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ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER DAWSON COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE COMPLIANCE DIVISION Full-Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Dawson County Code Compliance Manager, this position is responsible for ensuring compliance with Dawson County Animal Control Ordinances through hands-on fieldwork and office administrative functions, both individually and in conjunction with other departments. Additionally, this position will be cross-trained as back-up for code enforcement. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Knowledge of the Animal Control Ordinance and basic knowledge of other key county ordinances. Perform a variety of field and office work in support of the county’s Animal Control Ordinance; Captures, traps, transports, and impounds stray animals; maintains records on all impounded animals. Enforce compliance with all county ordinances including those pertaining to the Animal Control Ordinance and other county ordinances. Receive and respond to citizen complaints and reports from other agencies and departments on alleged violations of the Animal Control Ordinance and other county ordinances; interview complainant and witnesses; conduct investigations, provide recommendations for resolution and enforce when applicable. Conduct field investigations; inspect properties for violations; attempt to make contact at the residence or business in order to resolve violation; issue and post warning notices, notices of violation, corrective notices, orders to comply, and enforce when required. Possess the capability to conduct animal cruelty investigations which includes the mental aptitude to do so in a professional, respectful and tactful manner. Schedule and perform all follow-up functions to gain compliance including letters, inspections, calls, meetings, discussions, and negotiations to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and ordinances and notices of violation as necessary. DAWSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT 25 Justice Way, Suite 2233 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 344-3501 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 Maintain accurate documentation, case files and photographs on all investigations, inspections, enforcement actions, and other job-related activities in order to substantiate violations. Post all information on the corresponding case. Utilize outlook calendar daily for scheduled cases. Maintain continual calendar updates to ensure accurate follow thru. Prepare evidence in support of legal actions taken by the county; appear in court as necessary; testify at hearings and in court proceedings as required. Attend meetings and serve as a resource to citizens, other county departments, and outside agencies in the enforcement of the Animal Control Ordinance and other applicable ordinances. Read, understand and articulate ordinances to citizens to include business owners, and other interested groups in the field and office via the telephone and electronic communication. Cleans and sanitizes work vehicle to prevent the spread of animal diseases. May serve as the Dawson County Rabies Control Officer. Operate computer to enter, process, and acquire data relative to complaints, inspection sites, and research complaints. May assist in researching, drafting, and rewriting county codes and ordinances related to animal control and animal capture; participate in the development of forms and processes utilized to address various issues. R e s p o n d s t o i n q u i r i e s , c o m p l a i n t s , r e q u e s t s , q u e s t i o n s a n d p r o b l e m s f r o m t h e c i t i z e n s , B o a r d o f C o m m i s s i o n e r s , C o u n t y M a n a g e r , P l a n n i n g D i r e c t o r o r o t h e r g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c i e s a n d t h e g e n e r a l p u b l i c . R e s p e c t p r i v a c y r u l e s a s i t p e r t a i n s t o s e n s i t i v e i n f o r m a t i o n . 25-day observation training program to include applicable on-line training. Performance, follow-ups and completed work is reviewed for accuracy and compliance of procedures and processes. Bi-weekly Managerial field shadowing once assigned to the field. M a y b e c r o s s - t r a i n e d t o a s s i s t C o d e C o m p l i a n c e O f f i c e r o n c a l l s . Performs other related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITY KNOWLEDGE OF: P r i n c i p l e s , p r a c t i c e s , a n d e q u i p m e n t a s s o c i a t e d w i t h a n i m a l c o n t r o l a n d a n i m a l c a p t u r e . State laws, local ordinances, and trade codes governing animal and rabies control. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 The geography of the county; including roads, streets, subdivisions, and zoned areas. Modern principles of organization and management. SKILLED IN: Operating modern office equipment such as a computer, calculator, and copier. Communication, both verbal and written is vital. Interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with citizens, co-workers and supervisor. ABILITY TO: Independently perform a full range of Animal Control enforcement and compliance duties as it relates to other ordinances. Inspect and identify violations of the Animal Control Ordinance and applicable ordinances and enforce with impartiality and efficiency. L e a r n , r e v i e w , a n d u n d e r s t a n d o n - l i n e maps and other tools to d e t e r m i n e l o c a t i o n s a n d i n v e s t i g a t e v i o l a t i o n s . Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and firm manner. Investigate complaints and mediate resolutions in a timely and tactful manner. Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with citizens, fellow county employees, department heads, other agencies, and the general public. Download and utilize applicable mobile applications to improve efficiency. Effectively present material either orally or in a written format. Be proactive in identifying animal control ordinance violations. Maintain a daily calendar, case notes, and pictures, etc. The work consists of varied technical and administrative duties. The variety of codes and the need to both interpret and enforce them for the p u b l i c c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e c o m p l e x i t y o f t h e w o r k . CONTACTS Contacts are typically with citizens, other county employees, or other county agencies. Contacts are typically to address violations, receive and exchange information, resolve problems, provide assistance or issue warnings and citations. ADA MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 Scope of Performance: The purpose of this position is to ensure the local and state animal control ordinances a n d r e g u l a t i o n s a r e e n f o r c e d . Physical Ability: T h e w o r k i s t y p i c a l l y p e r f o r m e d w h i l e s i t t i n g , s t a n d i n g , walking, bending, crouching, stooping or crawling. The employee must regularly lift and carry animals and/or equipment up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Clear hearing and speech are required. Environmental Factors: The work is performed in a variety of situations; both in an office, outdoors or in a vehicle. Incumbents may be subjected to disruptive people and emotionally charged environments which may include people and/or animals. Frequent travel by motor vehicle is required. Position is fast paced, requiring flexibility in handling a variety of functions. The majority of on-site visits are conducted outside in the elements. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY The Code Compliance Manager assigns work in terms of general instructions that require the use of judgment. The employee must decide how to perform day-to-day responsibilities without specific guidance. Performance, follow-ups and completed work is reviewed for accuracy and compliance of procedures and processes. Bi-weekly Managerial field shadowing will be added once assigned to the field. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS Applicant must be 21 years of age or older. Applicant must have ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations; high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Experience in Animal Control or knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of s p e c i a l i z e d t r a i n i n g i n a r e l a t e d f i e l d o f w o r k p r o v i d i n g s u f f i c i e n t e x p e r i e n c e t o u n d e r s t a n d t h e b a s i c p r i n c i p l e s r e l e v a n t t o t h e m a j o r d u t i e s o f t h e p o s i t i o n . Applicant must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to write a business e-mail and letter. Past experience involving a high level of public contact including some experience dealing with the public in an enforcement, inspection, investigation, or customer service capacity is preferred. Experience that includes the enforcement of county codes, ordinances, and regulations is highly desirable. Ability to obtain Animal Control Officer Certification within three months from start date. ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 G e o g r a p h i c k n o w l e d g e o f D a w s o n C o u n t y r o a d s a n d a r e a s . Must be able to regularly lift up to 50 lbs. Applicant must possess a driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia and maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). Applicant must pass a background check and drug screening. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. I have read the above job description and understand the requirements. Signature: Date: Witness: Revised 9.2025