenance and operations.

Assists with crematorium operations.

Assists with public animal registration clinics.

Assists other local, state or federal agencies with animal related issues.

Inspects kennel facilities to ensure compliance with code.

Assists the Veterinarian with euthanasia and the medical treatment of animals.

Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.

Performs related duties.