Job Details

Animal Control Officer

Enforces City animal control ordinances and applicable State regulations. Controls and/or impounds all types of animals, both domesticated and wild. Performs humane euthanasia of animals. Disposes of deceased animals. Performs animal care and animal shelter tasks. Prepares and documents written logs, forms, statements, reports and records. Conducts public health and safety related surveillance and control activities.

Essential Functions

• Operates an animal control vehicle to conduct patrols, respond to calls for service or assistance, and complete work-related errands. Uses two-way radio to communicate in field.
• Issues warnings and citations for observed animal control ordinance violations. Testifies in court as required.
• Controls and/or impounds animals of all varieties including stray animals, insects, unwanted animals, wildlife, deceased animals, sick/injured animals, and agricultural animals. Animals may be impounded under a wide range of environmental conditions and circumstances which may be uncomfortable, physically demanding, or stressful.
• Performs humane euthanasia of animals. Disposes of deceased animals as required.
• Investigates reports of animal ordinance violations, animal bites, rabies suspects, dangerous dog incidents, animal welfare concerns, wildlife concerns, etc.
• Performs animal care and shelter maintenance tasks including cleaning kennels and cages, building and grounds maintenance, feeding, and watering animals, and daily housekeeping duties.
• Completes daily field and shelter logs, forms, reports and records.
• Keeps animal control vehicle, tools, and equipment clean and maintained in good working condition.
• Performs zoonosis, arbovirus, and other public health related surveillance and control tasks as required.
• Performs intake vaccinations, blood draws for testing, microchip insertions, administers medications and performs other medical procedures as directed.
• Advises others about animal control related ordinance requirements, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Performs duties as local animal control authority as prescribed by animal control ordinances and State of Texas regulations.
• Monitors, investigates, and resolves complaint assignments on the City's response Center and documents updates within the response center computer database in an accurate and timely manner.
• Assists with Volunteer and Foster programs as directed.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience

• 6 months of successful animal care, animal control or code enforcement experience preferred.

Required Skills & Abilities Ability to:

• Accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks.
• Be punctual and attend work regularly.
• Work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.
• Perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Speak in front of large or small groups of people.
• Read, understand, explain and accurately apply animal control related regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Identify most common breeds of cats and dogs and have knowledge of common dog and cat diseases.
• Lift, carry and load up to 75 pounds safely.
• Read, understand and follow written instructions.
• Properly euthanize wild and domestic animals and dispose of properly.
• Establish and maintain a good working rapport with peers, supervisors, and employees in other departments.
• Maintain poise, and professional bearing when interacting with upset, intimidating, or hostile people, as well as during other stressful, emotional, or possibly hazardous situations.
• Control, handle and work around all types of domesticated and wild animals (dead or alive) including dogs, cats, ferrets, birds, livestock, fowl, rodents, reptiles, bats, insects, etc.
• Work overtime as required including nights and weekends and holidays.

Skills

• Skill in use of personal computer including Microsoft Office or similar word processing programs, e-mail and the internet.
• Skill in written and verbal communication. Writing must be clearly legible.

Other Requirements

• Must submit to and pass a criminal background, pre-employment drug test, pre-placement medical examination and job placement assessment (JPA).
• Must possess a valid State of Texas Drivers License Class "C" and good driving record as defined by City policy. An applicant who does not possess a Texas Driver's License or proper class, will be allowed ten (10) working days after a job offer is made to obtain proper licensing.
• Must possess or acquire the Texas Department of State Health Services Animal Control Officer Basic Course within six (6) months of hire.
• Must possess or acquire the Texas Department of State Health Services Certified Euthanasia Technician certification within four (4) months of hire.
• This position is subject to emergency call-back during off-duty hours and is required to have a take home vehicle when in call-back status. The employee must be able to arrive at the service/assistance location to which they are dispatched within 40 minutes after being notified of the call-back.

Work Hours

As assigned.