AHPD Animal Care Services Assistant

JOB SUMMARY:

The Animal Care Services Division promotes compliance with State Laws and Local Ordinances concerning the abatement of animal nuisances and humane animal care through proactive community involvement, publication of domestic animal care information as well as non-domestic animal issues/concerns, and programs to control feral cat populations. The Animal Care Services Assistant assists the Animal Care Service Manager in meeting the goals and objects of the program through the essential job functions, skills and abilities of the Animal Care Services Program.

The Animal Care Services Assistant is assigned to Police Animal Care Services Manager and may report to the Deputy Chief of Police in the absence of the Animal Care Service Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Retrieves lost, stray or otherwise at-large domestic animals; determines ownership through license/owner identification tags or microchip in order to reunite domestic animals with owners; transports animals humanely to impound facilities when necessary.
• Investigates domestic animal complaints and conducts follow-up visits regarding City Code violations observed or reported to the Police Department.
• Conducts follow-up investigations for all reported animal bite/scratch cases to ensure post bite/scratch requirements are met in accordance with the Texas Health and Safety Code.
• Work proactively in the community to address domestic animal concerns; provides guidance to domestic pet owners regarding ownership responsibility, pet safety, and regulation/registration requirements.
• Maintain the Animal Care Services webpage on the City's website and provide updates as necessary; prepares community bulletins and newsletter articles pertaining to domestic and non-domestic animal issues and concerns.
• Maintain and update a lost and found page on the City's website to include pet description, owner information, pet location, and a picture of the lost/found pet.
• Examine animals for signs of injury, illness or distress; seek arrangement for veterinary care; ensure animals are free from fleas, ticks and other parasites.
• Transport domestic animals for veterinary services, training, trial home visits and other needs specific to the rescue and adoption programs.
• Maintain records of each animal's medical history and treatments; photograph and document the progress of animals treated; schedule preventive medications and ensure they are applied; coordinate with kennel staff specific animal needs.
• Stay current on low cost veterinary options; develop working relationships with animal hospital/rescue staff and veterinarians.
• Seek funding raising opportunities specific to animal care services to include donation drives, grant opportunities and other fundraisers supported by animal care service support organizations and local businesses.
• Remain current on non-domestic animal and wildlife issues/concerns; work proactively with the community to keep residents informed and provide guidance to discourage non-domestic and wildlife animal presence.
• Manage and promote the Trap-Neuter-Return Program (T-N-R) to control the feral cat population: work with volunteers and network with outside support providers for T-N-R Program opportunities and program enhancements.
• Enter all animal care services activities in the Police Department records management system; maintain databases and spreadsheets necessary to prepare activity reports and track expenditures.
• Attend and successfully complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours of specialized training on topics involving domestic and non-domestic animal case service and animal control programs (Health and Safety Code Chapter 829.002).
• Disposes of dead animals found or reported on public or private property.
• Performs duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience or knowledge of 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations preferred but not required at entry level.
• Experience in animal rescue or animal care organizations

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATION:

• Basic Animal Control Certification
• Valid Class C driver's license or equivalent

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of State Laws and local Ordinances to include, but not limited to the Texas Penal Code Chapter 42, Texas Health and Safety Code Title 10, and Chapter 4 & 10 of the Alamo Heights City Codes.
• Knowledge in the care and use of animal control equipment, humane traps, humane capture and handling techniques, and animal transport procedures.
• Knowledge of basic animal care and the characteristics of domestic and non-domestic animals.
• Knowledge of computer equipment, basic computerized data entry procedures, and internet research procedures.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of the Alamo Heights Police Department General Manual.
• Knowledge of the Alamo Heights Employee Manual.
• Ability to manage and operate a domestic animal rescue organization, network with other rescue organizations, and arrange for adoptions both local and distant.
• Ability to develop and manage a foster animal program to prepare animals for adoption.
• Ability to effectively utilize software programs designed to track animal care services activities, track licensing and microchip data, and develop reports for planning and budgetary purposes.
• Ability to understand and manage the budget for an animal care services program and participate in budget planning each fiscal year.
• Ability to participate or initiate fundraising opportunities with grant organizations, animal care services groups or the general public.
• Ability to research animal control/care issues and make recommendation for remediation.
• Ability to prepare newsletter articles and community bulletins concerning domestic and non-domestic animal issues/concerns.
• Ability to operate a digital camera and download pictures into computer programs.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively; address sensitive animal care services related concerns tactfully in private and public venues.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to read and write the English language.
• Ability to work within the chain of command.
• Ability to safely operate City equipment and City owned vehicles in compliance with State Law, Department policy, and City policy
• Ability to work a flexible schedule or overtime to allow for occasional weekend adoption events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequently required to lift or move heavy objects up to sixty (60) pounds.
• May be required to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Able to tolerate regular exposure to various weather conditions and outside elements.
• Able to provide on-call responses to a variety of animal related concerns including, but not limited to injured/sick domestic and non-domestic species, wildlife intrusion, poisonous and non-poisonous reptile issues, relocation of trapped wildlife, aggressive canines, feral cats and other species of animals prohibited by City Codes.
• Able to withstand occasional levels of noise beyond reasonable levels.
• Able to demonstrate hand-eye coordination.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.
Management has the exclusive right to alter this job
description at any time without notice.