Animal Control Officer I

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision of the ACO II, the Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcement of local, state animal control laws and regulations. Incumbent is responsible for the operation of animal control equipment and the apprehension of unwanted, sick, stray, and escaped animals, which involves impounding and maintaining them in an animal shelter.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Perform tasks related to the enforcement of animal control laws and City Ordinances.

2. Answer calls and patrol the City to capture and impound stray and/or unwanted animals. Retrieve sick, injured and dead animals.

3. Collaborate with state and local agencies on rabies control and quarantine animals suspected of having rabies.

4. Handle complaints and explain animal control laws and regulations to the general public.

5. Maintain animal control unit and related animal control equipment.

6. Arrange animal transfers to the Humane Society of North Texas for adoptions.

7. Clean animal runs/cages and feed impounded animals.

8. Euthanize sick and injured animals.

9. Release claimed animals.

10. Remove dead or injured dogs and animals from municipal roads and public areas.

11. Receive and process fees and submit fees to the records department lock box.

12. Arrive to work every day on time, in good physical and mental condition.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Promote the designated organizational culture of E to the 4th power in actions, behavior and performance of duties. All relationships internal and external will be based on Empathy, Edification, Enthusiasm, and Excellence, which is consistent with the E to the 4th power Annual Performance Evaluation.

2. Run department errands as requested.

3. Other duties as assigned or directed by a supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma or a GED equivalent.

2. Valid Texas Driver's License and a safe driving record.

3. No DWI or DUI convictions.

4. Experience and training in the care and characteristics of domestic animals.

5. Knowledge of federal, state, and local ordinances pertaining to animal control.

6. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate routine records.

7. Skills in the operation of animal control equipment, including the use and care of firearms.

8. Physical ability to capture domestic and wild animals.

9. Basic Animal Control Certification through the Texas Department of Health, or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.

10. Desirable appearance for the public at all times.

11. Not been convicted of a felony.

12. Ability to adhere to departmental rules and regulations.

13. Ability to serve citizens in a diplomatic manner, while exercising good emotional control.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work generally performed outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes, however, some duties are performed indoors in climate-controlled facilities. Duties may expose an individual to diseases, bites/scratches and other possible dangers while dealing with animals. Incumbent must use safety equipment provided by the City in the performance of the duties of an Animal Control Officer. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to read a computer screen or documents, grasp, handle, feel, type, listen, hear, reach, see, speak, walk, and sit. The employee is frequently required to bend, stoop, crouch, carry, and lift up to 50lbs. Duties may require lifting, carrying and/or moving animals weighing up to 100 pounds unassisted, and/or dragging animals weighing up to 150 pounds unassisted. Assigned work hours will include weekends and holidays.