Do you have a passion for animal welfare and a strong sense of community responsibility? The Humane Society of the Black Hills is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and dedicated Animal Control Services Officer to help protect animals and people in the Rapid City area. This is more than just a job helping local animals – it’s a chance to serve your community, enforce important local ordinances, and advocate for the humane treatment of all animals.

The Humane Society of the Black Hills’ Animal Control Services officers (ACOs) are instrumental in managing community animal-related issues with professionalism and compassion, education over authority. ACOs are sworn-in to uphold animal-related ordinances and statutes. The ideal candidate for this position shall have a strong work ethic, the maturity to calmly handle various situations, be detailed-oriented, and have a passion for animal welfare and community outreach. You must be at least 21 years of age to apply.

General Summary

Animal Control Services officers enforce local and regional laws concerning the care and treatment of animals, responding to calls regarding distressed animals and working directly with citizens or other agencies concerning animal control issues. Animal Control Services officers enforce ordinances, strictly follow policy and procedures, maintain detailed and accurate records, and work toward building and maintaining a positive relationship between the Humane Society of the Black Hills with other enforcement agencies and our community.

Key Duties

• Respond to calls involving stray, injured, or aggressive animals
• Enforce city and county animal-related ordinances and laws
• Safely capture and transport animals to the shelter
• Conduct welfare checks and assist in animal-related investigations
• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership and local laws
• Maintain accurate records and prepare detailed reports
• Work collaboratively with local law enforcement, the shelter team, and more
• Patrol community by driving an ACO vehicle to locate, identify, capture, transport, and impound unlicensed, stray disowned and uncontrolled animals.
• Capture and remove stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using approved provided equipment.
• Complete accurate timely reports and records regarding animal captures, detainment, and quarantines as assessed for rabies/vector diseases.
• Educate the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws, and regulations.
• Investigate any animal control report, conduct surveillance of “Dog Bite Reports”; record where and when incidents took place, describe the animal or vector, record address and name of victim; search and locate animals; perform follow-up activities on dogs in a 10-day observation period; maintain accurate and complete records of the same.
• Investigate reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and writing reports.
• Respond and inspect calls from the public regarding animals that directly affect their way of life; investigates complaints related to animals in violation of City ordinances.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public; projects a positive and professional image of the animal control service.
• Issue warnings or citations in connection with animal-related offenses.
• Inspect and examine dog licenses or any other animal certification for validity and issues citations or summons to the owner whose animals are in violation of the same.
• Remove captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and place animals in shelter cages or other enclosures.
• Assist the organization’s medical professionals in euthanization of rabid or severely injured animals
• Help prepare and ship specimens for rabies testing.
• Assist law enforcement personnel in removing confiscated and uncontrolled dogs from residences that are considered dangerous.
• Prepare and maintain daily records, investigation and surveillance files; assists performing dispatching and related office duties.
• Appear in court hearings, discussions, conference, and jury trials as necessary to assure appropriate compliance of City codes and ordinances.
• Assist in maintaining excellent customer service and communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.
• Assist shelter staff in duties when necessary (i.e. walking dogs, restocking kennels, feeding, etc.)
• Alternate weekends on-call to assist RCPD and Pennington County Sheriff’s office with after-hours animal control issues

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; additional training or certification in animal care, law enforcement, or related fields is a plus
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and physically handle animals of all sizes and temperaments
• Experience in animal handling, public service, and/or law enforcement is preferred but not required
• Background check required.
• Minimum age to apply: 21 years old

On-the-Job Training & Continuing Education

• Complete NACA ACO I & II certifications within first year of employment
• Be sworn-in in the Seventh Judicial Circuit after completion of 90-day probationary period and completion of NACA ACO I
• Complete Fear Free: Shelter Core Modules certification
• Routine training with local law enforcement agencies

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Work is performed inside and/or outside a building. Work is done in a variety of weather conditions and outdoor elements, such as: excessive heat, humidity, intermittent noise, and inclement cold weather. Work is done in a variety of environmental conditions, such as: unknown and dangerous conditions, unusual environment stress, contagious infectious disease, irritating chemicals, life-threatening situations, solvents, dirt, dust, constant noise, and slippery/uneven walking surfaces. Must be capable of working closely with others or alone, working irregular hours, weekends, working with protective devices, and traveling by car frequently. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, straight pulling, pulling hand over hand, simple grasping, dual simultaneous grasping, repeated bending, sitting, standing, pushing, crouching, crawling, twisting, kneeling, stooping, climbing stairs, walking, and reaching above shoulders.

To Apply

If you’re ready to help create a safer, educated, and more humane community for animals, we want to hear from you. Submit your resume, cover letter, and two references or letters of recommendation here or to our Human Resources department at hr@hsbh.org.

This ad reflects the general details of the job and is not meant to serve as an exhaustive listing of all the work assignments that may be required. The Humane Society of the Black Hills is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.