Animal Control Officer (ACO) - Under direct supervision, this position enforces Village animal ordinances and various municipal codes pertaining to the control of domestic and wild animals within the Village of Ruidoso to protect the public's health, safety and welfare. Police Service Aide (PSA) - Provide police service that otherwise would be lost or delayed because of workload saturation on sworn officers, relieve sworn officer of non-related or low priority police service so that they may pursue anti-crime activities more effectively. Collect and preserve physical evidence in the field; ensure the preservation of all items taken into evidence and testify in court regarding the chain of custody and integrity of evidence. This position will work regular hours including, but may be subject to call back during nights, weekends and holidays. O?cer reports directly to the Administrative Lieutenant.
Animal Control Officer Essential Job Functions- Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services.
- Handles citizen complaints regarding violations of Village ordinances and municipal codes pertaining to the control of domestic and wild animals in a way that maintains e?ective public relations.
- Patrols Village and identi?es Village ordinance and municipal code violations including dogs at large, feral cats, barking dogs, un-neutered pets, and vicious dogs.
- Discusses violations and abatement measures with involved parties.
- Exercises discretion in accordance with stated policies and procedures to determine appropriate enforcement actions, from verbal warnings to issuing citations and ?ling criminal complaints.
- Impounds stray and owner-released animals and provides e?cient, caring, humane treatment to animals.
- Completes required reports and maintains records.
- Noti?es state game and ?sh department (or makes other appropriate noti?cation) of wild animal problems within the village limits, such as elk, bear, raccoon, and snakes.
- Assist with animal bite incidents.
- Cleans and maintains assigned vehicle.
- Explains Village ordinances, municipal codes, policies and procedures to the public. Educates the public on new ordinances and changes in existing ordinances.
- Distributes pamphlets on training dogs not to be nuisance barkers.
- Provides information to the public on a variety of animal related matters, including treatment of animal bites, and symptoms of animal diseases.
- Is the liaison with the Humane Society, local veterinarians, and the New Mexico Game and Fish department.
Police Service Aide Essential Job Functions- Performs non-hazardous duties and handles low priority calls for service, or assistance, to provide the department and public a variety of services and support.
- Directs traffic, performs routine patrol, and reports on suspicious activities; conducts on scene, non-injury, crash investigations and prepares various special and recurring reports to provide timely and accurate information; writes and issues non-criminal citations where necessary and appropriate in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Identifies, addresses, and reports on abandoned vehicles; ensures all appropriate policies and procedures are followed; enforces parking regulations, rules, and standards and provides assistance and support to motorists.
- Responds appropriately to all inquiries and non-violent misdemeanor crimes, where no suspect information is available, to ensure professional representation of the department; compiles information, updates, maintains, and completes records and reports in various mediums and formats in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards.
- Assists as directed in a variety of matters and situations to include at crash and crime scenes; preserves evidence, assists with measurements and collecting other information and data, and performs other duties as directed.
- Drafts, prepares, and completes tow sheets and provides safety support at crash scenes; gathers, documents, transports, and safeguards evidence and records; transports civilians as directed; supports and assists various traffic projects.
- Responds to inquiries and provides information as appropriate and within delegated authority; relays information and issues of concern to appropriate staff for research and/or response; ensures officers have all necessary information, correspondence, and related items.
- Manages and addresses various lost and found property, reports, and documentation.
Additional Job Functions- Maintains appropriate and productive relationships and communication with law enforcement personnel, other agencies, and the public; testifies in court regarding various situations and investigations.
- Participates in community outreach events and engages community members in collaborative problem-solving processes to support the department's community partnership philosophy and initiatives.
- Ensures computer is backed up once a month and adheres to Village of Ruidoso IT Policies
- Adheres to all Village of Ruidoso's policies not limited to it, Purchasing, and Personnel Manual
- Ensures that any on-the job injury is reported immediately and followed up with appropriate forms and actions.
- Reports any suspected fraud and/or abuse to the Human Resources Manager or Village Manager
- Ensures any reports of harassment are immediately reported and appropriate actions are taken.
- Attend meetings, trainings, and workshops as needed
- The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. As a condition of employment, employees are required to perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
Physical Demands- Maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and ?ngers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
- The employee is routinely required to walk, stand, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell.
- Frequently push, pull, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally push, pull, lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
Work Environment- Inclement weather conditions and/or situations.
- Driving for long periods of time.
- Noise level could be moderate to loud work environment.
Travel Requirements Normal travel – ability to travel for activities such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the service area. Must be able to travel by air as needed to attend training, conferences, and related activities. Overnight travel as required.
- High School Education or equivalent required. Code Enforcement or Animal Control experience preferred.
- Must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with agency’s "Drug Free "Policy.
- Must be able to pass regular criminal historychecks.
Licenseand/orCertifications- Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico motor vehicle operator's permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required.
- Must agree to maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law.
- The Village of Ruidoso will conduct MVR background check.
- Knowledge of personal computer operations within a Windows Microsoft environment, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Skills at handling equipment used to capture and impound animals
- Ability to learn the Village ordinances and municipal codes pertaining to, life safety, animal control, learn the Police Department policies and procedures, balance a variety of duties, understand and carry out instruction and procedures with limited supervision, work independently and cooperatively, make fair and concise decisions, work in stressful environment and deal e?ectively with stress, perform duties and adapt to ?exible work schedules as established by management.
Closing Statements
- Any position that lists a minimum qualification for education level and/or license/certification will require the applicant to provide proof of documentation if selected for hire into the position.
- In the event of an emergency, employees are required to work to provide for the safety and well-being of the public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services.
- This job description is subject to change as the needs of the organization and Department change or the requirements of this position change.
