Read Ahead - Community Services Officer PositionsLEWIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
"Public Safety through PmfPssic
TO: BOCC
FROM: Kevin M. Engelbertson, Undersheriff
DATE: July 3, 2024
RE: Sheriff's Office Re -Organization Read Ahead
Re -Organization Request:
At the request of the Board of County Commissioners, the Sheriff's Office has agreed to
the realignment of all animal control responsibilities, including animal abuse and neglect
cases, as well as overseeing kennel and breeding operations. Two full-time equivalent
(FTE) positions within Public Health & Social Service (PHSS) would be removed from
PHSS and the funds reallocated to the Sheriff's Office. These two positions would then
be expanded to include other Sheriff's Office functions, such as the service of civil
process/court paperwork, verifying of registered sex offender addresses, assisting in the
performance of traffic control when collisions occur within the county, and crime scene
security/preservation. (These positions will NOT cover duties associated with the Lewis
County Animal Shelter).
The Sheriff's Office has worked with HR to draft a job description for Community
Services Officer (CSO). Once approved by the BOCC, the Sheriff's Office will request
approval through the Lewis County Civil Service Commission for the CSO positions to
be classified as Civil Service positions. These two positions will be non -union and
placed as non -represented employees on the County's salary grid.
Budget:
Anticipated Budget Transfer from PHSS to the Sheriff's Office: $240,000.00
A wage analysis was completed by HR and the results placed the position at salary
Grade 21, Step 1.
Other Expenses (vehicle, radio, uniform, cell phone): $34,054.00
Background:
For background information, reference Animal Services Proposal memo from PHSS
Director Meja Handlen to County Manager Ryan Barrett dated June 17, 2024.
Lewis County Sheriff's Office Mission Statement:
Being a committed community partner, providing professional service to enhance the safety, security, and quality of life in Lewis County.
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LEWIS COUNTY
360 NW North Street
Public Healtb & Social Services chehoiisWA98532
TO: Ryan Barrett, Lewis County Manager
FROM: Meja Handlen, Director LCPHSS
DATE: June 17, 2024
RE: Animal Services Proposal
This proposal aims to enhance animal services' overall efficiency and effectiveness by leveraging the
Lewis County Sheriff's Office's existing infrastructure, expertise, and authority while fostering more
robust community engagement and protection.
1. Background:
• In 2009, Lewis County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) entered into a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Lewis County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) to support
the LCSO's legal responsibility to enforce County Code (LCC) 6.05 and 6.15.
• In 2015, an updated version of the MOU was signed by PHSS and LCSO with the .50 FTE
Humane Officer position remaining housed within the Code Enforcement Division of PHSS
tasked with responding to non -urgent referrals from road deputies who did initial
investigations of animal cruelty and or neglect complaints.
• In 2019, LCPHSS and LCSO entered a new agreement to provide one FTE housed under
LCPHSS to "respond to all animal calls received." This agreement was rescinded by LCSO
in late December of 2022.
• In December of 2022, PHSS was informed of LCSO's decision to revoke the MOU and
assume responsibility for animal control calls.
• In January 2023, PHSS utilized the FTE that formerly responded to all animal calls to
perform traditional code enforcement duties. PHSS continued to use a separate code
enforcement FTE that specialized in animal abuse investigation.
• In September 2023, the two departments began discussing how best to serve the needs
of the community's animal control needs.
• In December of 2023, a proposal was made to realign all animal -related complaints and
concerns under LCSO, with the transference of funding and resources to accommodate
this.
Meja Handlen, Director
0 360.740.1223 F 360.740.1438 TDD 360.740.1480 Joseph Wiley, M.D. Health Officer
i
0
LEWIS COUNTY
360 NW North Street
Public Health & Social Services Chehalis wa 98532
• In March of 2024, the Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney's office provided guidance
related to the Sheriff's duties as outlined in the following sections RCW 36.28.010, 16.04,
16.08, 16.30, 16.52, 16.54 and Lewis County Code 6.05.010(1), 6.05.010(5).
2. Operational Changes Proposal:
A. Two full-time equivalent (FTE) positions within the PHSS code compliance division would be
removed, and the associated general funds would be reallocated to LCSO for animal control
and other community services initiatives. This reallocation reflects a strategic decision to
prioritize all animal control services under LCSO to better align with the associated RCWs and
County Code.
