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Animal Protection Officer

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Animal Protection Officer

Salary

$44,853.72 - $62,773.89 Annually

Location

WA 99212, WA

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

23-00174

Department

SCRAPS

Opening Date

06/14/2023

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

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: $57,413 - $80,351 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

• Protects public safety and ensures animal welfare through compassionate, responsive, professional enforcement of laws and public policy.

• Captures, lifts, carries and detains stray and/or vicious animals.

• Writes and executes search warrants.

• Collects evidence.

• Uses a computer aided dispatch system.

• Writes clear and objective reports, participates in court case preparation and testifies in court and administrative hearings.

• Answers questions, enforces ordinances and regulations and negotiates with the public in hostile situations.

• Issues citations to offenders.

• Picks up and transports dead and injured animals.

• Operates a 2-way radio and communicates with dispatcher while handling assigned calls.

• Patrols areas for ordinance violations.

• Assists other animal protection officers, law enforcement agencies and others as necessary with emergency situations.

• Investigates and resolves animal cruelty/neglect complaints, bites, dangerous dog violations and other violations of a serious nature.

• Investigates and resolves neighborhood animal nuisance complaints.

• Communicates with complainants, victims and/or suspects.

• Maintains assigned equipment.

• Operates a department vehicle.

• Uses a computer regularly for report writing, CAD, documenting call notes, entering data when impounding animals, looking up licenses, researching prior violations, etc.

• Euthanizes animals as required by departmental policy and loads animal crematorium.

• Sells pet licenses.

• 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.

• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

• 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).

• OR any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work.

• 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.

• 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.

• Possession of a valid Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

• Must reside 30 minutes of normal driving conditions from the Shelter.

Selection Factors

• Knowledge of law enforcement procedures as needed to perform the duties of the job.

• Knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances and codes.

• Knowledge of animal behavior and characteristics of various breeds.

• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.

• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with volunteers, supervisors, staff, representatives of other agencies, special interest groups and the general public.

• 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 care for and treat animals in a humane manner under a variety of situations.

• Ability to handle frequent contact with hostile and abusive members of the public.

• Ability to use GPS, read maps, prioritize field calls.

• 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.

• Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

• Ability to perform strenuous manual tasks in the handling of animals.

• Ability to work in conditions of extreme stress.

• Ability to be exposed to the possibility of animal attack while handling stray, injured, vicious and/or dangerous animals.

• Ability to compose relevant reports sufficient in clarity to be admitted as evidence in a court of law.

• 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 participate in a required emergency and on-call rotation schedule.

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)?

• Yes

• No

  02

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

• YES. I am willing to be trained/ able to euthanize animals

• NO. I am NOT 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:

• YES. I am available to work weekends and participate in an on-call rotation

• NO. I am NOT available to work weekends and/or 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