Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
401k
401K Matching
Dental Insurance
Dependent health insurance coverage
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health Insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid Time Off
Referral program
Vision Insurance
Job Description
Denali Universal Services is a reputable organization committed to providing high-quality animal control and welfare services within the Anchorage community. Known for its dedication to upholding public safety while promoting humane treatment of animals, Denali Universal Services operates the Anchorage Animal Control Center (AACC). The company is recognized for its comprehensive approach to animal control, blending law enforcement practices with compassionate care and public education. This organization values professionalism, community engagement, and teamwork, making it a trusted entity for managing animal-related issues locally.
The Animal Control Officer (ACO) position at Denali Universal Services offers a full-time, regular employment opportunity with a structured 40-hour work week. The role is dynamic and impactful, focusing on protecting public safety and ensuring the welfare of animals within the municipality. The ACO will be responsible for responding to various service calls that include capturing and impounding stray, dangerous, or injured animals, investigating cases of animal cruelty, rescuing trapped or needy animals, and providing reports and documentation related to their activities.
This position requires interaction with the public and other agencies in high-stress and sensitive scenarios, demanding high levels of professionalism and excellent communication skills. The ACO works under the limited supervision of an Enforcement Supervisor, adhering to Anchorage Municipal Code Title 17. Responsibilities also encompass enforcing licensing laws and regulations, issuing citations or warnings when necessary, and educating the public about animal control ordinances and responsible pet ownership. The role extends into legal realms where the officer may need to prepare cases for administrative hearings and provide expert testimony in court.
The work environment varies significantly, including office settings, the kennel area, and outdoor conditions with exposure to different weather extremes such as heat, cold, and icy roads. Physical demands are considerable, including lengthy periods on foot, climbing, bending, lifting heavy weights up to 50 pounds, and other physically intensive activities. The ACO must demonstrate strength, dexterity, coordination, and a compassionate approach to handling animals, regardless of their condition or the situation.
Overall, the role is critical in maintaining public health and safety, supporting animal welfare, and fostering positive community relations. By joining Denali Universal Services as an Animal Control Officer, candidates will engage in meaningful work that balances enforcement, education, and compassion, with the chance to develop professionally within a supportive organizational structure.
The Animal Control Officer (ACO) position at Denali Universal Services offers a full-time, regular employment opportunity with a structured 40-hour work week. The role is dynamic and impactful, focusing on protecting public safety and ensuring the welfare of animals within the municipality. The ACO will be responsible for responding to various service calls that include capturing and impounding stray, dangerous, or injured animals, investigating cases of animal cruelty, rescuing trapped or needy animals, and providing reports and documentation related to their activities.
This position requires interaction with the public and other agencies in high-stress and sensitive scenarios, demanding high levels of professionalism and excellent communication skills. The ACO works under the limited supervision of an Enforcement Supervisor, adhering to Anchorage Municipal Code Title 17. Responsibilities also encompass enforcing licensing laws and regulations, issuing citations or warnings when necessary, and educating the public about animal control ordinances and responsible pet ownership. The role extends into legal realms where the officer may need to prepare cases for administrative hearings and provide expert testimony in court.
The work environment varies significantly, including office settings, the kennel area, and outdoor conditions with exposure to different weather extremes such as heat, cold, and icy roads. Physical demands are considerable, including lengthy periods on foot, climbing, bending, lifting heavy weights up to 50 pounds, and other physically intensive activities. The ACO must demonstrate strength, dexterity, coordination, and a compassionate approach to handling animals, regardless of their condition or the situation.
Overall, the role is critical in maintaining public health and safety, supporting animal welfare, and fostering positive community relations. By joining Denali Universal Services as an Animal Control Officer, candidates will engage in meaningful work that balances enforcement, education, and compassion, with the chance to develop professionally within a supportive organizational structure.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- three months of experience in code, law enforcement or security to include carrying out laws through investigations, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, writing citations and reports or
- one year full time employed in a dispatch job in a public safety field, customer service representative, or animal handling in an animal related field such as veterinary
- experience or desire to learn in handling and care of animals
- current Alaska driver’s license with clean driving record
- excellent verbal and written communication skills
- strong interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
- must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- reliable access to a smartphone capable of running apps for scheduling, timekeeping, shift communications and time-off requests
- must be able to pass the company’s pre-employment screening process including drug screen, criminal background investigation and post-offer physical/functional capacity evaluation
- resume and cover letter must be attached to complete your online application
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- three months of experience in code, law enforcement or security to include carrying out laws through investigations, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, writing citations and reports or
- one year full time employed in a dispatch job in a public safety field, customer service representative, or animal handling in an animal related field such as veterinary
- experience or desire to learn in handling and care of animals
- excellent verbal and written communication skills
- strong interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
- valid driver’s license with clean driving record
- reliable access to a smartphone capable of running apps for scheduling, timekeeping, shift communications and time-off requests
- ability to pass pre-employment screening including drug screen, criminal background investigation and post-offer physical/functional capacity evaluation
- ability to acquire and maintain ACO certification
Job Duties
- Investigate cases of animal cruelty and complaints on violations of Anchorage Municipal Code Title 17
- apprehend and impound dangerous or stray animals while using required personal protective equipment, animal control devices/equipment, and techniques
- enforce licensing laws and other state/city laws and regulations that are applicable to the animal control program
- issue citations and warnings in accordance with Municipal Code Title 17
- prepare cases for administrative hearings and provide expert testimony in court cases as needed
- rescue trapped animals
- remove dead, injured or dangerous animals from streets and residential premises
- maintain record of daily activity and prepare incident reports
- complete all job required paperwork and documentation accurately and timely
- educate the public on animal control ordinances including licensing and rabies requirements, adoption procedures and animal welfare
- promote good animal care and responsible pet ownership
- ensure cleanliness, maintenance, and safe operations of animal control vehicles
- maintain work related devices/equipment in compliance with industry standards
- respond to request for assistance from other agencies in accordance with established service priorities
- provide relief for radio dispatching
- handle all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, including those that may be sick, injured, or feral, regardless of situation or circumstance
- maintain healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant and clean facilities for all animals housed at AACC using cleaners and disinfectants with chemical agents per MSDS guidelines
- complete company/job required training
- must be able to acquire and maintain required ACO certification
- always treat animals and people with respect
- contribute to effective teamwork
- work cooperatively with and assist other staff and volunteers
- and advance public relations beneficial to the Anchorage Animal Control Center (AACC)
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
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