Animal Control Officer

Summary

Responds to calls for service involving at‑large live, deceased or injured animals. Investigates animal complaints up to and including cases of animal bite/scratch cases.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives complaints and calls for assistance regarding at‑large live, injured or deceased animals.
• Impounds animals as prescribed by ordinances.
• Cites violators of the animal ordinance.
• Investigates animal bite/scratch cases.
• Removes deceased animals from public thoroughfare.
• Enforces all Federal, State and local laws pertaining to animals.
• Performs humane euthanasia.
• Maintains oneself in proper uniform and general appearance and behavior.
• Prevents diseases from entering shelter.
• Practices safety control.
• Assists in the humane care and maintenance of animals in the shelter.
• Responsible for keeping daily truck logs, noting time of call for assistance received, nature of call, disposition of call, and time call completed.
• Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of assigned vehicle – cab and payload areas.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work‑related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required. Prefer 3 to 6 months heavy customer relations experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read, write, understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Handle and provide care for small and large animals.
• Knowledge of laws relating to Animal Control Shelter operations and animal care.
• Be familiar with latest City and County ordinances pertaining to animals.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and effectively with co‑workers, supervisors and the general public.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to follow safety procedures.
• Be able to lift large size dogs, be able to euthanize animals, sick and injured as prescribed by ordinances.

License and certification requirements: A valid Texas State Driver's License is required. Must obtain a Euthanasia Certification from the Texas Department of Health within 120 days of hire date. Must obtain the Basic Animal Control Certification within one year of hire date. Must complete a 70 pound lift test as part of the pre‑employment process. Pre‑Rabies vaccinations are required once hired.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to operate equipment, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds.

Employees work on slippery and uneven surfaces and are exposed to loud noise, odors, and dirt. Employees are routinely exposed to dangerous, injured, or diseased, unruly, and vicious animals; fecal matter, blood, and other hazards; and to various cleaning chemicals.

Working hours for Animal Control office may vary from M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with an on‑call response. This response requires personal telephone service to the office.