B. Updating Lewis County Code:
1. Dangerous Animal Designation: Sections 6.05.070 & 6.05.080, 6.05.120 would be
amended to remove the Dangerous Animal Designation Board, transferring the
authority to designate dangerous animals to a single entity, the elected Sheriff. This
change streamlines the process and reduces staff and expenses associated with the
board.
2. Revision of Relevant Sections: Sections 6.05.080, 6.05.105, 6.05.110, 6.05.120, and
6.05.155 would be updated to reflect the removal of the Dangerous Animal Designation
Board and the replacement of PHSS with the Sheriff or their designee. This aligns with
standard procedures in many jurisdictions where law enforcement agencies handle
animal -related matters.
3. Kennels and Breeding: Section 6.15*, specifically section 3 and ii*, would be updated to
remove references to PHSS and its Director, replacing them with the LCSO and the
Sheriff. This change reflects the new responsibility of LCSO in overseeing kennels and
breeding operations.
In summary, realigning all animal control responsibilities, as well as animal abuse and neglect, under the
Lewis County Sheriff's Office will maximize the efficacy of services to the community.
Meja Handlen, Director
0.360.740.1223 F 360,740.1438 TDD 360.74-0.1480 Joseph Wiley, M.D. Health Officer
Human Resources
To: Sheriff Rob Snaza
Undersheriff Kevin Engelbertson
From: Rachel Lester, HR Generalist Senior
RE: Community Services Officer Salary Analysis
Date: July 3, 2024
351 NW North Street
Chehalis, WA 98532-1900
360.740.1209
Salary Analysis for Community Services Officer Position
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
Position Overview:
The Community Services Officer (CSO) within the Lewis County Sheriff's Office is responsible for field
inspections and investigations to enforce State and County codes and ordinances related to safety issues
and public nuisances. The CSO investigates complaints and issues citations for community service
violations within their scope of authority and is capable of holding a Special Commission issued by the
Sheriff of Lewis County.
Objective:
To ensure the salary for the Community Services Officer position aligns with the duties and responsibilities
and is competitive with similar positions in other counties.
Data Collection:
We collected salary data from various Washington Counties. Attempts to gather additional data from local
cities and Humane Societies were unsuccessful. Our comparison primarily focused on Animal Control
Officers, as their roles are closely aligned with the CSO position.
Rachel Lester
Human Resources HR Generalist SR
Public Disclosure Requests Lewis County Human Resources
Below is the data from responding counties:
Chelan
$-
$
Does not have this position.
Adams
$-
$-
Does not have this position.
Mason County / Animal
Position is listed in CBA but is unfunded at this
Control Officer
$-
$-
time.
Franklin County
$-
$-
Does not have this position.
Whatcom County
$
$-
Does not have this position.
Thurston County
$-
$-
Does not have this position.
Kitsap County
$-
$-
Does not have this position.
Whitman County
$-
$-
Does not have this position.
HS Diploma/GED. 2 years' experience in
care/control of animals involving enforcing OR
combination of education, training and experience.
Required to complete Washington State Board of
Pharmacy legend drug certification within 6 months
of hire. Commissioned. *Must reside within 30
Spokane County / Animal
minutes of normal driving conditions from the
Protection Officer
$44,854
$62,774
shelter.
High school diploma, GED or equivalent, or any
combination equivalent to sufficient training and
experience to demonstrate the knowledge and
abilities listed above. Valid State driver's license.
Ability to obtain required certifications including
certification in ACCESS Level II within six (6)
months of appointment. Possession of, or ability to
Walla Walla County /
obtain, a valid certification as a euthanasia
Animal Control Officer
$50,357
$67,496
technician.
Not a position within the Sheriff's Office. Enforces
animal control ordinances, laws, and regulations.
Patrols areas of the County and responds to and
investigates complaints of animal control, welfare
and cruelty. Issues citations, writes reports,
handles animals. HS Diploma or GED and two years
Benton / Canine Control
canine care and treatment experience or one year
Officer II
$51,156
$66,384
with one year law enforcement background.
