Animal Protection Officer Jobs

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Animal Protection Officer
Salary
$43,547.30 - $60,945.52 Annually
Location
WA 99212, WA
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
22-00324
Department
SCRAPS
Opening Date
12/14/2022
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
553

• Benefits
• Questions
• Description

Job Summary
This position is 37.5 hours per week.
This position investigates cases of animal cruelty, neglect, nuisance complaints and violations of the Revised Code of the State of Washington and Spokane County Code, and performs related duties in the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) Department. The position allocated to this class serves under the general direction of the Field Operations Manager, enforces Spokane County Code and the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) as it relates to animals, including responding to citizen complaints regarding stray, injured, dangerous or unwanted animals and the investigation of cruelty to animals and animal bites reports. Educates the general public on animal related issues. Employees are required to deal with the public in a pleasant, tactful and courteous manner. Work is performed with considerable independence according to department regulations. The Animal Protection Officer classification is distinguished from the Animal Services Representative by focus on working in field enforcement rather than performing office administration duties.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $54,117 - $75,738 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Examples of Duties

• Issues citations to offenders.
• Writes clear and objective reports, participates in court case preparation and testifies in court and administrative hearings.
• Assists other animal protection officers, law enforcement agencies and others as necessary with emergency situations.
• Operates a 2-way radio and communicates with dispatcher while handling assigned calls.
• Operates a department vehicle.
• Patrols areas for ordinance violations.
• Uses a computer aided dispatch system.
• Investigates and resolves neighborhood animal nuisance complaints.
• Answers questions, enforces ordinances and regulations and negotiates with the public in hostile situations.
• Works a schedule which may include weekend work; participates in a mandatory emergency on-call rotation, which may include call-outs on evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Investigates and resolves animal cruelty/neglect complaints, bites, dangerous dog violations and other violations of a serious nature.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
• Writes and executes search warrants.
• Euthanizes animals as required by departmental policy and loads animal crematorium.
• Communicates with complainants, victims and/or suspects.
• Collects evidence.
• Captures, lifts, carries and detains stray and/or vicious animals.
• Uses a computer regularly for report writing, CAD, documenting call notes, entering data when impounding animals, looking up licenses, researching prior violations, etc.
• Protects public safety and ensures animal welfare through compassionate, responsive, professional enforcement of laws and public policy.
• Sells pet licenses.
• Maintains assigned equipment.
• Picks up and transports dead and injured animals.

Minimum Requirements

• Candidates must be commissioned by the Spokane County Sheriff within six (6) months of appointment. Commission must be maintained throughout term of employment.
• Candidates must successfully pass an integrity interview and a thorough background investigation.
• Applicants selected for Animal Protection Officer positions will be required to successfully complete the Washington State Board of Pharmacy legend drug certification within six (6) months.
• Must reside 30 minutes of normal driving conditions from the Shelter.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.
• Two (2) years of experience in the care and control of animals OR one (1) year of experience which involved enforcing and/or explaining laws and regulations to the general public (preferably law enforcement).
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Selection Factors

• Ability to work in conditions of extreme stress.
• Ability to participate in a required emergency and on-call rotation schedule.
• Ability to be exposed to the possibility of animal attack while handling stray, injured, vicious and/or dangerous animals.
• Knowledge of animal behavior and characteristics of various breeds.
• Knowledge of law enforcement procedures as needed to perform the duties of the job.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in the use of personal computer and software related to performing the duties of the job, including demonstrating a proficient typing speed (minimum of 30 WPM).
• Ability to handle frequent contact with hostile and abusive members of the public.
• Ability to care for and treat animals in a humane manner under a variety of situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with people of various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Ability to deal courteously but firmly with citizens when enforcing county ordinances and state code; be impartial to both sides of an issue and make fair and sound decisions.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances and codes.
• Ability to use GPS, read maps, prioritize field calls.
• Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to perform strenuous manual tasks in the handling of animals.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with volunteers, supervisors, staff, representatives of other agencies, special interest groups and the general public.
• Ability to compose relevant reports sufficient in clarity to be admitted as evidence in a court of law.

SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
Insurance Benefits
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2023 Rates
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2023 Rates
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
Voluntary Benefits
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
01
Animal Protection Officer: Do you have a high school diploma or GED and two (2) years of experience in the care and control of animals OR one year of experience which involved enforcing and/or explaining laws and regulations to the public (preferably law enforcement)?

• No
• Yes

02
Euthanasia of animals: The duties of this position include administering injections for euthanasia of animals . Please check one of the following:

• NO. I am NOT willing to be trained/ able to euthanize animals
• YES. I am willing to be trained/ able to euthanize animals

03
Hours of Work: This position may require weekend work and will participate in a regular rotation for on-call work. Please check one of the following:

• NO. I am NOT available to work weekends and/or participate in an on-call rotation
• YES. I am available to work weekends and participate in an on-call rotation

04
Experience with animals: Please list your education, training, and/or work experience in the care and handling of animals other than household pets. When describing work experience, please provide names and dates of employment, as well as names and phone numbers of individuals who can verify the information.
Required Question
Agency
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750
Website
http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment