What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer position at Lubbock County?
This is responsible, specialized police work involving the control of animals (livestock and domestic) and addressing environmental issues within Lubbock County. Duties include enforcement of the Lubbock County Rabies Control Program, state laws (including Livestock Laws, Rabies Control Act, Dangerous Dog Act, Health and Safety Code, and Transportation Code Chapter 683), and handling issues such as illegal dumping, junked vehicles, illegal burns, tall weeds, trash, and junk. Responsibilities encompass humane impoundment and handling of aggressive, bite, or estray animals; investigation and follow-up of animal and environmental cases until closure; issuing citations and filing criminal charges through appropriate courts; protecting county residents and property; and performing patrol and emergency response functions as needed.
- Responds to citizen requests to pick up aggressive, dangerous, or dead animals and addresses complaints regarding illegal dumping, junked vehicles, illegal burns, tall weeds, trash, and junk.
- Apprehends animals with catchpoles, traps, nets, or tranquilizes animals; operates equipment used to capture animals.
- Answers calls for service in response to animal bites on humans, following Chapter 826 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
- Euthanizes injured or sick animals humanely.
- Responds to fire or police emergencies involving animals.
- Conducts investigations of dangerous dogs (Chapter 822, Texas Health and Safety Code), animal cruelty, illegal dumping, junked vehicles (Transportation Code Chapter 683), illegal burns, and related environmental complaints; takes appropriate action and files cases through appropriate courts.
- Returns estray livestock to fenced areas or impounds them; provides for the safekeeping, care, advertisement, and sale of impounded strays.
- Issues court citations to violators, executes search/seizure warrants for animals, and testifies in court as needed.
- Maintains detailed records of daily activities, including incident, supplementary, animal bite, estray, and environmental reports.
- Conducts cleanups throughout the county.
- Monitors and maintains county vehicle and equipment, ensuring service as needed; maintains firearms proficiency.
- Be on a rotating on-call schedule including (nights, weekends and holidays).
- Assists with patrol duties as needed and performs other related work as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This is a non- supervisory position.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 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.
EDUCATION and or EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma or GED certificate; Basic Peace Officer certification through TCOLE, plus at least 1 year of experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES: Knowledge of Livestock Laws of the State of Texas, Lubbock County Rabies Control Program, Rabies Control Act, Dangerous Dog Act, Health and Safety Code, Transportation Code Chapter 683, and other pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations (e.g., laws of arrest, search and seizure, evidence, criminal and civil law, TCOLE, and FLSA rules). Knowledge of animal behavior, breeds, handling, euthanasia techniques, and care of animals and livestock. Knowledge of environmental issues, including illegal dumping, junked vehicles, and illegal burns. Knowledge of modern police practices, investigative methods, and principles of first aid. Knowledge of the geography of Lubbock County and adjacent areas. Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, project consequences, and implement recommendations. Ability to research, evaluate methods, and interpret and apply policies, laws, and regulations. Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies, speak and write effectively. Ability to operate computers, utility vehicles, trailers, and firearms safely; physically restrain individuals and apprehend/transport large animals (e.g., estray cattle and horses). Ability to obtain information through interviews and interrogation and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and law enforcement personnel. Ability to meet specific physical requirements established by the department.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Basic Peace Officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). - Must successfully complete and obtain continuing education trainings pertaining to Animal Control and Environmental Officers. Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License in good standing.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to carry and lift up to 50 pounds (occasionally up to 75–100 pounds); frequently stand and walk during the shift; occasionally climb ladders, stairs, or inclined surfaces; push/pull objects; flex upper body forward at the waist and partially at the knees; rotate upper body left or right while sitting or standing; and place arms above, at, or below shoulder height. The employee must coordinate eye, hand, and foot movement to operate a vehicle and frequently use hands/fingers to handle or feel objects. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must complete a one-mile run in 12:30 minutes, 20 push-ups in one minute, and 20 sit-ups in one minute. During emergencies, the employee may exert intense physical exertion (e.g., running, jumping, crawling).
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment is frequently outdoors and subject to extreme weather conditions, including wind, rain, sleet, snow, hail, excessive heat (above 100°F), cold (below 0°F), and humidity. Requires good physical condition for prolonged, strenuous activity, considerable running, and walking. The employee must tolerate animal noise, odors, and significant stress or guilt related to animal euthanasia. Hazards include confronting aggressive/feral animals, wildlife, zoonotic diseases, hazardous chemicals, lifting heavy animals, handling poisonous snakes, and environmental risks. Must be available to work irregular hours, including shift work, weekends, and holidays.