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Animal Control Officer

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.