Animal Control Officer

Maintains a safe and secure community environment through enforcement of animal control codes and ordinances under the general direction of the Animal Control Supervisor.

• Responds to citizen or other inquiries and complaints regarding stray or lost animals (domestic/pet, wild, or farm livestock).
• Investigates complaints regarding vicious or dangerous animals and animal bites.
• Maintains records and files on animal bites, investigations, noise nuisance (barking dog), citizen complaints, adoptions and other paperwork as required. 
• Issues citations for animal violations.
• Receives money for fees, adoptions, donations, etc. and provides receipt.
• Enforces City ordinances and state laws through the issuance of warnings and citations.
• Assists with providing necessary food, water and shelter for impounded animals.
• Performs adoption services as required.
• Sets traps and performs euthanasia procedures as required.
• Provides a safe and sanitary environment for the temporary housing of animals by cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining animal cages, kennels, pens and runs and ensures all are in good working condition and safe for habitation.
• Identifies injuries and illness in animals and reports condition promptly to the Animal Control Supervisors. 
• Performs euthanasia of animals and documents required records regarding animals and drugs, properly disposes of dead animals.
• Conducts rabies test on animals involved in a bite for rabies specimen preparation.
• Responds to requests for animal related service.
• Assists in public education relating to responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, cruelty and City ordinances.
• Enforces pertinent rabies control ordinances.
• Responds to emergency call outs during evenings and holidays.
• Allows availability to work all shifts and on a rotational on-call schedule.
• Punctuality and regular attendance are essential functions of this position.
• Performs other assignments and handle special projects as required.
• Ability to work in high stress environment.
• Possible exposure to zoonotic diseases. 

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Scope of Supervision 

Works under general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor.  The employee must exercise considerable independent judgment; however, unusual or difficult technical and enforcement problems are reviewed with the Animal Control Supervisor. 

High School Diploma or G.E.D.  At least one (1) year of verifiable work experience in animal services field. Experience in customer service preferred. 

Successfully obtain Basic Animal Control Officer Certification and attend a Euthanasia training course within one (1) year of employment.

Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit while driving and performing administrative work; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear.  The employee is also required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to operate assigned equipment and vehicle and to adhere to all safety guidelines. Possibility of exposure to irate citizens. Possibility of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, materials, animals and inclement weather while in the field. 

• Must possess 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 the provisions in the Texas Motor Vehicle Code relating to the operation of motorized equipment on public streets and highways.
• Working knowledge of using computers to prepare records and reports.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, or similar software, with the ability to quickly learn new software.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws relating to animal control code.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures relating to animals.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, planning and prioritizing.
• Ability to use two-way radios.
• Ability to read, write, understand and follow oral and written instructions in English.
• Ability to conduct inspections and ascertain facts through good investigation(s).
• Ability to enforce regulations with tact and good judgment and have good customer service skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and tactfully handle difficult and/or irate customers.
• Ability to work all shifts, ability to work an on-call rotational schedule and respond to emergency call outs during evenings and holidays. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, the general public, supervisors, and employees.
• Ability to present a professional appearance that meets the standards of the Watauga Police Department as outlined in the Personal Appearance Standards Policy.

Salary : $38,106