Animal Services Officer

Animal Control Officer

Salary: $21.04/hr. minimum - $24.54/hr. midpoint (Depending on qualifications)

To perform a variety of duties involved in enforcing City and state laws governing the care and keep of animals in the City; and to impound, care for, and dispose of animals as appropriate.

General supervision is provided by the Field Operations Supervisor.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• All behaviors comply with the Code of Conduct & Rules of Behavior outlined in chapter 8 of the General Government Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in city and department attendance policies and procedures.
• Plan routine patrols to search for loose animals; prioritize calls using Animal Services Division guidelines; respond to calls and complaints regarding dead or loose animals.
• Enforce City Animal Control laws; explain ordinances relating to the care and keep of animals; issue citations for violations of Animal Control ordinances; appear in court on applicable cases.
• Impound, quarantine, and dispose of animals as appropriate; transport injured animals to a veterinarian to be treated. Euthanize sick, injured or homeless animals as necessary.
• Investigate reports or complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances; take appropriate action; investigate reports of animal abuse; investigate animal bite reports, prepare rabies specimens as necessary.
• Assist in conducting education programs including making presentations at schools, educating citizens in the neighborhood and responding to questions on the telephone.
• Assist with the care and maintenance of the shelter and the animals including cleaning the shelter, feeding the animals and preparing the animals for euthanasia.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of daily records and reports.
• Provide assistance to customers wishing to adopt an animal; escorts customers through the Shelter; responds to and directs questions regarding adoption or purchasing procedures.
• Impound and process final dispositions for all animals processed through the shelter.
• Provide care for animals in the Shelter including feeding, cleaning and monitoring animal behavior. Monitor conditions of animals and implement precautionary measures in order to prevent disease transmission. Clean and disinfect pens, floors and related areas in accordance with established practices.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of files and filing systems; reviews and verifies records and computer files.
• Provide general office assistance such as answering phones, data entry, or other related duties as assigned.

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• Coordinate with police department or other legal officials as needed; sign affidavits as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or GED.

Experience

• One (1) year of animal handling experience or one (1) year experience in explaining and enforcing regulations and procedures to the public or a combination of the two.

Licenses And Certificates

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Must obtain a certification as a Basic Animal Control Officer through the Texas Department of Health within six months of employment.
• Certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services for Euthanasia Technician or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Work Schedule

• Various

Benefits

Full Time Employees:

The City of Mesquite offers the Zero Premium, Employee Only Benefits under the following plans: High Deductible Medical Plan, Dental HMO Plan, Vision Plan, and Life Insurance. The City is self-insured and offers a choice of two medical plans: HSA, and High Deductible Medical Plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Employee medical coverage goes into effect the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates. Employees enrolled in the City's self-insured medical plan also have access to the Mesquite Employee Health Center (MEHC) clinic and pharmacy. The City offers three dental plan options: a managed plan (DHMO), an indemnity plan (DPPO), an enhanced indemnity plan (DPPO Enhanced). Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates. The City offers free Vision Insurance to all employees. Dependents can be added for an additional fee. Basic Group Life Insurance protection is provided to eligible full-time employees in the amount of two times the annual salary as recorded at the beginning of each year. The following voluntary benefits are available to full-time employees: Supplemental Life, AD&D Insurance, Cancer Insurance and Long-Term Disability Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS): All employees appointed to positions designated to work 1,000 hours or more per year must participate in the TMRS. TMRS is a qualified tax-deferred retirement plan under Section 401 of the IRS. Seven (7) percent of gross earnings are deducted each payroll as a pre-tax deduction and deposited into the member account. When an employee becomes vested and retires, the City provides 2-to-1 matching contributions. Other benefits include Social Security, Tax Saver Program (Section 125 Flexible Spending Account), Deferred Compensation Plans, Direct Deposit, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Sick Leave and Personal Leave.