Animal Services Unit Investigator-Wildlife Officer

An island community rich in history and opportunity, Galveston is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family!

Job Description

SUMMARY: Under general supervision, the Animal Service Unit Investigator-Wildlife Officer is responsible for conducting investigations related to wildlife and animal services, responding to wildlife complaints, and ensuring public safety by managing wildlife-related issues within the City of Galveston.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducts all Animal Services Unit investigations.
• Responds to wildlife-related complaints and reports, excluding domestic animal issues.
• Handles and coordinates efforts for wildlife management and control within city limits.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal wildlife regulations and ordinances.
• Educates the public on wildlife safety and humane treatment practices.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Galveston and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
• Employees may at any time be required to work in order to provide for the safety and well-being of the general public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services, in the event of an emergency.
  
  

Knowledge

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Local, state, and federal laws related to wildlife protection and management.
• Animal behavior, handling techniques, and humane capture methods.
• Principles and practices of environmental conservation and wildlife control.
• Records retention principles and practices.
• Principles of customer service and public safety communication.
• Business and personal computers, including spreadsheet software applications.
  
  

Skill In

• Handling situations requires diplomacy, fairness, firmness, and sound judgment.
• Investigating wildlife-related complaints and incidents.
• Humanely capturing, relocating, or controlling wildlife when necessary.
• Educating the public on wildlife safety and conservation.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Multi-tasking and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with colleagues, city departments, and the public.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent; AND ten years’ of Animal Control experience is required. Certification as an advanced Animal Control Officer through TACA or TDSHS is required. Administrative Animal Control Officer through TACA or TDSHS certification is preferred. A valid Texas Driver’s License is required.

Physical Demands And Working Environment

Work is performed primarily in an outdoor work environment. May be exposed to extreme weather conditions, potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals and infectious diseases. May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds.

Compensation Range

DOQ

The City of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and will consider only the qualifications of the applicants. The City does not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or physical/mental disability in employment or provision services.