Animal Control Officer

Performs a variety of animal control functions on behalf of the City's Animal Shelter Division; responds to public inquiries regarding animal control matters; investigates animal control complaints; captures and transports domestic/wild animals; operates and maintains equipment and vehicles related to animal control; dispatches animal control calls for service; prepares and maintains a variety of animal control records and documentation; and perform other related duties.

Answers, screens and dispatches incoming animal control calls. Performs data entry and maintains animal control data base and files. Responds to animal control inquiries, requests, and complaints from the public. Investigates various types of issues relating to animal control ordinances involving leash law violations, barking dogs, domestic/wild animals, reports of animal bites, and/or alleged acts of cruelty towards animals. Investigates animal cruelty reports to include obtaining witness statements, secures search warrants, seizes animals, testifies in court and performs investigative fact finding. Performs kennel and facility permit inspections. Obtains case information from involved parties; identifies and communicates animal control violations to owners; prepares and issues written warnings and/or citations as warranted. Captures vicious, dangerous, and/or stray animals; collects animals surrendered by the public and/or ordered seized by the courts. Transports animals to animal shelter facilities or other designated areas as appropriate. Quarantines animals engaged in biting behavior; euthanizes animals as directed. Documents, updates, and maintains animal control case information. Prepares requests for animal seizure warrants; recommends and files civil and/or criminal charges against violators; presents case testimony in court as required. Provides information and educates the public regarding responsible pet ownership, animal care, and animal control laws. Maintains assigned equipment, tools, and vehicles related to animal control activities. Prepares and maintains a variety of animal control records and reports in accordance with State reporting requirements. Stays apprised of current trends involving animal control borne diseases. Assist as needed in the day to day operation of the shelter. Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

High School Diploma or equivalent combined with additional coursework/training related to animal behavior, and one year animal control experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

Texas Department of Health Basic Animal Control Officer Certification is required within one year of employment. Texas Department of Health Euthanasia Certificate within 125 days of hire. Texas Department of Health Chemical Capture Certification. Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License.

Work is performed primarily in the field. Dispatch responsibilities will be primarily in an office environment. Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting of objects up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting of objects up to 75 pounds is involved. Exposure to variable weather conditions, vehicle traffic, uneven terrain, aggressive/sick animals, infectious diseases, hazardous chemicals, and potentially irate members of the public. Must be able to work shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays as well as respond to off-hour calls.