Contractual Animal Control Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $40,857.00 - $43,580.00 Annually
Location : Smith County Animal Shelter, 322 E. Ferguson St, Tyler, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00636
Department: Animal Control
Opening Date: 03/13/2026
Summary/Objective
The Animal Control Officer performs a variety of field and shelter duties related to the enforcement of animal control laws, protection of public safety, and promotion of responsible animal ownership. This position responds to calls involving stray, injured, aggressive, or nuisance animals and conducts investigations related to animal bites, rabies control, and animal welfare concerns.
Animal Control Officers work to protect the health and safety of the community while ensuring the humane handling and care of animals in accordance with state law, local ordinances, and accepted animal welfare practices. Officers interact regularly with members of the public, veterinary professionals, rescue organizations, and law enforcement agencies to resolve animal-related issues and promote safe and responsible animal ownership within the community.
Work involves the safe capture and handling of animals, investigation of complaints, documentation of incidents, and participation in shelter operations when necessary.
Enforcement Authority:

• Animal Control Officers enforce county ordinances and applicable state laws related to animal control, rabies control, and animal welfare. Officers may issue warnings, citations, or other enforcement actions as authorized by law and may participate in investigations related to violations of animal control regulations.
• Animal Control Officers may coordinate with law enforcement agencies, veterinary professionals, and other governmental entities when responding to incidents involving public safety concerns, dangerous animals, or suspected animal cruelty.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to calls for service involving stray, injured, aggressive, or nuisance animals.
• Investigate animal bites and enforce rabies control and quarantine requirements in accordance with state law, county ordinances, and departmental policy.
• Investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and other violations of state and local animal control regulations.
• Capture and impound stray, dangerous, or unwanted animals using appropriate equipment and humane handling techniques.
• Transport animals to and from the shelter, veterinary clinics, or other authorized locations.
• Be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and be subject to on-call or emergency responses as required to support Animal Control operations.

Other Responsibilities:

• Conduct field investigations and document incidents through written reports, photographs, and evidence collection when appropriate.
• Educate the public regarding responsible animal ownership, local ordinances, and animal welfare practices.
• Assist with animal intake procedures including identification, documentation, and kennel placement.
• Provide basic animal care including feeding, cleaning kennels, and monitoring the health and behavior of animals when necessary.
• Safely handle aggressive or frightened animals using approved equipment and procedures.
• Testify in court or administrative proceedings when required.
• Maintain equipment, vehicles, and assigned gear in safe and operational condition.
• Work cooperatively with law enforcement, veterinary professionals, rescue organizations, and other community partners.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Ability to safely capture, restrain, and transport animals.
• Ability to use animal control equipment.
• Ability to interpret and enforce animal cruelty, neglect, and dangerous animals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public.
• Ability to educate citizens about animal care, licensing, and ordinances.
• Skill in conflict resolution and de-escalation when dealing with upset citizens and pet owners.
• Ability to investigate complaints.
• Ability to use computer systems, software, or reporting systems.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

Licenses and Certifications
The following certifications must be obtained within twelve (12) months of employment:

• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Texas Basic Animal Control Officer Certification
• Euthanasia Technician Certification (if assigned to duties involving humane euthanasia)
• Rabies Control Certification / Training in accordance with Texas Department of State Health Services requirements

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and lift animals and equipment.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and handle animals or equipment weighing 50, but potentially up to 100 pounds on occasion, with or without assistance.
• Work involves frequent handling of animals that may be frightened, injured, aggressive, or unpredictable.
• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, ice, sleet, snow and humidity.
• Regular exposure to animal waste, noise, unpleasant odors, and potentially hazardous or unsanitary environments.
• Employees may be exposed to zoonotic diseases, animal bites, scratches, and other occupational hazards associated with animal handling.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or respond to emergency situations as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the Animal Control Department.

Travel
The ACO is required to travel throughout Smith County, and out-of-town for training classes.
HOLIDAYS
Smith County employees enjoy 12 holidays a year. These are:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• Administrative Day (Employee's Choice)

Each year, Commissioner's Court sets the official holiday schedule.
VACATION LEAVE
1 day earned per month (12 days per year). After 5 years of service, 1 1/4 days earned per month (15 per year). After 10 years service, 1 1/2 days earned per month (18 per year).
SICK LEAVE
1 day given per month. Allowed to accrue maximum of 80 days.
SICK LEAVE POOL
Smith County has established a Sick Leave Pool on a voluntary, contributory basis.
MILITARY LEAVE
Granted up to 15 calendar days per year.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
Unpaid leave may be granted by Department Head for up to 60 days (over 60 days requires Commissioners Court approval) for purposes of:
(1) education that may contribute to the benefit of the County,
(2) public service assignment,
(3) attending to important personal business.
CITIZENSHIP LEAVE
Provides that employees receive normal pay during period called for jury duty which includes both the jury selection process and, if selected, the time the employee actually spends serving on the jury; serving as a subpoenaed witness; and for the purpose of voting.
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE
Provides for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons during a 12-month period, and up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave in a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Smith County offers a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan to its employees and employees' eligible dependents. The plan is administered by The Health Plan.
DRUG CARD COVERAGE
Employee prescription costs are $10 Copay for Generic, $30 Copay* for Formulary Brand, $45 Copay* for Non-Formulary Brand. Mail service is available for maintenance prescriptions. 90-day max supply retail or mail order.
*Mandatory Generic - if generic is available, you will pay the difference between the generic drug and the Brand, plus the Brand copay.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Preventative checkups and cleaning (2 per year) at no cost to employee. Dental work after a $50 deductible per year (maximum of $150 per family) has maximum benefit of $2,000 per year per covered person. Basic services are covered at 80%, major services at 80% and orthodontics (up to age 19) at 50% up to $1,500 lifetime benefit.
LIFE INSURANCE
Up to $10,000 paid for by County. Additional supplemental coverage available at employee's expense.
ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE
Furnished at no cost to employee. Pays 50% of life amount for loss of limb or eye; 100% for loss of 2 limbs or death due to an accident.
RETIREMENT
Employees are eligible to retire: after 20 years of service regardless of age, at age 60 with at least 8 years of service or when age plus service equals 75.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
A payroll deduction savings plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary before Federal taxes - to invest in a tax-favored supplemental retirement program.
For additional benefits information click on the link below:
https://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/human-resources/benefits