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Job Description
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Plans, coordinates, schedules and supervises the daily work activity of Animal Control Officers, Animal Care Specialists, Extra Help, and volunteer staff.
- Administers medications, vaccines and euthanasia solutions to impounded animals as necessary.
- Maintain logs, records, related forms, annual activity reports, and statistical data.
- Administers first aid medical treatment to animals.
- Examines impounded animals to determine age, sex, breed, and overall condition.
- Maintains inventories of supplies for food, medications, drugs, and completes necessary order forms.
- May investigate reports of animal cruelty or abuse, prepare reports of investigations, issue Notices to Appear in Court; conduct periodic inspections of pet shops and kennels to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
- Provides information to the general public regarding proper animal care and treatment.
- Conducts educational seminars and presentations for the general public and interested groups.
- Trains departmental personnel in animal handling and control techniques, tranquilizing, animal behavior, common animal diseases, humane behavior, handling stress, crisis intervention, and report writing.
- Performs general clean up and maintenance at the Animal Shelter as required.
- Coordinates daily activities of Alternate Work Program trustees and/or volunteers at the Animal Shelter.
- Completes performance evaluations.
- Interviews.
- Conducts animal adoption sessions with potential adopters.
- Assists subordinate staff in matters involving more complicated issues.
- Maintains time reports and payroll records.
- Reviews work productivity of subordinate personnel for accuracy and completeness.
- Works closely and coordinates with Animal Control Officers conducting animal bite investigations and places such animals under quarantine.
- Assist with inspection of restraint or kennel requirements subsequent to formal administrative hearing decisions.
- Determines animal health and releases from quarantine or destroys and submits specimen to laboratory for analysis.
- Provides information to the general public regarding policies and procedures used at the Kennel Facility.
- Performs other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Equivalent to Associate Degree. (Directly related experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)
Experience:
Three (3) years of progressive experience in the handling, care, and treatment of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
License:
Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.
Certificate:
Possession of a current Euthanasia by Injection Certificate.
Obtain a valid Penal Code 832 Certificate (laws of arrest, search and seizure, firearms) within one (1) year of employment.
Essential Functions- Communicate effectively with others in person, in writing, and over the telephone.
- Plan, coordinate, schedule and supervise work activity of subordinate staff, Alternative Work trustees, and/or volunteers.
- Administer vaccines to dogs, cats, and other domestic species.
- Administer humane euthanasia to animals.
- Maintain neat and accurate logs, records, and related forms.
- Maintain inventories of food and supplies, medications and drugs.
- Examine impounded animals to determine age, sex, and overall condition.
- Interact with the public displaying a high degree of courtesy, tact, compassion and poise.
- Understand problems of the general public and furnish clear and satisfactory explanations regarding policies and practices used in the Animal Control Department.
- Complete employee performance evaluations.
- Provide a high level of expertise in conducting investigations into more involved problems such as animal abuse or cruelty cases.
- Conduct treatment and euthanasia activity on uneven surfaces under various environmental conditions.
- Proper euthanasia techniques.
- Frequent use of computers and various office equipment.
- Sitting or standing for extended periods pushing/pulling and bending/squatting.
- Frequent driving and occasional walking for extended periods over uneven terrain.
- Frequent lifting and carrying of 5 to 50 pounds and occasional lifting and carrying of up to 75 pounds unassisted.
- Constant use of overall visual capabilities.
- Frequent use of color and depth perception, peripheral vision, hand/eye coordination, reading and/or close up work.
- Normal dexterity with constant holding, frequent grasping, reaching, repetitive motion, and climbing stairs or ladders.
- Constant hearing normal speech, hearing/talking on the radio, telephone and in person. Occasional public presentations.
- Constant concentration with frequent public contact, decision making and conflict resolution.
- Occasional exposure to emergency situations, animal related trauma grief, or death.
- Frequently work alone and travel with some assignments require working weekends, nights, overtime, and holidays, early morning or late evening.
- Frequent exposure to outdoor/indoor conditions including noise, heat/cold, dust, chemical residues, allergens, odors, and bio-hazards.
- Regular attendance is an essential function.
- Basic supervisory methods and techniques.
- Animal behavior, common diseases, sanitation practices, animal anatomy, first aid, animal capture and handling techniques.
- Basic methods of record keeping.
