Job Description: Animal Services & Enforcement Officer (ASE)
Reports to: Executive Director
FLSA Status: non-exempt – hourly

You must be 21 year of age or older to be considered for this positoin.

The Humane Society of the Black Hills (HSBH) has an immediate opening for an Animal Services and
Enforcement (ASE) officer. The HSBH is an open admission shelter located in Rapid City, South Dakota —
the gateway to the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota. The HSBH animal services officers are
instrumental in managing community animal-related issues with professionalism and compassion. ASE
officers are sworn in to uphold animal-related ordinances and statutes. Law enforcement experience is a
plus but not necessary. 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.

General Summary:
Animal Services and Enforcement officers enforce local and regional laws concerning the care and
treatment of animals. They respond to calls regarding distressed animals and work directly with citizens
concerning animal control issues. ASE officers work to maintain public health standards by making
communities safe for both people and animals. Officers respond to calls from citizens about stray
animals, suspected animal cruelty or deceased animals. Officers may have to capture or rescue animals,
but other times they administer warnings or citations to citizens suspected of animal cruelty and
mistreatment. ASE officers enforce ordinances, strictly follow policy and procedures, maintain accurate
records, and work toward building and maintaining a positive relationship between the Humane Society
of the Black Hills with other enforcement agencies and the public.

Essential Job Functions:
 Patrol area by driving an AS&E 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” and conducts,
inspections; 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.
 Euthanize rabid or severely injured animals.
 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 good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.
 Will be required to drive a Humane Society of the Black Hills Animal Control vehicle.
 Valid South Dakota driver license.

Minimum Qualifications:
 High School Diploma or GED. Associates degree preferred.
 Complete online National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) classes (ACO Basic
CertificaƟon Training) and certify in Animal Control with the Association learning proper law
enforcement techniques and actions, within one year of employment with HSBH.
 Valid driver’s license
 Background check required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
 Knowledge of the laws and ordinances pertaining to animal control and humane treatment of
animals.
 Ability to use animal control equipment and protective devices.
 Ability to enforce local, state, and federal laws governing animal control and zoonosis.
 Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
 Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
 Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
 Ability to maintain a valid South Dakota driver license and a good driving record.
 Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and
respond to general public complaints.
 Ability to project a positive and professional image of the Humane Society of the Black Hills.
 Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writring.
 Ability to comply with all Humane Society policies and procedures.
 Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance
of the duties of this position.

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, intermitent 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 75% of the time. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, straight pulling, pulling
hand over hand, simple grasping, dual simultaneous grasping, repeated bending, siƫng, standing,
pushing, crouching, crawling, twisting, kneeling, stooping, climbing stairs, walking, and reaching above
shoulders. Ability to see, write, read, count identify shade of colors, perceive depth, and hearing is
needed to perform the essential functions of this job.

This job description reflects the general details of the specific job and is not necessarily a complete
listing of all the work assignments that may be required.

Wages & Benefits
Annual: starting at $34,944.00 +
Paid Training & ACO Basic NAWA Certification
Vision, Dental, Life Insurance
Paid Time Off

Apply today!