Advanced Animal Control Officer

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Under the supervision of the Field and Safety Manager and in accordance with the Animal Control Officer Manual, the Advanced Animal Control Officer is responsible for dispatching/responding to requests for service and providing information to the Animal Control Officers and Animal Cruelty Inspectors. Also, acting as a dock coordinator and in assists in training new officers. This position ensures that Harris County will be free from animals at large, creating hazards of public health, public safety or public order, and protects animal from mistreatment.

• Responds to citizen requests for service as outlined in the Animal Control Officer Training Manual, including bite cases investigations and special assignments as needed, i.e. assisting law enforcement officers. Assists citizens looking for lost pets
• Responsible for safe operation of County equipment and vehicles
• Kennel/Data entry inputting animal records into database, completing reports
• Assists in training new animal control officers. Serves as back up ACO on‑call on a weekly basis and assists the on‑call officer as needed
• Monitors calls in the field making sure problem areas are addressed and develop ways to become more proactive
• Appears in court as required taking necessary records and documents
• Serves as dock coordinator which is responsible for the smooth transition of animals into the facility at the end of the day
• Other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Employment Opportunity Plan .aspx. If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274‑5445 or email

• High school diploma or GED equivalent

• Basic Animal Control Officer Certification
• At least one (1) year experience arbitrating customer complaints
• At least one (1) year experience as an Animal Control Officer
• Current Texas Driver's License (upon hire)

• FEMA ICS training or complete within 6 months of employment

• Ability to complete an in-depth training program that outlines personnel and section policy manual training includes Dock Coordinating and dispatch reports, Rabies Laws and Animal Control Regulations, kennel report training, basic leadership and management training
• Ability to Collaborate Effectively with Internal Stakeholders
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to handle difficult people and situations in a professional manner is necessary
• Must be comfortable working with animals
• Speaks in a clear and credible manner, selecting the right tone for the situation and audience
• Experience with HLP's Chameleon software

• Understands the organizational mission
• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others

• Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs

• Ability to adapt to change

• Treats…