Lead Animal Control Officer

• Respond to animal/livability complaints and investigate cases for compliance with animal control ordinance codes and other applicable Minnesota State Statues of petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony level violations. Coordinate and participate in executing and serving search warrants as required. Understand and utilize both proactive enforcement and community-based enforcement theories in the application of field services.
• Interview and interrogate victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Prioritize and manage field response to calls impacting public safety such as animal bites or otherwise aggressive animals. Lead assumes command in the absence of a Field Manager, provides direction to ACOs. Provide services for emergency and exigent situations that require immediate response to prevent harm, which may include assisting other agencies.
• Prepare complete and accurate reports and other related legal documents and paperwork.
• Evaluate, train, assign and provide guidance to subordinates engaged in the enforcement of Animal Control laws and ordinances. Areas such as patrol, report writing, use of force, mediation, shelter policies and procedures, proper animal care techniques, and general investigation.
• Make recommendations on hiring, discipline and commendation.
• Work with Field Managers to develop and revise department policies and procedures to optimize efficiencies, consistencies, and safety. Build effective teams for the delivery of animal care and control. Monitor and evaluate statistics by precinct and ward using the information to ensure effective deployment of resources for enforcement activities.
• Interpret laws, ordinances, and court decisions relating to enforcement activities.
• Participate in strategic planning of Animal Control field operations.
• Act as a liaison with other Animal Control and Law Enforcement agencies and related organizations.
• Participate in emergency preparedness planning and assist with the development of emergency plans for field operations while coordinating with shelter operations.
• Participate effectively on committees and within and across teams to problem solve and to deliver quality service.
• Represent the City of Minneapolis with a focus on public education regarding responsible pet ownership and available resources through field calls for service, regular patrols, and community events. Work closely with Leadership to develop, implement, and promote the mission and vision of MACC.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on Potentially Dangerous/Dangerous animal management and casework along with field operations in so far as a zoonotic disease specialist with emphasis on rabies and other potentially fatal diseases.

• On-call time may be required weekdays, weekends and holidays to take phone calls and physically respond to duty when needed.
• Employees must maintain open availability; rotating and variable shifts are required to meet 24/7 operational needs.
  
  WORKING CONDITIONS:
• This position requires handling and restraining of vicious or potentially dangerous and/or deadly animals including dogs, cats, venomous snakes, non-human primates, large hoof stock, some species of wildlife, etc.
• This position is exposed to physical threats include unpredictable, hostile, armed individuals. High-risk search warrants may be conducted with law enforcement.
• You may be exposed to zoonotic diseases and parasitic zoonoses such as rabies, tularemia, salmonellosis (and other illness causing bacteria), West Nile virus, brucellosis, Lyme disease, histoplasmosis (and other similar fungal diseases), hantavirus and others.
• The position is also subject to long periods of exposure to inclement weather, driving, garbed in PPE including wearing an N95 mask, lifting and/or carrying heavy loads, crawling, climbing, running, bending, etc.
  
  Attaching your cover letter and resume is required. You must submit both documents to be considered for this position.

Minimum Education

Associate degree in Law Enforcement or Veterinary Technology or equivalent

Minimum Experience

Four (4) years of animal control experience, performing field operations and enforcement.

• ASP Baton Certification, OC Spray Certification and Wildlife euthanasia training
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification through the FBI
• Certified Humane Animal Investigator - National Animal Cruelty Investigation

• Field Training Officer (FTO) Certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• National Animal Care and Control (NACA) Certification or equivalent
• Nationally Certified Animal Control Officer

Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

• Considerable knowledge of and ability to understand, interpret and apply statutes, ordinances, applicable regulations, and other legal authorities and procedures of department/division.
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of animal control work and code enforcement.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques of criminal investigations, evidence collection and preservation and case management.
• Considerable knowledge of City and Civil Service rules and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of computer operations and software used by Minneapolis Animal Care & Control.
• Considerable knowledge of and the ability to facilitate the group problem-solving process, recognizing positive results, mitigate conflict and achieve satisfactory outcomes.
• Good knowledge of the National Incident Management System.
• Good interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with an ability to effectively listen, speak, write and interact in a tactful and persuasive manner.
• Good customer service skills and an understanding of the departments associated standards.
• Ability to develop, plan and implement solutions for non-routine casework.
• Good knowledge of and respect to work effectively with people of diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Good interview and documentation skills.
• Ability to provide leadership, influence and direction to subordinates while promoting a favorable work environment.
• Ability to manage conflict and negotiate satisfactory outcomes.
• Ability to write clear, concise reports and testify in court.
• Ability to interpret statistical data and make recommendations to management for operational goals and objectives.
• Working knowledge of animal diseases and public health principles.
• Working knowledge of animal behavior and handling skills.
• Ability to transfer knowledge, skills and abilities to recruit officers and subordinates.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.