Animal Control Officer (Sworn)

Summary

Animal Control Officer

Performs general law enforcement duties, including patrol, response to calls for service, and investigations, with a primary focus on animal control and welfare. Responsibilities include protecting animal welfare, ensuring public safety, and promoting positive community engagement.

Distinguishing Features of the Class This position performs sworn law enforcement duties with a specialized focus on animal control within the Police Department's Support Services Division. Responsibilities include investigating animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse; enforcing applicable laws and ordinances; and supporting general law enforcement operations. Duties also include patrol, traffic enforcement, accident and criminal investigations, service of legal process, and response to domestic incidents. The employee must maintain a visible presence, exercise sound judgment, and interact professionally with the public. Work involves inherent hazards associated with law enforcement. This position operates under the supervision of a sergeant and is evaluated based on performance, initiative, and effectiveness. Work is reviewed through observation and written reports.

Illustrative Examples of Work - Investigates reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse; enforces applicable laws and ordinances - Captures, impounds, and arranges safe disposition of stray, injured, or dangerous animals - Educates the public on responsible pet ownership and animal-related laws - Coordinates with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission on wildlife-related matters - Assists with special events, emergency response, and disaster operations - Collaborates with Patrol, CID, and Special Operations units - Conducts routine patrol in assigned areas - Responds to calls for service and community concerns - Investigates traffic accidents and enforces traffic laws - Serves warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents - Conducts criminal investigations, including evidence collection and witness interviews - Performs vehicle inspections to ensure operational readiness Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Working knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and procedures - Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances - Skill in the use of firearms and law enforcement equipment - Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations - Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships - Strong verbal and written communication skills

Physical Requirements This position requires medium physical exertion, including lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly. Duties require visual acuity for reading, report writing, and computer use. The employee must be able to apply appropriate physical force, including deadly force if necessary.

Working Conditions Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions. The employee may be exposed to noise, hazardous situations, moving equipment, and individuals who may be hostile or non-compliant. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases is possible; appropriate precautions are required.

Education and Experience - Graduation from high school or GED equivalency - Experience in animal control / law enforcement work is desired as is an associate's degree in criminal justice or relevant field. Special Requirements - Valid North Carolina Driver's License (for entry into class) - Must have the ability to obtain (and maintain) Basic Law Enforcement Certification (BLET) as a law enforcement officer by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Commission (required to be continuously employed). - Preference would be for candidates to possess current law enforcement certification through the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Commission.

Minimum Qualifications for Becoming a NC Police Officer • U.S citizen • Possess a valid driver's license • At least 20 years of age • Possess a high school diploma or GED • Possess a NC Basic Law Enforcement Training Certification

The City of Mebane is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and affordable benefits packages in the region. Full-time employees enjoy no-cost medical, dental, vision, life, and short term disability insurance, along with low-cost options for dependents. Our medical plan includes low deductibles, free preventive care, virtual visits at no cost, wellness rewards up to $300 per year, and access to gym memberships through One Pass.

Employees also receive paid vacation, sick leave, personal leave, and 13 paid holidays, plus a service bonus and access to employee assistance resources. Retirement benefits include participation in the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System, a 5% employer contribution to the NC 401(k), and retiree medical coverage for eligible employees. Additional voluntary benefits such as supplemental life, accident, and critical illness coverage are also available.

Mebane invests in your well-being, your family, and your future—because our employees are at the heart of what makes our community thrive.

Job Description

Animal Control Officer

Performs general law enforcement duties, including patrol, response to calls for service, and investigations, with a primary focus on animal control and welfare. Responsibilities include protecting animal welfare, ensuring public safety, and promoting positive community engagement.

Distinguishing Features of the Class This position performs sworn law enforcement duties with a specialized focus on animal control within the Police Department's Support Services Division. Responsibilities include investigating animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse; enforcing applicable laws and ordinances; and supporting general law enforcement operations. Duties also include patrol, traffic enforcement, accident and criminal investigations, service of legal process, and response to domestic incidents. The employee must maintain a visible presence, exercise sound judgment, and interact professionally with the public. Work involves inherent hazards associated with law enforcement. This position operates under the supervision of a sergeant and is evaluated based on performance, initiative, and effectiveness. Work is reviewed through observation and written reports.

Illustrative Examples of Work - Investigates reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse; enforces applicable laws and ordinances - Captures, impounds, and arranges safe disposition of stray, injured, or dangerous animals - Educates the public on responsible pet ownership and animal-related laws - Coordinates with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission on wildlife-related matters - Assists with special events, emergency response, and disaster operations - Collaborates with Patrol, CID, and Special Operations units - Conducts routine patrol in assigned areas - Responds to calls for service and community concerns - Investigates traffic accidents and enforces traffic laws - Serves warrants, subpoenas, and other legal documents - Conducts criminal investigations, including evidence collection and witness interviews - Performs vehicle inspections to ensure operational readiness Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Working knowledge of modern law enforcement practices and procedures - Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances - Skill in the use of firearms and law enforcement equipment - Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations - Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships - Strong verbal and written communication skills

Physical Requirements This position requires medium physical exertion, including lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly. Duties require visual acuity for reading, report writing, and computer use. The employee must be able to apply appropriate physical force, including deadly force if necessary.

Working Conditions Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions. The employee may be exposed to noise, hazardous situations, moving equipment, and individuals who may be hostile or non-compliant. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and communicable diseases is possible; appropriate precautions are required.

Education and Experience - Graduation from high school or GED equivalency - Experience in animal control / law enforcement work is desired as is an associate's degree in criminal justice or relevant field. Special Requirements - Valid North Carolina Driver's License (for entry into class) - Must have the ability to obtain (and maintain) Basic Law Enforcement Certification (BLET) as a law enforcement officer by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Commission (required to be continuously employed). - Preference would be for candidates to possess current law enforcement certification through the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Commission.

Minimum Qualifications for Becoming a NC Police Officer • U.S citizen • Possess a valid driver's license • At least 20 years of age • Possess a high school diploma or GED • Possess a NC Basic Law Enforcement Training Certification

The City of Mebane is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and affordable benefits packages in the region. Full-time employees enjoy no-cost medical, dental, vision, life, and short term disability insurance, along with low-cost options for dependents. Our medical plan includes low deductibles, free preventive care, virtual visits at no cost, wellness rewards up to $300 per year, and access to gym memberships through One Pass.

Employees also receive paid vacation, sick leave, personal leave, and 13 paid holidays, plus a service bonus and access to employee assistance resources. Retirement benefits include participation in the NC Local Government Employees Retirement System, a 5% employer contribution to the NC 401(k), and retiree medical coverage for eligible employees. Additional voluntary benefits such as supplemental life, accident, and critical illness coverage are also available.

Mebane invests in your well-being, your family, and your future—because our employees are at the heart of what makes our community thrive.