Animal Control Officer

Apply here

Job Summary

Enforces all city ordinances, state and federal laws regarding animals.  Under direction of the Animal Control Supervisor

Pay Range

$17.96 - $26.38

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform basic shelter maintenance duties, including cleaning and disinfecting kennels/cat cages, animal control facility and outdoor runs, washing dishes and laundry
• Provide animal care for animals from intake to disposition, including feeding, watering, cleaning, immunizing, testing for disease, behavioral evaluations, euthanasia and animal disposal
• Drive City vehicle to patrol city and pick up stray and deceased animals
• Respond to calls for service, meet and communicate with citizens about animal issues and violations  
• Log activities and prepare citations, records and reports
• Assist citizens with adoptions, reclaiming animals in shelter and registering animals
• Respond to after-hours calls regarding vicious dogs, animal bites and injured animals
• Appear in court to testify regarding animal-related cases
• Prepare and package suspected rabies specimen for shipment
• Adhere to City and departmental policies and procedures and administrative orders
• Regular and reliable level of attendance
• Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and understanding of administrative orders, animal control ordinances and Federal, State and local laws pertaining to animal control
• Knowledge of various animal breeds
• Knowledge of animal behavior
• The ability to capture and restrain all types of animals and detect signs of illness or injury to animals  
• Skilled in basic math and computer software
• Ability to learn the city streets and highways  
• Ability to test animals for disease, vaccinate, medicate, microchip and groom animals
• Ability to euthanize and dispose of unwanted animals
• Approve adoption contracts in the absence of animal control supervisor
• Ability to make competent decisions under stress
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with citizens and other employees, including dealing in a professional manner with distraught and irate citizens

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND SAFETY HAZARDS

• Work indoors, outdoors, in confined spaces, on level, slippery, sloping, unstable and muddy terrain
• Exposure to adverse environmental conditions to include inclement weather, fume, dust/mist, noxious odors, chemicals, solid waste substances, animal feces, urine, saliva, and animal blood
• Exposure to insects, noxious plants, snakes, assorted wildlife and vicious animals and livestock

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

• Computer, safety equipment, catch poles, traps, tranquilizer gun, vehicle, leashes, grooming equipment, syringes, traditional cleaning equipment and office equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Cleaning of shelter, checking animals, pursuit of animals and euthanizing animals
• Patrolling of city streets in vehicle, administrative work and assisting customers
• Lifting large animals up to 100 lbs into vehicle
• Loading and unloading of dog food bags up to 50 lbs
• Carrying and setting traps
• Capturing, loading and unloading large unruly animals up to 150 lbs
• Must be able to crouch, crawl, climb, kneel, run, and twist
• Respond to after-hours calls regarding vicious animals, animal bites and injured animals
• On call schedule will be made by animal control supervisor

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION

• High School Diploma or GED
• Animal Control Certification preferred or must be able to obtain Animal Control Officer Certification and Euthanasia Certification prior to one (1) year anniversary with city and maintain certifications
• Must possess a Valid Class C Texas Driver’s License
• Must be able to pass a physical and psychological examination