ACO Job Opening in Leavenworth, KS

I know there are a lot of people out there looking for jobs in this economy -- and here is one for the animal advocates.  Leavenworth, KS has a position open for an animal control officer -- details below. Leavenworth is a dog-friendly city to dogs of all breeds, so this would be a pretty great job for a lot of folks out there.

Here’s the posting from the Citys website: if they need additional information, go to www.lvks.org and click on job openings.

The Police Department, City of Leavenworth is seeking qualified applicants for the following full time position.

Animal Control Officer: The major function of the job is the responsibility of field work in the enforcement of animal control and licensing ordinances as well as feeding and care of animals at the Animal Shelter. Minimum Qualifications: graduation from HS or equivalent; a minimum age of 18; possess a valid driver's license at time of application; no felony convictions; must have good driving record; capable of lifting up to 40 lb animals into animal carrier, climb ladders and trees; capable of coherently speaking English while communicating with the public; capable of completing daily reports and other required documents; must be able to work variable shifts and weekends; and shall be required to keep and maintain a phone where reside. EOE/AA.

Salary Range: $28,869 - $43,303 plus an excellent benefit package.

If qualified, apply in person at Workforce Partnership Center, 515 Limit, Suite 200, Leavenworth KS. Completed applications must be returned to the center NLT 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17^th. The center is open 8-5, M-F.

Comments

[Mark]

So in Leavenworth Animal Control is under the Police Department? I've often wondered why we don't do the same in KC.

[Brent]

Yeah -- a lot of cities do this -- especially many of the smaller communities. In many cities, they used to have the police out there to enforce animal control policies before they had an animal control. When they decided they needed specific enforcement of animal control laws, they had the one or two ACOs report in to the police. Other cities end up having animal control run through their neighborhoods department (likely formed because of concerns about stray dogs) or their city health departments (likely formed when the rabies was the concern).

There are pros and cons to all sides. I think there are clearly economies in the dispatching system if it is rolled up under the police. However, I've seen a lot of cases where reporting to police creates more of an emphasis on punishing pet owners than looking out for the welfare of the animals -- which ends up being bad for animals.

But at the end of the day, an animal control department can be properly or improperly managed regardless of who they report into.