Animal Control Officer

Responds to calls for service involving at-large live, deceased or injured animals. Investigates animal complaints up to and including cases of animal bite/scratch cases.

Responsibilities

• Receives complaints and calls for assistance regarding at-large live, injured or deceased animals
• Impounds animals as prescribed by ordinances
• Cites violators of the animal ordinance
• Investigates animal bite/scratch cases
• Removes deceased animals from public thoroughfare
• Enforces all Federal, State and local laws pertaining to animals
• Performs humane euthanasia
• Maintains proper uniform, general appearance and behavior
• Prevents diseases from entering shelter
• Practices safety control
• Assists in the humane care and maintenance of animals in the shelter
• Keeps daily truck logs noting time of call received, nature of call, disposition, and time call completed
• Maintains cleanliness of assigned vehicle — cab and payload areas
• Supports departmental operations with regular and timely attendance
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required
• Prefer 3 to 6 months heavy customer relations experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read, write, understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Handle and provide care for small and large animals
• Knowledge of laws relating to Animal Control Shelter operations and animal care
• Familiar with latest City and County ordinances pertaining to animals
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and effectively with co-workers, supervisors and the general public
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to follow safety procedures
• Ability to lift large size dogs
• Ability to euthanize animals, sick and injured as prescribed by ordinances

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Texas State Driver's License required
• Must obtain Euthanasia Certification from the Texas Department of Health within 120 days of hire date
• Must obtain Basic Animal Control Certification within one year of hire date
• Must complete a 70 pound lift test as part of the pre-employment process
• Pre-Rabies vaccinations required once hired

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to operate equipment, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Work is performed on slippery and uneven surfaces with exposure to loud noise, odors, and dirt. Employees are routinely exposed to dangerous, injured, diseased, unruly, and vicious animals; fecal matter, blood and other hazards; and various cleaning chemicals.

Schedule

Working hours for Animal Control office may vary from Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with an on-call response requirement. This response requires personal telephone service to the office.