Deputy Dog Warden

Department: Dog Warden
Reports To: Chief Dog Warden
Classification: Hourly Non-Exempt, Full Time

Organizational Summary

It’s an exciting time to join the Cincinnati Animal CARE team! Cincinnati Animal CARE is the new county Humane Society in Hamilton County and with this change in operational leadership comes the opportunity to be part of a new beginning in Greater Cincinnati animal services.

Deputy Dog Warden Job Description

It’s an exciting time to join Hamilton County’s Dog Warden team! Cincinnati Animal CARE is the new county Humane Society in Hamilton County and with this change in operational leadership comes the opportunity to be part of the new beginning and launch new animal control services for the people of Greater Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Animal CARE is looking for energetic people who are enthusiastic about our mission, work with a sense of urgency, and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. Our Officers are an integral part of our team and must share our goal to lead our region in progressive, best practice, data driven, no-kill animal sheltering. Teamwork and community are important to us as we believe people are the answer, not the problem. We are seeking Deputy Dog Wardens who love the idea and challenge of building a progressive program from the ground up, embrace change and growth, love to learn and bring a positive and open-minded attitude to every challenge. This person must be a strong leader who values giving and receiving feedback. We believe that every day at Cincinnati Animal CARE is a day to do something great for the people and animals in our community.

Deputy Dog Wardens will be responsible for compassionate, high-quality, community-based services, working in collaboration with shelter leadership, and protecting animals through the enforcement of state and local animal control laws within the jurisdiction of Hamilton County. Officers must demonstrate knowledge of animal behavior and the ORC 955 and 959. Deputy Dog Wardens report directly to the Chief Dog Warden.

A successful candidate must display the following characteristics:

• Positive communication
• Problem-solving mentality
• Public-service focus
• Objectivity
• Professionalism
• Commitment to organizational mission

Major Essential Duties

• Patrol assigned area of the County
• Seize and impound all dogs not confined or under their owners reasonable control
• Conduct periodic checks for valid dog licenses, issue citations for violations of relevant laws concerning control and registration of dogs
• Respond to animal control calls regarding stray, hostile dogs, and injured or sick animals
• Take required actions to impound, save, or humanely destroy animals as appropriate to circumstances involved
• Sets and monitor live traps to capture roaming dogs
• Document, investigate, and follow up on incoming calls and complaints; follow up on verbal and written warnings
• Answer questions from public regarding legal requirements, dog control and effective methods of pet care
• Complete forms and prepares reports of actions taken for purposes of documentation, legal requirements, statistical records, or as dictated by policy
• Appear in court when necessary to give testimony in the prosecution of cases involving animal control
• Issue citations in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and appear in court as needed, to give testimony in the prosecution of cases involving animal control
• Maintain reports as required by Hamilton County Health Department for quarantine animals
• Clean and provides routine care of equipment and vehicles used to perform duties

Essential Skills

• Ability to operate a Hamilton County vehicle; maintain vehicle for cleanliness, well-equipped, and properly serviced; reports needed repairs to the Chief Dog Warden
• Ability to operate and dispatch radio and telephone communications systems
• Ability to be skilled in the use of devices used for capturing stray and wild animals; such as restrain pole, dip net and humane trap
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions necessary for the safe performance of assigned duties
• Thorough knowledge of animal control ordinances

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Graduation from a standard high school or the equivalency
• Knowledge of animal behavior patterns, disease symptoms and general animal care.
• A minimum of two years experience in Law Enforcement or Security.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Possess Humane Agent Certification required to perform full set of job duties (new hires lacking this certification will be sent to training)
• Successful completion of NACA Level I and II Animal Control Officer Course within a time period designated by the Executive Director
• Possession of or ability to obtain promptly, a proper State of Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license for type of equipment operated.
• Ability to obtain weapons, O/C chemical spray, Baton, Taser and Defensive Tactics certifications.

Other Knowledge and/or Skills

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions necessary for the safe performance of assigned duties
• Ability to act independently within established guidelines
• Ability to work under general supervision
• Ability to exercise good judgment
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to restrain animals
• Must meet minimum requirements to be a sworn peace officer
• Ability to keep good documentation and report writing.

Work Environment

• Danger from moving traffic
• Exposure to aggressive and sick animals
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and parasites
• Temperature level will vary from extreme cold to extreme heat
• Moisture level will vary from extreme dry to rain, snow, and ice conditions and may require immersion in water

Other

• Adherence to the applicable provisions of the Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society’s policy guidelines
• Must have personal integrity and remain free of felony convictions and most misdemeanor offenses.
• Must maintain confidentiality and follow due process in prosecution cases
• Must be able to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (rotating schedule)
• Must be 21 years or older
• Resident of Hamilton County or within 15 mile radius of the Northside shelter (3949 Colerain Ave, 45223) for emergency response purposes preferred, but not required
• Must be bondable

Cincinnati Animal CARE provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, disability, national origin, ethnic background, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
 

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Rotating, daytime and night shifts
• 8 hour shifts
• 3 shifts to cover 24 hours
• Holidays
• Weekend availability