Animal Control Officer

Job Description:

Animal Control Officer

Description

Position: Animal Control Officer FLSA: Non-Exempt Department: Animal Services Schedule: Workdays are Tuesday - Saturday. The work schedule will be based on department need. This position may be subject to after hours, emergency call in, and holidays. Reports To: Senior Animal Control Officer Positions Supervised: None

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Senior Animal Control Officer, the Animal Control Officer will uphold the ordinances and laws regarding animal violations. Patrols within the City limits and contracted areas; responds to complaints, impounds animals, provides assistance to the general public, verifies animal vaccinations, sets traps to capture wild or domestic animals, and administers euthanasia drugs. May be responsible for the caring of animals at the shelter and maintaining the animal shelter. Prepares and documents written logs, forms, statements, reports, and records. Conducts public health and safety related surveillance and control activities. Performs tasks related to rabies control, impoundment, education, and prevention services. The employee performs work related to intake and disposition of animals, maintaining sanitary conditions at the animal shelter, caring for animals impounded, maintaining accurate records and documents, and providing excellent customer service.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Primarily enforces animal ordinances by receiving and responding to animal complaints, patrolling within City limits for animals roaming at-large, apprehending diseased or injured animals, determining animal ownership, and offering suggestions to animal owners regarding complying with laws and ordinances.
• Enforces State and Federal animal regulations, rabies control, and issues citations or files complaints on violations.
• Removes wild animals from residences on request by servicing and maintaining traps, delivering and demonstrating the proper use of traps, setting traps, picking up trapped animals, and relocating the animal or administering euthanasia drugs.
• Performs euthanasia on trapped (high risk) wildlife and any critically injured animals in the field.
• Prepares and sends specimens to State laboratory for examination.
• Investigates and inspects animal nuisances including bites and animal cruelty; issues citations and notices to owners for the mistreatment of animals.
• Works collaboratively with other agencies investigating instances of animal cruelty and animal attacks and maintaining records on violations.
• Provides humane treatment to animals while in the shelter's custody.
• Provides assistance to the general public by assisting customers with adoptions and redemptions, sterilization programs, and trap issuance; helping customers complete paperwork; recording animal information in the computer system; and maintaining and replenishing supplies.
• Responds to observed or reported emergency situations and ordinance violations as well as after-hours emergency calls at the request of citizens and the Police Department; performs emergency animal rescue service, on-call service, and provides minimal animal first aid when required.
• Writes reports and records data on appropriate logs/forms; maintains up-to-date records and files.
• Issues citations, verbal warnings, and public relations communications.
• Tranquilizes dangerous/vicious animals in a safe, humane manner as authorized by shelter veterinarian.
• Euthanizes animals in a safe, humane manner as authorized by supervisor, veterinarian, and state law.
• Takes a proactive approach in returning stray animals to their owners while in the field and gaining compliance.
• Enters data necessary for tracking complaints, animals, etc. into computer database.
• Operates City animal services truck in the performance of duties and utilizes specialized equipment in the snare of animals including catch poles, animal traps, nets, and other standard animal services equipment.
• Testifies and presents evidence in court proceedings.
• Evaluates incoming animals for behavior issues.
• Responsible for the intaking of shelter animals according to standard operating procedures.
• Actively participates in proactive patrolling according to the schedule set by the Senior Animal Control Officer.
• Assists in outreach and public events.
• Cleans, disinfects, and maintains animal holding areas to ensure disease management protocol.
• Assists other shelter functions when needed, including Vet Technicians, Animal Care Technicians, and Front Desk; retrieves animals, updates information into shelter software, and keeps animal information accurate and current.
• Represents the City of Weatherford in a professional manner in all situations.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to navigate the city in a timely manner; good knowledge of the geographic layout of the City, contracted areas, and local landmarks.
• Good knowledge of local animal ordinances as well as state and federal laws.
• Good knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of Animal Control work and animal husbandry.
• Skill in writing narrative reports; ability to write reports, citations, and narratives with minimal errors and accurate spelling.
• Ability to communicate effectively via radio, telephone, email, and in person with citizens, co-workers, and supervisors, including persons of diverse backgrounds, without bias and prejudice.
• Ability to make ethical decisions that conform to applicable laws, Departmental Policy, and Regulations without supervision when appropriate.
• Ability to read and understand highly technical handbooks such as law books and penal codes.
• Good knowledge of basic mathematical functions including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Good knowledge of first aid techniques and procedures.
• Good knowledge of or ability to learn basic personal computer skills and animal related software.
• Ability to respond to call-in and/or call-back at any time within thirty (30) minutes of notification.
• Ability to identify animal health related issues and diseases; good knowledge of proper handling and restraint of animals in a humane and ethical manner.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze behavior in animals, as well as disease management.
• Ability to properly and safely utilize dart guns to subdue and capture wild and dangerous animals.
• Ability and skill to utilize all safety equipment necessary to capture and handle wild or dangerous animals.
• Ability to identify various breeds of dogs and cats as well as various other animals, birds, and reptiles indigenous to this region.
• Ability to work with and assist veterinarians in spay and neuter procedures; ability to euthanize animals and keep proper control and accountability of related drugs.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment including but not limited to traps and euthanasia equipment such as needles, drugs, and tourniquets.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service in tense, stressful, and irate situations.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual levels of attendance are essential job functions and expectations of this position.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time in the maintenance of facility and grounds, caring for, and capture of animals.
• Ability to bend, stoop, push, and pull while performing maintenance duties, retrieving or placing files in cabinets or shelves, and general care of animals in shelter or capture of animals.
• Ability to carry and lift animals and other supplies weighing up to 100 lbs. in and around the animal shelter area and to other areas away from the facility such as a veterinarian office.
• Ability to reach to perform activities at animal shelter; ability to reach overhead in order to obtain supplies and items in cabinets and on shelves.
• Fine dexterity with fingers and hands required to handle items, animals, and to operate computer, typewriter, calculator, two-way radio, and vehicle.
• Ability to communicate orally in person, by telephone, email, and two-way radio in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Physical exertion will include repetitive standing, walking, stooping, bending, twisting, and lifting.
• Must maintain confidence around pets.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors and is subject to mechanical, fire, weather, and chemical hazards.
• Work is subject to bodily injury when dealing with animals.
• Work may be subject to time pressures, emergency situations, noisy/distracting environment, irregular work schedule, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and dealing with irate people.
• Regular exposure to animal odors, airborne particles, diseases (including zoonotic), possible contagious conditions, bites, scratches, and moderate noise levels.
• Work may be tedious and exacting when preparing reports, records, and operations of firearms.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in a related field of study AND a minimum of two years of demonstrated experience working in animal control and four years working with animals, preferably in an animal shelter or animal control environment. Previous experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree where appropriate.
• Must obtain Basic Animal Control Certification issued by the Texas Department of Health Services within six (6) months of employment.
• Must be able to maintain Euthanasia Technician certification from the State of Texas.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver's License and driving record must meet or surpass guidelines as set forth by the City.
• Due to the nature of the position, criminal history must be clear.
• Must possess computer skills, including Microsoft Office and shelter software.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred but not required.

Closing Date/Time: ${closing_date}

Salary:

$19.12-$20.07