Abolished 10/07

ANIMAL FACILITY INSPECTOR

8212F3

Pay Grade: 19

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is technical work in the inspection and regulation of animal housing or breeding facilities.

Work involves conducting inspections of USDA animal dealers of both class A and class B licensed premises and of state licensed breeders, pet shops, boarding and training facilities, research facilities, animal shelter and selected city pounds.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction..." Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.

Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average - Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level experience a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.

Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.

Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level.

Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Livestock Inspector class in which the incumbents enforce laws and regulations related to the movement, sale and sanitary and health conditions of livestock and the eradication of quarantinable diseases throughout the state.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Inspects kennels and equipment for cleanliness and to ensure proper sanitation procedures are followed.

Observes the proper treatment of animals in animal facilities according to laws, regulations and standards.

Assists veterinarians and kennel operators in interpreting laws and regulations relating to animal health.

Examines animals at facilities if suspicious of disease and makes recommendations to obtain a veterinarian's diagnosis.

Responds to complaints from the public and works with county attorneys and law enforcement personnel to assist in resolving these complaints.

Conducts investigations into unlicensed facilities, gathers evidence of violations.

Examines records, receipts, dispositions and other paperwork to ensure proper certificates for intrastate and interstate commerce; ensures adequate records are maintained by kennels, pet shops, pounds, and shelters and are reported to the department as required by statute or regulation.

Checks and verifies conditions of the various animal establishments for adequate space, nutritional standards and the suitability of facilities for animals to protect the health, safety and welfare of animal housed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Knowledge

Knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to the commercial housing of dogs, cats and other companion animals sold in state.

*Knowledge of preventable disease of animals.

*Knowledge of proper sanitation methods and procedures.

Abilities

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with the public and coworkers.

Ability to explain and interpret laws and regulations.

*Ability to document and present evidence of violations of laws and regulations and give testimony at formal hearings or court.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or related field or independent work experience with dogs, cats or other household animals.

NC:   06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 10/03