- State and local ordinances relating to animal care, control, welfare and rabies control.
- Various breeds of dogs and species of animals, including native wildlife and domestic animal behavior.
Ability to:
- Care for animals humanely and sympathetically.
- Deal effectively with the public.
- Administer humane euthanasia (lethal injection) to animals.
- Administer medications, vaccines, and treatment to dogs, cats, and other domestic species.
- Operate with safety and accuracy medications and euthanasia drugs.
- Maintain neat and accurate logs, records, and related forms.
- Maintain inventories of food, supplies, medications, and drugs.
- Examine impounded animals to determine age, sex, breed, and overall condition.
- Maintain positive, cooperative, and compassionate relations with the general public and other contacts in the course of work.
- Drive a truck and light trailer safely and in accordance with traffic laws.
- Interpret and apply laws, regulations and policies.
HOLIDAYS & LEAVES
MANAGEMENT LEAVE
May receive, depending upon classification, 96 hours per Fiscal Year.
VACATION
10 days the first 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 160 hours), 15 days in the second 5 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 240 hours), and 20 days after 10 years of continuous employment (limited to a maximum of 320 hours). Optional annual sell back of a portion of accumulated vacation leave hours (maximum - 40 hours).
SICK LEAVE
0.0625 hours sick leave for each paid regularly scheduled work hour. 16 days (130 hours per year) with unlimited accumulation. Optional annual buy back of a portion of accumulated sick leave hours upon meeting certain criteria.
HOLIDAYS
Twelve paid holidays annually plus two optional holidays.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Five (5) regularly scheduled consecutive workdays.
INSURANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical Insurance - Merced County offers multiple Medical Plans and contributes towards employee and dependent premiums.- Anthem 500 EPO
- Anthem 1500 EPO
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) with Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Anthem HDHP (High Deductible Medical Plan) without Health Savings Account (HSA)
Dental Insurance - Delta Dental- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
- County pays 100% of the premium for employees and 50% for dependent(s)
Management Disability Insurance - Unit 20 Unrepresented Management Levels A-E - 100% premium paid by employer
LIFE INSURANCE
County-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance- Unit 20 Unrepresented Management:
- Level A & B $85,000
- Level C $55,000
- Level D & E $35,000
Voluntary Term and Whole Life Insurance are available - premium paid by employee
RETIREMENT
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The County offers a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. Employees choose their investment funds and can make pre-tax or post-tax contributions to the plan up to the maximum allowable.
MERCED COUNTY EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION
The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 and other provisions of the California Government Code. MCERA members also pay into Social Security. The applicable benefit formula is dependent upon your hire date with an MCERA employer; your pension amount will be determined by your age, years of service and final compensation amount.
EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Anthem EAP services provide up to five face-to-face counseling sessions per incident and provides a toll-free "800" hotline available 24/7 for emergencies and crisis intervention. EAP services include counseling services, legal services, financial services and work-life resource services.
EMPLOYEE TICKETS, COUPONS, and DISCOUNTS
The County of Merced has partnered with Employee Savings Tickets to provide discounted coupons and tickets for all county employees to attractions throughout the state and out-of-state. The discounts and coupons are available for shopping, movies, sporting events, theme parks, zoos and aquariums and much more.
THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.
For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7356.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous - Plans, coordinates, schedules and supervises the daily work activity of Animal Control Officers, Animal Care Specialists, Extra Help, and volunteer staff.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Merced County
Show moreMerced County, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, offers a unique blend of vibrant agricultural heritage and modern development. Known as the "Gateway to Yosemite," Merced County is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, including nearby national parks, lush farmlands, and scenic rivers. The county's strategic location provides easy access to major urban centers like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Fresno, making it an ideal hub for both business and leisure. With a diverse economy anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing, Merced County offers ample opportunities for career growth and professional development. The presence of the University of California, Merced, further enhances the county's reputation as a center for innovation and research, attracting top talent and fostering a dynamic workforce.
In addition to its economic strengths, Merced County boasts a high quality of life with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy affordable housing, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of California, and a family-friendly environment with excellent schools and recreational facilities. The county's rich cultural heritage is celebrated through numerous festivals, farmers' markets, and community events, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. With its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and a supportive community, Merced County is not just a great place to work but also a wonderful place to live and thrive.
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