MO Project: Contextual Branding

Office of Administration

Excellent customer service, every time.

Animal Health Officer

This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.

Class Number: 
7545
Annual Salary Range:
$28,872.00 – $46,176.00
Twice-a-Month Salary Range:
$1,203.00 – $1,924.00
Pay Grade: 
04
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Definition

This is technical and investigative work for the Department of Agriculture in the enforcement of animal health and animal care regulations.

An employee in this class is responsible for the enforcement of state and federal animal health and animal care statutes and regulations administered by the Division of Animal Health. Work involves conducting investigations of alleged violations of animal health and animal care statutes and regulations. Work in the Enforcement Section involves inspecting livestock carriers and livestock markets in a designated area of the state for compliance with animal health statutes and regulations regarding proper ownership documentation and required health certificates. Work in the Animal Care Program involves the inspection of commercial breeders, pet shops, kennels, animal shelters and related facilities for proper licensure and compliance with animal care statutes and regulations. The employee issues citations and serves subpoenas, summonses and quarantine notices on alleged violators. Upon completion of training, work is performed under the general supervision of a designated superior and is primarily reviewed through the submission of activity, inspection and investigation reports; however, the employee exercises independence and initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities within established guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in criminal justice, law enforcement, police science, criminology, animal science, agriculture, public or business administration or closely related areas.

OR

Four years of technical experience in one or more of the areas described below; and possession of a high school diploma or proof of high school equivalency.

Special Qualifying Experience

1. Technical experience in law enforcement, civil or criminal investigations or a closely related area.

2. Technical experience in the livestock industry which affords a knowledge of livestock market procedures and livestock transportation requirements.

3. Technical experience in the companion animal industry which affords a knowledge of animal care facility operation and animal welfare requirements.

Special Requirements

By assignment, a position may require:

The ability to successfully complete the Police Officer Standard Training (POST) and the police baton (PR-24) courses within established timeframes.

The ability to successfully complete training in animal control and animal cruelty investigations within established timeframes.

Job Duties

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

Enforces state and federal animal health and animal care statutes and regulations administered by the Division of Animal Health.

Inspects livestock carriers and livestock markets in a designated area of the state for compliance with animal health statutes and regulations regarding proper ownership documentation and required health certificates.

Inspects commercial breeders, pet shops, kennels, animal shelters and related facilities for proper licensure and compliance with animal care statutes and regulations.

Investigates alleged violations of animal health and animal care statutes and regulations; gathers evidence, obtains affidavits, compiles documentation and prepares reports for use in legal actions; testifies at administrative hearings and in courts of law.

Issues citations for alleged violations of animal health and animal care regulations; serves subpoenas, summonses and quarantine notices; impounds animals until compliance is accomplished.

Provides expertise and assistance to other state and federal law enforcement agencies in the investigation of animal abuse/neglect and the identification of stolen livestock.

Assists district, market and private veterinarians with cases which require enforcement activities.

Prepares and submits activity, inspection, investigation and expense reports.

Organizes weekly work activities to achieve established goals.

Maintains state vehicle and assigned equipment.

Performs other related work as assigned

Key Skills

Considerable knowledge of state and federal animal health and animal care statutes and regulations.

Working knowledge of law enforcement and investigative procedures.

Working knowledge of biosecurity practices and procedures used to control the spread of contagious and infectious diseases in animals.

Working knowledge of the different species of domestic, alternative and exotic animals typically marketed in Missouri.

Ability to interpret and enforce animal health and animal care statutes and regulations.

Ability to communicate effectively and to prepare complete and concise reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, livestock producers and businesses, animal care facility operators, law enforcement agencies, other state and federal officials and the general public.

Ability to assemble, transport and use animal-handling equipment.

Ability to adapt to and work in adverse weather conditions.

Ability to work varying schedules and to travel extensively in the performance of assigned duties.

(Revised 2/1/97)
(Minor Revision 8/1/13)