SUMMARY: Performs tasks related to protecting public health and safety by responding to and investigating animal related issues and enforcing local and state laws related to animals. Assists in the operation and maintenance of the animal services facility, including adoption, cleaning, and providing animal care.
This work is performed under general supervision – this individual is assigned duties according to specified procedures and receives general instruction; work is reviewed through observation, completion of assigned duties, and review of results achieved.
This individual embodies our SHINE values—service, humility, innovation, neighborly, and excellence—and is committed to protecting public health and safety while promoting responsible pet ownership.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Responsible for enforcing animal related city ordinances and state laws throughout the community, providing care for animals, and adoption assistance to customers at the animal shelter.
Responds to citizens’ requests for service and complaints; mediates low and mid-level customer/citizen complaints.
Snares or traps animals with net, rope, catchpole, traps, dart gun, or other devices; secures animal in the truck; removes an animal from truck to shelter cage or other enclosure.
Conducts inspections by patrolling the city for animal violations, investigating bites, cruelty/neglect or other property complaints; issues citations according to established guidelines.
Completes administrative duties by answering phone calls; provides information to public and other departments as requested; compiles various reports; completes documents, forms, and reports, and maintain records.
Provides emergency callback after-hours 24 hours a day, 365 days a year including weekends & holidays.
Provides educational materials to citizens on licensing, care and control of animals and speaks to the community about animal services including maintaining daily contact with various area rescue organizations and volunteer groups.
Maintains animal holding facility, grounds, vehicle, and equipment in accordance with state regulations; cleans and disinfects kennels and holding areas
Administer animal injections which include humane euthanasia
Examines captured animals for injuries, performs minor medical treatment, administers injections, and delivers injured animals to veterinarians for medical treatment
Attends court and provides testimony regarding animal citations and fines as needed.
Assists Police Department as requested.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of operations and services of an animal control program including proper care for animals and use of related tools and equipment.
Knowledge of safety precautions for animal confinement and care and related chemicals, supplies and equipment.
Knowledge of computer hardware and software, including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
Skill in the safe use of animal capture equipment, tranquilizer gun, leashes, traps, and related equipment following established methods, efficiently and according to established procedures.
Skill in following best practices for safe animal handling during collection, impound, transportation, quarantine, euthanasia, and disposal.
Skill in effective oral and written communication.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and keep accurate records.
Ability to provide educational presentations to schools and civic groups
Ability to operate animal control vehicles throughout the City and use radio equipment.
Ability to provide exceptional customer service and respond to customer inquiries and concerns.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, supervisors, city officials, and the general public.
Ability to communicate information tactfully and impartially, both in person and in writing with all staff, city officials, and the general public.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including 10-hour shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, call outs, and overtime as required.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Valid Texas Driver License at the time of hire.
Possession of, or ability to obtain Texas Department of State Health Services Animal Control Officer Basic Certification within six months of hire.
Possession of, or ability to obtain Texas Department of State Health Services Basic Euthanasia Certification within six months of hire.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:- Work is performed in both office and field environments, including animal shelter facilities and outdoor settings.
- May be exposed to aggressive animals, animal waste, infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals, and varying weather conditions.
- Must be able to lift and move animals or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, bend, kneel, and operate animal control equipment.
- May be required to respond to emergencies outside of normal business hours.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED:- Utilizes animal control trucks, body cameras, radios, traps, nets, leashes, tranquilizer equipment, computers, shelter management software, and standard office equipment.