Animal Control Officer

Under supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor, Animal Control Officers enforce state and local laws and ordinances to protect the safety and rights of the public and the welfare of animals. Tasks and responsibilities include responding to reports of vicious animals, animal bites, animal cruelty, animal pick-up and confinement, preparing reports, and testifying in court. The bulk of the work is performed in the field driving a department vehicle and responding to reported violations or areas of need.

• Enforces animal control ordinances of Smith County and of Texas State Laws that are applicable to animal control. Assists with legal action against violators may testify in court.
• Responsible for investigating animal bites, advises both owner and victim of procedures and documenting accordingly.
• Completes special assignments as needed, i.e., assisting law enforcement officers with evictions, arrests and drug busts.
• Assists in all facets of shelter work, including care and feeding, kennel housekeeping and euthanasia.
• Working knowledge of methods and techniques effective in animal capture, destruction and other procedures; job specific knowledge of policy and procedures established for the work system; animal behavior and handling techniques.
• Utilize discretion and proper judgment with authority to gain compliance through the issuance of citations and warnings, and/or authoring and executing search and seizure warrants and testifying at court hearings.

• Perform administrative tasks accurately including writing reports, collecting and processing evidence, and maintaining records of monthly work, continuing education and trainings attended.

• Perform other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event.

• Knowledge of current zoonotic disease problems.
• Knowledge of the laws and ordinances pertaining to animal control and humane treatment of animals.
• Knowledge in the use of animal control equipment.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures relating to animals.
• Knowledge in Epidemiology and surveillance methodology for disease prevention.
• Must have good computer skills.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, or similar software, with the ability to quickly learn new software.
• Participate in various community events and public outreach; utilize knowledge of animals to educate the public on animal related issues including animal care and control, laws, ordinances, practices, and safe handling techniques.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment including Animal Control vehicle, two-way radio, mobile computer terminal, body worn camera, conducted electronic weapon, catchpoles, traps, snares, nets, etc.

• Responsible for safe operation of County equipment and vehicles including daily maintenance, cleaning and disinfecting.
• Ability to enforce federal, state, and local laws governing animal control.

• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to public complaints.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of Smith County
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

• Must be able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, to members of the public and the Animal Control department

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Must have experience with animals, and cannot be afraid of dogs.
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Licenses and Certifications 

• Must have a valid class C Texas Driver License.
• Must possess the Texas Department of Health Services Basic Animal Control Officer Certification or obtain one within six (6) months of employment
• Must possess the Advanced Animal Control Officer Certification or obtain one within twelve (12) months of employment
• Must possess euthanasia certification or obtain one within six (12) months of employment
• Due to the nature of this position criminal history must be clear

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the Animal Control Officer to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the ACO is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. The ACO is occasionally required to use hands to handle, or operate objects, controls, or tools in relation to capturing animals; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• The ACO must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Must be able to be on call on a rotating basis (24 hours a day)
• May be required to receive rabies pre-exposure vaccinations

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an ACO encounters while performing the essential functions of this jobs

• While performing the duties of this job, the ACO frequently works in outside weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually excessive.
• Will encounter belligerent people and sometimes hostile environments.
• Must have working/handling experience with animals and not afraid of dogs

Travel 

The ACO is required to travel throughout Smith County, and out-of-town for training classes.

Salary : $39,667 - $42,311