DescriptionResponsible field work in the enforcement of County animal control ordinance and state laws relating to animals according to Chapter 828 of the Florida Statues. To ensure the public is protected from diseased, problem and vicious stray animals and that the animals are humanely treated after being impounded. Reports to the Animal Care and Control Director. Position may require shift rotations, call-in after hours and/or weekends and holidays.
Examples of Duties- Patrols the County and may patrol the City of Fernandina Beach, Town of Hilliard, and Callahan. Picks up and impounds stray and/or animals at large.
- Educates the general public regarding care and treatment of animals.
- Removes animals from inhumane conditions and delivers animals to the animal facility for treatment and care.
- Sets humane live traps, ensnaring, and handling of stray and/or dangerous animals.
- Investigates complaints, determines of there is a violation and takes appropriate actions to comply with the Nassau County Animal Control Ordinances and Florida Statutes.
- Issues warning and citations for violation of state and county ordinances.
- Investigates reports an animal bites, animal cruelty and neglect.
- Apprehends, impounds, euthanatizes and disposes of diseased, unhealthy, problem and vicious animals. Properly reports animals for submission to laboratory in accordance with County and State ordinances.
- Works closely with the Sheriff’s Office, Health Department, other agencies and veterinarians.
- Deals with the public fairly and tactfully, especially during emotional or stressful situations.
- Responsible for the pickup of trapped animals.
- Testifies in court proceedings as a witness or plaintiff on behalf of the County.
- Collects evidence, including photographs.
- Conducts preliminary investigations and files reports on animal bites, animal cruelty, and neglect.
- maintains records, and prepares moderate to complex written reports on animals impounded, adopted, redeemed, relinquished and destroyed.
- Responds to the emergency operation center when activated as directed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
(These Major job duties are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other job duties as may be assigned or required.)
Additional Job Functions
- Provides care and maintenance of assigned vehicles, equipment and facilities.
- May clean and maintain kennels.
- May feed and care for sheltered animals including confined animals.
- May answer phones.
- May operate radio equipment to dispatch assignments to field units.
Typical QualificationsGraduation from high school or, a General Equivalency Diploma unless exempt as provided under Article 25.9. At least one (1) year of experience in the area of animal control and/or public health; or an equivalent combination of related training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Valid driver’s license. Prior to application. Florida Animal Control Officer Certification and Euthanasia Certification within 6 (six) months from date of hire.
Supplemental Information- Thorough knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, regulations, methods, procedures and policies of the County as they pertain to the performance of duties.
- Considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of County and other governmental agencies.
- The ability to work alone.
- Through knowledge of the terminology and various professional language used within the department.
- Ability to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals, and members of the public.
- Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
- Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the job.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: - Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
- Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
- Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
- Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
- Standing: On ladders, on steps or on the ground for sustained periods of time.
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, at times for long distances.
- Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. Lifting up to 75 pounds.
- Grasping: Picking, pinching, manipulating small objects in confined spaces.
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
- Running: Fast for a minimum distance of 50 yards.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: - Work is performed in various locations, both indoors and outdoors. Exposure to heat and cold, wetness, humidity, machinery, hazards, electrical currents, smoke/dust, odors, dirt/pollen, dangerous animals, traffic hazards, and noise extremes.
Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with disability.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will continue to be received until the listed closing date or the position is filled, whichever is earliest. Submission of an application does not guarantee the applicant an interview. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check.
Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.
The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This position may be required to work in a safety sensitive capacity at any time based on emergency declaration or other operational need. Nassau County reserves the right to edit or re-write this job description at any time.
An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the
Nassau County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.
BOCC-Contributed Benefits - Medical & Prescription Drugs Benefits
- Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions with a Qualified Plan
- Florida Retirement System
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Assistance Program
Optional Benefits - Dental
- Vision
- Life & AD&D
- Supplemental & Dependent Life & AD&D Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- Voluntary Benefits Offered By Aflac and/or Colonial
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program
- Roth IRA
NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.
FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee. Employees are required to contribute 3% of their salary per Florida Statute.
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The County may provide tuition assistance to cover the cost of tuition and books to County employees requesting tuition reimbursement for courses at an accredited college or university which are applicable to the employee's field of work and/or are of such nature to directly prepare employees for positions of greater responsibility within the County. Contact the Human Resources Office for additional details.
HOLIDAYS The following, as well as any other days the BOCC may declare, are designated as official holidays for County Employees:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Presidents Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
The Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
PTO LEAVE All full-time employees shall accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) Leave in accordance with the following formula:
Years of Employment Hours Per Year 0 through the end of the 4th year 180
5 years through the end of the 10th year 200
11 years through the end of the 15th year 220
16 years and over 240
For additional information please view Nassau County's Policies & Procedures .