Animal Control Officer

This position is responsible for controlling and/or impounding stray, abandoned, or injured animals; enforces ordinances concerning stray and/or dangerous animals.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one year.
• Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• A polygraph exam will be conducted on all applicants under final consideration for this position.

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 not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities my include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responds to calls to catch and detain stray, abandoned, injured and/or dangerous animals.
• Patrols the city for and transports strays, abandoned, dead/injured and unlicensed animals to the city shelter.
• Pick up/impound animals in a safe and humane manner.
• Provides daily care for impounded animals, including feeding, watering and obtaining medical care.
• Investigate reports of animal bites, dangerous/vicious animals, and animal cruelty.
• Etherize animals when necessary.
• Respond to observed or reported emergency situations and ordinance violations.
• Issues warnings and citations for violations of state laws and city ordinances; conducts follow-up inspections as necessary.
• Write reports and record data on appropriate log/forms.
• Testifies in court regarding ordinance violations.
• Prepares reports concerning animal bites and quarantines animals for rabies observation.
• Counsel/educate citizens and provide information and assistance regarding responsible animal ownership/ordinance requirements (leash law, registration, animal behavior, etc.)
• Maintains records of impounded animals.
• Cleans the shelter, equipment and tools on a daily/weekly basis.
• Respond to after hours emergency calls as needed from the Big Spring Police.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Must posses required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of relevant state laws and city codes and ordinances concerning licensing and impounding of animals.
• Knowledge of city roads and geography.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
• Knowledge of the procedures involved in the capture and euthanization of animals.
• Knowledge of animal breeds and their characteristics.
• Skill in animal care.
• Skill in safely handling animals, including those with unknown temperament.
• Adhere to disease management and safety protocols.