Job Description
$19.52 – $30.31 Hourly
Note: The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.
NOTE: Applications/resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. First consideration will be given to applications/resumes received by July 25, 2023.
Full-time City employees will receive preference in the following order: major division first, then department, then all other full-time City employees. Part-time/year-round City employees will receive preference next. If there are no qualified full-time City employees or part-time/year-round City employees, external applicants will then be considered.
This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019. This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.
JOB SUMMARY
This posting will be used to fill a current vacancy in the Animal Welfare Division of the Development Services Department within the City of Oklahoma City and is under the direction of an immediate supervisor. However, an eligibility list will be established or supplemented for filling future vacancies in the department, per provisions of the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement. The Animal Welfare Officer III performs complex investigations and resolves cases related to animal care and/or animal control and may assist in providing training for new field officers. Knowledge of ordinances, laws and regulations pertaining to animals, and operations and activities of an animal welfare program is required prior to assuming the duties and responsibilities of the position. Essential job functions include: researching and investigating allegations of code or ordinance violations pertaining to all animals; negotiating resolutions, issuing citations and/or apprehension of animals; investigating higher-level cases, such as, bite, dangerous animal, cruelty cases, etc.; and completion of standard reports and forms (e.g., animal bite report, daily reports, citations, etc.); appearing in Court to provide testimony on citations and complaints; and educating, counseling, and exchanging information with the public concerning animal care and welfare. The Animal Welfare Officer III must use tact and diplomacy in dealing with irate citizens, outside agencies, etc., and may be required to conduct investigations to collect evidence relating to possible court testimony. The daily assignments are received from the supervisor and are performed with limited supervision in accordance with established policies. The employee normally works independently which requires integrity, self-discipline, and sound independent judgment.
VETERANS PREFERENCE
Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to animal control.
- Knowledge of and skill in demonstrating work and safety procedures.
- Knowledge of various breeds of dogs, cats and other domestic and wild animals.
- Knowledge of small animal/livestock behavior and their care.
- Knowledge of basic methods of animal welfare and care
- Skill in determining if animal welfare code or ordinance violations have occurred.
- Skill in handing animals humanely and safely.
- Skill in communicating using tact and diplomacy.
- Skill in dealing with irate citizens.
- Skill in maintaining records and preparing reports.
- Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations related to animal care and control.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to supervise.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Willingness to work with sick, injured and/or vicious animals.
- Willingness to perform or assist in performing animal euthanasia
- Willingness to perform duties and responsibilities of the Animal Welfare Officer I and II.
- Willingness to follow all applicable safety rules and regulations.
- Possession of a valid driver license (Operator).
COMPETENCIES
- Execution and Results: (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job (as specified on the approved job description) and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required.
- Conduct: (1) Conducts oneself with the utmost integrity and professionalism; (2) demonstrates humility; (3) encourages people to share their perspectives, ideas, and opinions; (4) makes decisions based on a sense of shared purpose; (5) takes responsibility for actions and decisions; (6) resilient; (7) leans in to challenges and problems with creative solutions; (8) speaks up and challenges the status quo; (9) relies on the character, ability, strength, truth, and transparency of others and the organization.
- Teamwork/Team Oriented: (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed.
- Customer Centric: (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City’s mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind.
- Safety: (1) Complies with all safety policies and practices; (2) promotes a safe work environment; (3) participates in safety meetings; current on completion of safety trainings.
- Workplace Standards: (1) Takes meal periods and breaks according to policy; (2) ensures sick leave usage does not negatively impact productivity of work unit; (3) notifies supervisor of unscheduled absences; (4) accepts suggestions and supervision with a positive approach; (5) completes work timely and correctly.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Outside frequently exposed to heat, cold, humidity, rain, etc.
- Possibility of animal bites.
- Subject to working near moving objects such as traffic and machinery.
- Exposed to steady and loud noises.
- Exposed to large amounts of dust.
- Exposed to allergy-causing agents such as dust; bee or wasp stings; poison oak, ivy and sumac; etc.
- Occasionally exposed to chemical irritants such as disinfectant, bleach and flea dip.
- Occasionally exposed to large concentrations of noxious odors.
- Possibility of infections or illnesses caused by disease carrying animals.
- Required to use and maintain immobilization (tranquilizer) equipment.
- Local travel on a daily basis.
- Will work on slick floors and uneven surfaces
- May handle large animals, including livestock of all types
- May handle wildlife
- Occasional exposure to toxins such as chemicals used in the euthanization process.
- Required to work weekends, holidays, irregular hours and occasional overtime.
Note: Typical City employee working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require work to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may require work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work unit/department.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Strength enough to lift, push, and pull objects such as animals weighing up to 75 lbs.
- Stamina to exert oneself physically throughout the workday.
- Flexibility enough to bend, twist, and reach to perform duties such as loading and unloading animals on and off a truck and in and out of carriers, cages and kennels.
- Mobility enough to continually move oneself from place to place.
- Gross body coordination and balance enough to remain upright while capturing large animals such as cattle, horses, etc.
- Manual dexterity enough to perform duties such as placing identification collars on animals, typing and completing forms.
- Near vision enough to read items such as forms, tags or animal identification numbers, etc.
- Far vision enough to be able to perform duties such as identifying species of animal from a distance (e.g. skunk vs. cat).
- Visual color discrimination enough to perform duties such as distinguishing the color of animals for identification purposes.
- Hearing enough to distinguish sounds in a noisy environment.
- Speech and hearing enough to communicate clearly and distinctly in person and by two-way radio.
OTHER DETAILS
Note: An eligibility list will be established from this posting consisting of applicants who receive a score of 70 percent or better. Multiple selection procedures may be utilized; a minimum of 70 percent or better will be required on each; and the results of multiple selection procedures will be equally weighted. The eligibility list will be in effect for 180 days from the date of the final selection procedure and will be used to fill future vacancies.
Pay Method: City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.
Former Employees: If this position is open to external applicants and you are a former employee, you must be eligible for rehire to participate in any selection process. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the Human Resources Department at (405) 297-2530. If your rehire status has been coded “Not Eligible,” “Eligible 3,” or “Conditional,” you will need to request a review of your rehire status through the Human Resources Department’s Employee and Labor Relations Division.
Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination: Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.
If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants.
If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test.
If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination.
Note: Completion of the supplemental questions is required. Applicant responses to supplemental questions must specifically answer the questions asked. Responses to supplemental questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume. Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to supplemental questions have not been provided.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
If you require reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process, please notify one of the Human Resources Department Representatives by calling 405-297-2530. The City of Oklahoma City is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. The City of Oklahoma City will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (to include sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression), age, genetic information, disability or political affiliation.
About Us
Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States and is the 20th largest city in the nation. For nearly two decades our residents have continually invested in our community to make it a place people can find belonging, visit and call home. Our employees are at the heart of those investments-delivering essential services our residents expect and creating a strong and thriving city for all people.
About the Team
Join our team and build a fulfilling career of public service in a diverse and inclusive workplace, alongside talented, hardworking, and dedicated coworkers who provide essential services to thousands of residents and visitors every day. As a City of Oklahoma City employee, you will earn competitive pay, have job stability, grow personally and professionally, and make a difference in your community. To learn more about our departments and the services they provide, go to okc.gov.