Job Information
Craven County Government Animal Control Officer I (10760) in New Bern, North Carolina
*Primary Purpose *
- Under general supervision, the purpose of the position is to investigate animal cruelty within Craven County.
- Employee investigates reports, complaints and incidents of animal cruelty.
- Position is responsible for interviewing complainants, issuing citations for violations of local and state laws, and coordinating with county and/or state agencies as needed in pursuing legal action and attendance of court hearings or trials.
Essential Functions
- Investigates allegations of animal cruelty, neglect, abuse, and abandonment in potentially hostile environments
- Investigates, analyzes and evaluates cruelty scenes
- Enforces state and local animal abuse laws
- Investigates reports of nuisance animals and conducts dangerous dogs investigations in accordance with state statutes
- Interviews and obtains written statements of suspects and witnesses to determine nature of violation and action to be taken
- Prepares and issues civil citations; civil cases are heard in Small Claims Court; as necessary enlist assistance of the Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies to prepare and issue state (criminal) citations
- Prepares reports and maintains case files of investigations to ensure availability for civil or criminal prosecution
- Conducts legally authorized searches and seizures in conjunction with and executed by law enforcement personnel
- Works with other sections within the department and with state and local authorities, as needed
- Conducts surveillance as needed
- Attends court hearings as needed and attends trials of criminal defendants in connection with investigations
- Locates necessary witnesses and subpoenas them on behalf of the County
- Issues citations, warning tickets, and enforcement documents; testifies in court against owners who have ignored warnings about alleged ordinance violations
- Transports injured animals or animals in violation of County ordinances to the animal shelter; logs animals delivered
- Maintains records of locations where animals were picked up
- Responds to requests for services and capturing stray, diseased and bothersome animals; setting traps as necessary
Minimum Education and Experience
- Graduation from high school or GED or two years previous experience in animal control, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license
- Background check with law enforcement agency required
- Must have or obtain NACA Certification Levels I, and II or equivalent
- Must have or obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification; Chemical Immobilization Certification
Additional Information
- Other duties as assigned by management staff. In the event of a disaster, may be required to assist as needed.