Civil Service examination, similar duties, two years
of field experience providing Animal control or Law
Island County / Animal
Enforcement preferred, successful completion of
Control Officer
$51,180
$61,453
the WSCJTC Animal Control Officer Academy.
Page 2 of 6
Civil Service position, similar duties, HS Diploma or
Jefferson County/Animal
GED. Must complete WA State Animal Control
Services Officer
$52,666
$67,224
Academy within one year of employment.
Series of two- Animal Control Officer and Lead. HS
Clark County / Animal
Diploma or GED and experience working in animal
Control Officer
$53,518
$72,259
welfare.
Three years' experience as an Animal Control
Officer, or 3-5 years in experience in public or
customer service OR post -secondary education in
Clark County / Animal
relevant courses. Finalists must pass a physical
Control Officer Lead
$54,979
$78,582
examination, and CPR and First Aid certs.
Responsible for enforcing County ordinances and
State laws governing animal control and care, and
to ensure the proper investigation of violations of
Clallam County / Animal
county ordinances or state law regarding animals,
Control Deputy
$55,440
$67,548
issues citations. HS Graduate or GED.
HS Diploma/GED. Background investigation, valid
driver's license and the completion of the Animal
Pierce County/Animal
Control Officer Academy (CJTC offers this class -
Control Officer
$58,908
$73,692
$500)
Commissioned Position, similar duties, HS
Diploma or GED and three years of technical
Yakima County/Animal
education or experience to include customer
Control Officer
$59,634
$75,629
service experience.
Through the Sheriff's Office, similar duties, HS
Diploma or GED, six months experience working
with animals. Employee will eventually need to
Skagit County / Animal
complete the coursework and training for the
Control Officer
$61,191
$77,854
WCJTC Animal Control Academy.
HS Diploma/GED and have successfully completed
a probationary period as an animal control officer at
Cowlitz County/ Animal
an agency responsible for enforcing animal control
Control
$61,485
$72,342
ordinances.
HS Diploma/GED and 3 years of practical work
experience in the care and handling of animals. OR
Associate's Degree in Veterinarian Technology or
Biology. Must complete PHS, background
investigation and pre -employment medical
screening. Certified in euthanasia procedures -
must obtain within 1 year of date of hire. Must
City of Lacey / Animal
possess or obtain an industrial first aid card within
Services Field Officer II
$65,058
$83,280
6 months of hire.
Page 3 of 6
Classification series - Animal Control Officer,
Animal Control Officer Lead and Animal Control
Officer Sargent. Completion of Washington Animal
Control Academy within one year of hire.
King County/Animal
Washington State Legend Drug and Euthanasia
Control Officer
$65,627
$83,187
Certification.
Pre -employment examinations (background,
polygraph, psychological and/or physical
capabilities test). Basic Law Enforcement Reserve
Academy and Washington Animal Control
Snohomish County/
Academy. *Qualify with a firearm and carry firearm
Animal Control Officer
$65,669
$79,750
while on field duty.
Animal and Code enforcement. HS Diploma or
Grant County / Utility
GED, able to pass a Civil Service exam, completion
Deputy
$74,922
$88,171
of Reserve Academy within two years of hire.
Community Services Officer
Grant County Utility Deputy
Snohomish County I Animal Control Officer
King County l Anirrol Control Officer
City of Lacey !Animal Services Field Officer II
Cowlitz County 1 Animal Control
Skagit County l Animal Control Officer
Yakima County ? Animal Control Officer
Piero County / Animal Control Officer
Clallam County I Animal Control Deputy
Clark County l Animal Control Officer Lead
Clark County J Animal Control Officer
Jefferson County' Animal Services Officer
island County i Animal Control Officer
Benton / Canine Control Officer II
Walla Walla County i Animal Control Officer
Spokane County IAni.mal Protection Officer
`r 5'0,,000 1r40,010 560,000 $80,000 S100,C'm
■ Pay Cap ■ Starting Pay
Page 4 of 6
Analysis:
Based on the collected data, the average starting sa[aryfor similar positions across these counties ranges
from $44,854 to $74,922, with an average starting salary of approximately $56,000. The responsibilities anc
qualifications of the CSO in Lewis County are closely aligned with those of Animal Control Officers in other
counties, many of which also require commissioning and completion of specialized training.
