Animal Care and Control Director

Job Details

Under policy direction, plans, organizes, manages, directs, and supervises the activities, programs, staff, and services of the Animal Care and Control Department; responsible for department management, personnel management, program planning, and public relations; represents the department’s activities, programs and services with community organizations and the public; performs the full range of Animal Care and Control Officer duties as needed; and performs related duties as assigned.

This recruitment is open continuously. The first review of applications will be completed on March 13, 2025. Applications submitted after this date will be screened as received .


This position qualifies for a Sign-On incentive of 10% of the annual rate, not to exceed $10,000.
The Hiring Incentive will be made in three payments as follows:

• The first payment of 50% will be made to an employee within the next available pay period following the date of hire.
• The second payment of 25% will be made within the next payroll following the 13th month of employment.
• The third payment of 25% will be made within the next payroll following two (2) years of employment.

The employee must remain employed with the County for two (2) years or repay the incentive on a pro-rated basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Completion of P.C. 832 Training .

Completion of Euthanasia Training .

CLETS (CA Law Enforcement Telecommunications System) clearance upon hiring.

Education and Experience:

Five (5) years of full-time increasingly responsible experience performing animal care and control functions comparable to that of an Animal Care and Control Officer, Senior with the County of Lake, including at least two (2) years of experience in a management or supervisory capacity.

Experience in fiscal and program planning is strongly preferred.

General Recruitment Information

This is not exhaustive of all job responsibilities. For the full job description please see the section below titled Supplemental Information.

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer

Veteran's Preference

ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL DIRECTOR
DEFINITION
Under policy direction, plans, organizes, manages, directs, and supervises the activities, programs, staff, and services of the Animal Care and Control Department; responsible for department management, personnel management, program planning, and public relations; represents the department’s activities, programs and services with community organizations and the public; performs the full range of Animal Care and Control Officer duties as needed; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single position classification is responsible for managing and directing the Animal Care and Control Department. The incumbent provides direct management and supervision of the animal care and control functions of the County.

This is a discrete classification. The incumbent in this management position serves at the pleasure of his/her appointing authority, which means the employment relationship is at-will, and that the County of Lake or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives policy direction from the County Administrative Officer on behalf of the Board of Supervisors. Exercises general direction and supervision over professional, technical, administrative support, and extra help staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Manages, administers, and oversees the County’s animal care and control functions and programs, including field, office, and shelter operations, a complete medical program with staff and separate budget, as well as the disaster response program (LEAP).
• Monitors, manages, and responds to local disasters/emergencies from a central location in accordance with the established MOUs regarding staff/volunteer safety and animal housing for extended periods of time.
• Develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for the Animal Care and Control Department.
• Manages and supervises the medical clinic and budget and communicates with the veterinarian and medical staff.
• Explains animal control ordinances and policies to the public and concerned parties.
• Supervises the euthanasia of animals in the prescribed manner, according to appropriate laws.
• Monitors activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding the investigation, capture, and impounding of domestic animals.
• Works with other law enforcement agencies to enforce animal control laws.
• Ensures staff conducts complete investigations of animal bites and prepares reports for the County Health Officer.
• Selects, trains, evaluates, and disciplines subordinate staff.
• Determines the need for staff training and oversight and provides appropriate training and direction.
• Provides direct management and supervision of the assigned program.
• Supervises the collection of license fees and the issuance of licenses.
• Issues warning notices and citations to violators of animal control ordinances.
• Monitors records of animal impounding, licenses issued, and license fees collected.
• Prepares and monitors the Animal Care and Control budget.
• Plans, organizes, and coordinates animal control enforcement and services.
• Responds to complaints from the public concerning stray, nuisance, dangerous, injured, or dead domestic animals on county-maintained roads.
• Documents cases for prosecution of animal abuse and non-compliance.
• May perform the full range of Animal Care and Control Officer duties, including but not limited to, patrolling in a radio-dispatched vehicle, responding to calls and complaints from the public, and investigating reports of the stray, nuisance, and/or dangerous animals.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• County and state ordinances and laws relating to field and shelter operation, including the licensing, quarantine, impounding, care, and treatment of animals.
• Euthanasia procedures.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.

• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.

• Characteristics of animal behavior and the care and feeding of various domestic animals.
• General knowledge of appropriate regulations regarding radio transmission and communications.
• Common diseases of animals, including symptoms and care.
• Safe and efficient methods for the collection, restraint, and handling of large and small animals.
• Principles, techniques, and practices of effective program administration.
• Principles of budget preparation and expenditure control.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Written and oral communications skills.

• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and manage the animal control program and enforcement functions relating to licensing, adoption, quarantine, impounding, care, and treatment of animals.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public when providing information and carrying out enforcement activities.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Develop and administer a department budget.
• Analyze, interpret, explain, and apply a variety of state and county laws, ordinances, policies, rules, procedures, and regulations.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the County.
• Drive a light truck safely and in accordance with traffic laws.
• Effectively represent the Animal Care and Control Department in contacts with the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other government organizations.
• Provide court testimony regarding animal control issues.
• Perform the full range of animal control and enforcement functions relating to licensing, adoption, quarantine, impounding, care, and treatment of animals.
• Maintain and monitor program and fiscal records and reports.
• Effectively, communicate both orally and in writing.
• Exercise good judgment in handling potentially hostile individuals and situations.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Completion of P.C. 832 Training .

Completion of Euthanasia Training .

CLETS (CA Law Enforcement Telecommunications System) clearance upon hiring.

Education and Experience:

Five (5) years of full-time increasingly responsible experience performing animal care and control functions comparable to that of an Animal Care and Control Officer, Senior with the County of Lake, including at least two (2) years of experience in a management or supervisory capacity.

Experience in fiscal and program planning is strongly preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field. As such, incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical conditions. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law). Incumbents in this position may not have any drug or alcohol related felony convictions.

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS).CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees.The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.

VACATION - 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.

SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.

CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE - SDI is available to some County employees.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

• 

• County of Lake

• 707-263-2213

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