What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer position at City of Big Spring?
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.
- 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.