120
121
$44,854
0%
$50,357
6%
$51,156
13%
$51,180
19%
$52,666
25%
$53,518
31%
$54,979
38%
$55,440
440/6
$58,908
568/a
$59,634
63%
$61,191
69%
$61,485
75%
$65,058
S1%
$65,627
SS%
$65,669
94%
$74.922
100%
Average $ 57,915
Lewis Co Competitive Position
Min
50%
Mid
55%
Max
62%
Recommendation:
$62,774
7%
$67,496
25%
$66,384
13°l
$61,453
0%
$67,224
19%
$72,259
38%
$78,582
75%
$67,548
35%
$73,692
59%
$75,629
65%
$77,854
71%
$72,342
47%
$83,280
94%
$83,187
SS'%
$79,750
82%
$88,171
100%
$ 73,502
Recommended grade
58,908 53%
To align with the Board of County Commissioners' (BOCC) directive for a mid -level salary range, it is
recommended to place the CSO position at grade 120 on the Lewis County Salary scale. The starting salary
at step 1 is $56,812, which is slightly lower than the mid -level range.
To better align with the BOCC's directive, it is recommended to start the employee at:
- Grade 120, Step 2: $58,240
- Grade 120, Step 3: $59,691
- Alternatively, at Grade 121, Step 1: $59,387
Page 5 of 6
Starting at grade 120, step 2 or higher will ensure the salary is competitive and aligns with the mid -level
range sought by the BOCC. This placement acknowledges the need for a salary that reflects the position's
responsibilities, required qualifications, and market competitiveness.
Conclusion:
The recommended salary range ensures that the Community Services Officer position is competitive within
the region while meeting the BOCC's mid -level salary directive. This alignment will aid in attracting and
retaining qualified personnel for the Sheriff's Office, ensuring effective enforcement of county codes and
ordinances.
If further assistance or clarification of this study is needed, please contact our department at 360-740-
2737 or hr@lewiscountywa.gov.
Page 6 of 6
LEWIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
SPECIAL SERVICES BUREAU
Sheriff
Robert R. Snaza
Undersheriff
Kevin M. Engelbertson
Chief Deputy
GabrietJ. Frase
DETECTIVES I , SEXOFFENDER ROPERTY REGISTRATION I I EVIIDENCE&
1 - Detective 1 - Property &
Sergeant 1 -Detective Evidence Manager
4 - Detectives 1 - Support Tech 2 11 1 -Support Tech 2
RECORDS/RECEPTION/
CIVIL/TRANSCRIPTION
7Te-pParlt-Time
-Support 2
1
es)
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
DIVISION
1 -Administrative
Sergeant
2 - Sheriff Enforcement
Team Deputies VACANT
—NEV11-
2 - Community Services
Officers VACANT
LEWIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICER
JOB DESCRIPTION
Employee Name:
Bargaining Unit:
Non -Union
FLSA:
Non -Exempt
NATURE OF WORK:
Under general supervision, under the direction of the Special Services Bureau
Administrative Sergeant, performs field inspections and investigations to enforce
State and County codes and ordinances relating to safety issues and public
nuisances; investigates complaints and issues citations for community service
violations within scope of authority; assists deputies in the service of civil
process, verify registered sex offender addresses, conduct inmate transports,
performs traffic control and crime scene security.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all
duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative
summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be
required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional,
position -specific duties.
• Enforce animal control violations as defined under Lewis County Code.
• Respond to and investigate animal -related complaints, including animals
at large, animal abandonment, prohibited activities by animals, dangerous
dogs (including dog bites and vicious dogs), and initial investigations for
animal neglect allegations.
• Responds to complaints of potential community service violations relating
to animal -related complaints and abandoned vehicles.
• Receives, processes, and investigates complaints from citizens, initiates
investigation and performs analysis based upon preliminary information;
compares facts to code requirements; contacts and educates individuals
to discuss violations and proposes alternatives for resolving compliance
issues, issues warnings, citations, and correction notices within scope of
authority, documents findings and present to owners and agents.
• Conduct follow-up investigations and verify compliance within
kennel/permitting requirements.
• Coordinates efforts with law enforcement officers, courts, animal shelter,
and other municipal departments and agencies as needed.
