Animal Control Officer

Summary

The Animal Control Officer works independently under the general supervision and direction of a Police Lieutenant and under the command of the Police Chief. This person performs various technical & skilled tasks involved in the care and control of animals to ensure compliance of the City’s Animal Control Ordinances, State laws and safety of citizens.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Represents the City of Red Oak in a professional, appropriate manner at all times.
• Enforces all City Animal Control Ordinances and applicable State Laws regarding animals. Acts as the Local Rabies Control Authority (LCRA) for the City.
• Patrols City to locate & resolve issues regarding:
• Stray, sick and/or dead animals, wildlife & livestock.
• Violations of City animal related ordinances.
• Evidence of animal cruelty.
• Responds to citizen calls & complaints for service regarding animals at-large:
• Captures, traps, quarantines, euthanizes and/or disposes of animals as required and allowed by Texas Statutes & City ordinances/policies, including:
• Sick, injured and vicious animals.
• Vicious or have bitten humans and/or injured other animals.
• Picks up and disposes of dead animals.
• Investigates complaints of animal nuisances, stray animals & livestock, issues citations and warnings as necessary.
• Investigates complaints of animal cruelty and/or abuse, neglect, abandonment, blood sports & animal bite reports;
• Interviews witnesses.
• Notifies owners & involved parties of violations & required corrective actions.
• Conducts follow-up inspections to verify compliance.
• Issues citations as needed & contacts individuals to discuss options for resolving compliance issues.
• Manages and maintains the City’s Animal Control Shelter & vehicle:
• Cleans & maintains safe & sanitary conditions in the shelter, including cages & kennels.
• Provides fresh food & water for animals.
• Cleans euthanasia tables & equipment.
• Cleans filters, sweeps, mops, dusts shelter & offices.
• Cleans & maintains Animal Control vehicle.
• Tracks, orders & receives supplies & medications.
• Informs & educates the public & business owners on animal licensing regulations, disposal of animals, rabies, & pet adoption programs.
• Maintains accurate records and activity logs. Maintains files & documents of citizen contacts, enforcement actions and final resolutions.
• Prepares monthly operational reports and completes various records and/or forms. Submits monthly reports and other information to Supervisor, City Management, City Council and others as requested.
• Acts as back up to the City’s Code Enforcement Officer as needed.
• Protects classified, confidential, and sensitive information.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the public through courteous and cooperative interactions.Provides superior customer service to all internal & external customers.
• Performs all job duties, tasks and activities, according to work instructions, defined procedures and policies, following all safety rules.
• Identifies & reports problems that interfere with completion of job duties and initiates or recommends solutions as appropriate.
• Keeps work areas clean and orderly.
• Exemplifies a cooperative attitude to work effectively with others.
• Performs related duties as assigned or required by supervisor.
  

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED required, college degree preferred.
• One year ofexperience operating an animal shelter and enforcing animal control ordinances.
• Experience handling animals & performing euthanasia process.
  
  

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License with clear driving record
• Texas Animal Control Certification required
• Texas Euthanasia Certification
• NIMS Training
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of municipal operations, services and activities specific to animal control.
• Excellent knowledge of the current state & local laws regarding animals, including euthanasia.
• Knowledge of basic capture & restraint procedures.
• Knowledge of the care & handling of animals.
• Good writing skills with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Intermediate math skills including fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurements.
• Computer proficiency with intermediate knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to plan, organize and execute multiple tasks by assessing and prioritizing work projects.
• Ability to respond appropriately to requests and inquiries.
• Ability to make sound decisions and effectively handle stressful situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to abide by all rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the job safely.