ANIMAL CONTROL ATTENDANT I

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, performs animal care and shelter maintenance duties to ensure the humane treatment of animals and the cleanliness of City facilities. Responsibilities include cleaning kennels, feeding animals, assisting the public with adoptions and reclaims, performing euthanasia, and maintaining accurate records. Animal Control Attendant I is an entry-level position responsible for routine animal care and shelter cleaning.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Experience: No experience required; experience working with animals in a kennel, veterinary, or shelter environment preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid Texas Driver’s License required. Must obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification within 180 days of hire.

Essential Job Functions:

• Cleans and disinfects kennels, cages, and shelter facilities daily to maintain safe and sanitary conditions.
• Feeds and provides water to animals according to established schedules and dietary needs.
• Assists with receiving, reclaiming, adopting, and transferring animals.
• Provides courteous and professional customer service to the public, responding to inquiries and assisting with adoption or surrender processes.
• Observes animals for signs of illness, injury, or behavioral issues and reports concerns promptly.
• Operates shelter equipment such as radios, computers, incinerator, and cleaning tools safely and effectively.
• Maintains accurate records of animal intake, disposition, and care activities.
• Follows proper safety and handling procedures to minimize risk to staff and the public.
• Performs basic cleaning, feeding, and animal care duties under direct supervision.
• Assists senior staff with animal intake, vaccinations, and recordkeeping.
• Learns proper handling techniques for aggressive or frightened animals.
• Assists with customer interactions and front-desk operations as needed.
• Participates in on-the-job training in euthanasia procedures, safety, and shelter protocols.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Safe animal handling and restraint techniques.
• Common animal diseases, symptoms, and treatment precautions.
• State and local laws and ordinances related to animal control and shelter operations.
• Cleaning and disinfecting agents used in kennel environments.
• Recordkeeping methods and modern office software.
• City policies and procedures.

Skills in:

• Handling animals safely and humanely under various conditions.
• Providing effective and courteous customer service.
• Operating standard shelter and office equipment.
• Maintaining accurate records and preparing reports.
• Communicating clearly and professionally with coworkers and the public.

Physical Demands/Work Environment: Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments, often under extreme temperatures and varying weather conditions. Exposure to loud noises, odors, animal waste, and potentially aggressive or diseased animals is common. Requires walking, standing, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds. May be exposed to zoonotic diseases and hazardous cleaning materials.