Distribution: Original to Personnel File, Copy to Employee
• Maintains accurate documentation and case files on all investigations,
inspections, enforcement actions, and other community services related
activities, including accurate and detailed information regarding code
enforcement activity to substantiate violations; completes required project
documentation, daily logs, and reports.
• Prepares written reports, memos, and correspondence related to
enforcement activities.
• Serves civil process subpoenas including, but not limited to, non -domestic
violence orders and court papers.
• Responds to abandoned vehicles and makes appropriate arrangements
for towing.
• Assists deputies in the transporting of prisoners.
• Performs other duties as required and assigned, including, but not limited
to, verifying registered sex offender addresses, participating in crime
prevention and community engagement and outreach, providing crime
scene security and preservation, and providing traffic control during
vehicle collision investigations.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed in office and outdoor environments. Employee will be
exposed to slippery or wet, muddy, rocky, and uneven surfaces; extreme
temperatures and weather; injured, dangerous, dead, sick, and diseased
animals; as well as animal blood, feces, and urine. Moderate physical demands
may require frequent sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, climbing, and
lifting, as well as applying physical strength in the apprehension, control, and
containment of animals.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Incumbent must be at least nineteen (19) years of age, high school diploma or
GED equivalent, AND two (2) years' work experience in code enforcement or
investigations is desired.
Washington State Criminal Justice Animal Control Officer Academy, Course
#2390 or equivalent; OR successful completion within twelve (12) months of hire
date.
Capable of holding a Special Commission issued by the Sheriff of Lewis County.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Pepper spray certification, taser certification, and other specific technical training
and certifications may be required.
Page 2 of 5
Must meet Lewis County Civil Service Commission requirements, including
successful completion of background screening and polygraph.
Must successfully complete Field Training (FTO) Program, as directed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY:
Knowledge of:
• Lewis County Sheriff's Office policies and procedures.
• Applicable Federal, State, County, and City codes, laws, statutes, and
ordinances.
• Applicable Washington State RCW and WAC codes.
• Principles and practices of animal control, investigation, and inspection.
• Techniques of investigating, inspecting, and resolving community service -
related issues.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Crime scene security and traffic control.
• Principles of civil process service delivery.
• Customer service and public relations methods and practices.
Skills in:
• Reading, understanding, interpreting and applying relevant Federal, State,
County, and City statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Maintaining and verifying accurate records.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Using tact and diplomacy to investigate citizen complaints.
• Ability to act and respond to direction from supervisor and Sheriff's
administrative staff.
• Ability to manage multiple and large caseloads.
• Communicating professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to administer first aid.
• Ability to operate motor vehicles, radios and related enforcement equipment
with proficiency.
Page 3 of 5
Ability to:
• Ability to competently enter, update and search various data into confidential
and restricted computer systems with federal, state and local software
programs.
• Ability to operate contemporary office equipment, not limited to computer,
copy machine, fax, and calculator.
• Ability to learn new skills.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to establish
and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and the
general public.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain a courteous attitude under stressful situations when
citizens and staff are in various stages of emotional anxiety.
• Ability to deal with graphic language, photos or events.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Citizen of the United States.
• Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Read and write English.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 19 years of age.
• Washington State driver's license.
• Minimum keyboarding speed 30 words per minute (corrected).
• Pass physical assessment, polygraph and thorough background examination.
• Meet and pass State and Federal background and testing to be certified to
access restricted and confidential computer systems.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to lift objects weighing approximately 35-50 pounds.
• Ability to move objects weighing approximately 70-150 pounds.
• Ability to see, with or without corrective lenses, well enough to read
correspondence and law enforcement reports and information, focus for
extended periods of time and perform general office work.
• Ability to hear, with or without a hearing aid, and speak well enough to
converse on the telephone, in person, and on a two-way radio.
• Ability to operate computer keyboard for extended periods of time.
• Ability to wear protective gear and clothing, when appropriate.
Page 4 of 5
JOB DESCRIPTION APPROVAL:
I have reviewed this job description and understand that it reflects the major
tasks of my job. If I have any questions, I understand I can contact my
supervisor.
Employee's Signature
I have reviewed this job description with the employee.
Supervisor's Signature
Page 5 of 5
Date
Date