ABOUT THE POSITIONS
Under direct supervision, Reserve Animal Control Officers perform a variety of duties involved in the enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations. They ensure public safety by assisting in limited animal control related duties such as patrolling areas within the City and contracting cities, to enforce animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; issuing administrative citations; collecting fees picking up deceased animals, and transporting them for disposal; transporting shelter animals to and from local veterinary hospitals for treatment to name just a few.

Under close supervision Reserve Animal Control Officer Trainees learn how to preform animal control services and promote compliance with specified local and state laws related to animal care through education and enforcement.
This is the trainee level classification in the Animal Control Officer occupational series. This classification is required to learn animal care regulations and procedures using classroom study and practical guidance and perform a limited range of animal control duties. The expectation is that the incumbent successfully reclassifies into the Reserve Animal Control Officer classification within twelve (12) month of hire. Failure to demonstrate the ability to perform the Reserve Animal Control Officer duties by 12-months of hire may lead to termination of employment.

• Strong work experience demonstrating the use of independent judgment, tact and discretion;
• Someone who can effectively deal with outside agencies, the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone by providing a high level of customer service;
• Ability to educate the public in animal laws and regulations;
• Possess strong animal handling skills;
• Ability to evaluate animal behavior, evaluate animal health;
• Knowledge of computer applications such Word, Excel, Outlook, Chameleon and has the ability to learn new programs; and
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

• Pertinent state and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Identification of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
• Principles of animal behavior and care.
• Principles and practices used in dealing with the public.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of animal services.
• Basic principles and procedures of record-keeping.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Safe work practices.

• Interpreting, explaining, applying, and enforcing laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to animal services.
• Effectively responding to calls for services.
• Meeting and dealing tactfully and effectively with the public.
• Recognizing normal and abnormal animal behavior.
• Handling potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate and complete records.
• Preparing clear and concise reports.
• Working independently in the absence of supervision.
• Accessing, retrieving, entering, and updating information using a computer terminal.
• Effectively representing the City in meetings with governmental and regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Operating and maintaining a variety of animal control equipment.
• Operating a two-way radio.
• Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and those contacted in the course of the work.
• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Benefits Overview
The following description is a general overview of the benefits provided to City of Mission Viejo benefit eligible employees. For specific details, please review the Human Resources Policies, Management and Budget Policies, Administrative Regulations, and official plan documents, or contact the Human Resources office at 949.470.3060.

Employees of the City are currently covered under the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). While the City does not participate in the Social Security System, federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare insurance coverage.

Retirement

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are CalPERS Members –

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo within less than a six (6) month break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 60 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. Employees are required to contribute the full 7% member contribution, plus an additional 1.5% towards the employer rate.

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo with a six (6) month or more break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.0%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are Not CalPERS Members –

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.0%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employer's Contribution Rate –

Beginning July 1, 2021, the employer's normal cost contribution rate is 9.82%, which reflects the employee pick-up of 1.5% of the employer rate.

Retiree Benefits

Employees Hired On or After December 2, 2006 –

The City's Supplemental Health Account for Retired Employees (SHARE) Plan is a defined contribution health reimbursement plan, which is intended to help employees offset post-retirement healthcare costs by allowing employees to contribute pre-tax dollars from their current wages with an additional contribution from the City, into an account that can be accessed upon retirement. To be eligible for the full benefits of the SHARE Plan, an employee must reach age 55 with a total of 15 years of service with the City of Mission Viejo.

The Plan requires mandatory contributions from both the employee and the City. Contributions to the Plan will commence for an employee beginning with the first pay period that occurs after the eligible employee's completion of one year of service with the City. Eligible employees will be required to contribute 1.5% of their salary. Deductions will be pre-tax and will be taken from each paycheck.

Starting the same date, the City contribution will be $100 per month ($50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time employees, $75 per month ($37.50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .750 to .999, and $50 per month ($25 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .500 to .749, after the completion of the waiting period. This program is administered by ICMA-RC.