Animal Control Deputy

This is responsible, specialized police work involving the control of animals, both livestock and domestic. Work involves enforcement of the Lubbock County Rabies Control Program and enforcement of applicable county ordinances and state laws. Duties include the humane impoundment and handling of aggressive animals, bite animals, and estray livestock that have strayed onto public or private property as defined by livestock laws of the State of Texas. Investigation and follow-up investigation continues until cases are closed. Protects county residents and property, enforces laws, and may perform patrol and emergency response functions. Responds to citizens complaints of aggressive, dangerous or dead animals Apprehends, catches, traps, nets or tranquilizes animals Answers calls for service in response to animal bites on humans and follows the procedures of the chapter 826 health and safety code Operates equipment used to capture animals Euthanize injured or sick animals at the determination of the animal control officer Responds to fire or police emergencies when animals are present Makes a variety of reports including incident, supplementary, animal bite, and estray Conducts investigations of dangerous dogs, and takes appropriate action according to Chapter 822 of the Texas Health and Safety Code Responds to calls regarding estray livestock, returning those livestock to their fenced area or impoundment Investigates cruelty to animal complaints Provides for the safekeeping and care of impounded strays Conducts advertisement and sales of strays Issues court citations to violators and testifies in court when needed Maintain detailed records of daily activities Participates in educational programs for children Monitors vehicle maintenance needs and obtain vehicle service as needed Performs all duties of a patrol deputy as required Performs other related work as assigned To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. EDUCATION and/or

EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or GED certificate. TCOLE Peace Officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and

ABILITIES

Knowledge of Livestock Laws of the State of Texas, the Lubbock County Rabies Control Program, and the Rabies Control Act and the Dangerous Dog Act; Knowledge of animal behavior, breeds and handling; Knowledge of euthanasia techniques. Knowledge of the care of animals and livestock; Knowledge of the geography of Lubbock County and adjacent areas; Knowledge of any other pertinent federal, state laws, codes and regulations, particularly the laws of arrest and evidence; Criminal and Civil law; laws of arrest and search and seizure; investigations; Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCOLE) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules and regulations; and department policies and procedures; Knowledge of modern police practices and methods; Knowledge of the principles of first aid. Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; Ability to research, analyze and evaluate methods and techniques; Ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations; Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies; Ability to speak and write effectively; Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public and use appropriate customer service techniques; Ability to operate utility vehicles and trailers. Must possess the necessary skills to apprehend and transport large animals, i.e. estray cattle and horses; Ability to obtain information through interview and interrogation; Ability to meet specific physical requirements that may be established by the department.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Peace Officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Must also successfully complete and obtain an Animal Control Officer Certification and Euthanasia Technician Certification from the Texas Department of Health; must possess a valid Texas Drives License in good standing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to carry and lift up to 50 pounds; and occasionally carry and lift up to 75 pounds. The employee must maintain the ability to frequently stand and walk during the shift; occasionally climb ladders, stairs or other inclined surfaces; push and pull objects in order to place animals into a cage; frequently flex upper body forward at the waist and partially flex at the knees to pick up animals; frequently rotate upper body to the left or right while sitting or standing; place arms above, at, or below shoulder height; coordinate eye, hand, and foot movement in order to operate a vehicle. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee may be called upon during emergency situations to exert intense physical exertion during emergency situations such as run, jump, crawl or other physical aspects of law enforcement duties. Must complete a one mile run in 12:30 minutes, 20 pushups in one minute, and 20 sit ups in one minute

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is frequently outdoors and is subject to extreme weather conditions; including excessive heat, cold, and humidity. Requires good physical condition; requires considerable running and walking; Must be able to perform prolonged, strenuous activity; Able to tolerate animal noise and odors. Ability to cope with significant stress and guilt related to destruction of animals. Must be available to work irregular hours; shift work, weekends, and holidays. Hazards include confronting aggressive animals, feral animals and wildlife, zoonotic diseases, working with hazardous chemicals, lifting heavy animals, and handling poisonous snakes.