Animal Services Officer

Overview

Under general direction of the Animal Services Supervisor or his/her designee, the Animal Services Officer will uphold the ordinances and laws regarding animal violations. Activities include patrols within the City limits or assigned area; responding to complaints; impounding animals; assisting the public; verifying animal vaccinations; setting traps to capture wild or domestic animals; administering euthanasia drugs; and potentially caring for animals at the shelter and maintaining the animal shelter.

The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents in this position. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed.

• 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 advising owners on compliance with laws and ordinances.
• Enforces state and federal animal regulations, rabies control and licensing requirements; issues citations or files complaints for violations.
• Removes wild animals from residences on request; builds and maintains traps, demonstrates proper trap use, sets traps, retrieves trapped animals, relocates the animal, or administers euthanasia drugs as needed.
• Performs euthanasia on trapped wildlife or critically injured animals in the field; assists the veterinarian in determining euthanasia procedures.
• Prepares and forwards specimens to the state laboratory for examination.
• Works collaboratively with the Humane Society and other agencies to investigate animal cruelty and animal attacks; maintains records of violations.
• Provides humane treatment to animals while in custody of the Animal Services Officer.
• Coordinates with local veterinarians for impoundment, quarantine, and arranging rabies clinics as needed.
• Assists the public with adoptions and redemptions, sterilization programs, licensing programs, and trap issuance; assists customers with paperwork; records animal information in the computer system; maintains and replenishes supplies.
• Enters data for tracking complaints and animals into the computer database; bills veterinarian clinics as needed.
• Ensures licensing requirements for pet shops and animal breeders are met.
• Operates the City animal services truck and uses specialized equipment (catch poles, traps, nets, and other standard equipment) to manage animals.
• Testifies and presents evidence in court proceedings.

• May be on-call during non-working hours and able to respond to emergency calls within one hour.
• May work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Ability to comprehend and apply established animal services ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of city animal ordinances and state regulations governing animal and disease control.
• Working knowledge of common animal diseases and behaviors.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and the public; ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to work effectively in loud environments.
• Ability to maintain accurate, detailed records.
• Ability to read labels on medicine containers.
• Ability to operate equipment including traps and euthanasia tools (needles, drugs, tourniquets).
• Ability to receive detailed information orally and discern nuances in sound.
• Ability to follow instructions, safe practices, and standard operating procedures in performing duties.
• Ability to perform various physical tasks (carrying, seeing, sorting, writing).
• Proficiency in computer use.

• High school diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience in the care and handling of animals or related animal experience.
• Must possess Texas Department of Health Certification as an Animal Control Officer within one (1) year of employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, polygraph, psychological examination, and physical agility test.
• Must pass a criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check and Social Security number verification check.
• Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver’s License.

• Exposure to hazards (e.g., vicious or wild animals, rabid animals, dust, odors, chemicals, etc.).
• Work may include exposure to adverse environmental conditions (dirt, cold, rain, fumes, strong odors, smoke, pollen, dust, etc.).
• Exposure to pathogens and other substances that can cause illness.
• Physical requirements include balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, and other movement; vision and hearing demands; manual dexterity; and mental acuity for…