Animal Control Officer

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Support Services Police Lieutenant, the Animal Control Officer protects and serves the public by enforcing the City of Bellmead animal control ordinances and state laws for the control, care, and protection of domestic and wild animals within the city limits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Animal Control
  • Patrol the city to identify and respond to animal nuisances.
  • Respond to, investigate, and resolve customer complaints involving animal nuisance, city code violations, animal welfare, rabies control, and dangerous animals.
  • Deliver, set, and demonstrate proper use of traps; pick up trapped animals and relocate them or administer euthanasia drugs as needed.
  • Investigate reports of animal abuse.
  • Investigate animal bites and potential rabies exposures; quarantine animals and conduct appropriate testing when necessary.
  • Respond to emergency calls on a 24‑hour basis.
  • Enforce and issue warnings and citations for violations of animal control and licensing ordinances.
  • Impound, transport, quarantine, and dispose of stray, sick, injured, or potentially dangerous animals.
  • Clean, disinfect, and maintain animal holding areas and the animal control vehicle to ensure disease‑management protocols.
  • Pick up and dispose of deceased animals when directed.
• Public Relations
  • Provide public education regarding animal control ordinances and responsible pet ownership.
  • Assist other public agencies and community groups related to animal‑control activities.
  • Explain ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals to the public.
• Records and Reports
  • Write reports and record data on appropriate logs/forms; maintain up‑to‑date records and files.
• Other Duties
  • Transport police vehicles to and from automotive maintenance facilities as needed.
  • Maintain regular and consistent attendance for assigned work hours.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
  • Foster a positive, collaborative, and harmonious work environment, discouraging negative behavior.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with two (2) years of experience in the care and handling of animals or other animal‑related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and Certifications

• Successful completion of the Animal Control Officer Basic Training mandated by the Texas Department of State Health Services, or the ability to complete the training within six (6) months of hire.
• Possession of a valid Class C Texas driver’s license.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Four UnitedHealthcare plans with 100 % of the employee‑only premium covered for HSA plans; the City contributes $50 to the employee’s HSA and matches contributions up to $25 per month.
• Dental Insurance: UnitedHealthcare coverage with 100 % of the employee‑only premium covered.
• Vision Insurance: Offered through EyeMed (employee paid).
• Long‑Term Disability Insurance: No‑cost coverage of 60 % of monthly earnings (up to $7,500/month).
• Life Insurance/AD&D: Coverage equal to 1 × the employee’s salary (minimum $50,000) at no cost; additional coverage available at employee expense.
• Short‑Term Disability Insurance: Employee‑paid monthly income benefit for disability.
• Retirement Plan: Membership in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 7 % employee contribution and a 2 : 1 employer match; vesting after 5 years, retirement eligibility after 5 years of service at age 60 or 25 years of service at any age.
• Health Joy App: Free app providing 24/7 healthcare team access, digital insurance card storage, and health/dental benefit management.
• Aflac: Accident, Cancer, Critical Care, and Hospital policies available at employee expense.