Animal Control Officer

Job Summary The Animal Control Officer works independently under the general supervision and direction of a Police Lieutenant and under the command of the Police Chief. This person performs various technical & skilled tasks involved in the care and control of animals to ensure compliance of the City’s Animal Control Ordinances, State laws and safety of citizens. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Represents the City of Red Oak in a professional, appropriate manner at all times. Enforces all City Animal Control Ordinances and applicable State Laws regarding animals. Acts as the Local Rabies Control Authority (LCRA) for the City. Patrols City to locate & resolve issues regarding: Stray, sick and/or dead animals, wildlife & livestock. Violations of City animal related ordinances. Evidence of animal cruelty. Responds to citizen calls & complaints for service regarding animals at-large. Captures, traps, quarantines, euthanizes and/or disposes of animals as required and allowed by Texas Statutes & City ordinances/policies, including: Sick, injured and vicious animals. Vicious or have bitten humans and/or injured other animals. Picks up and disposes of dead animals. Investigates complaints of animal nuisances, stray animals & livestock, issues citations and warnings as necessary. Investigates complaints of animal cruelty and/or abuse, neglect, abandonment, blood sports & animal bite reports; Interviews witnesses. Notifies owners & involved parties of violations & required corrective actions. Conducts follow-up inspections to verify compliance. Issues citations as needed & contacts individuals to discuss options for resolving compliance issues. Manages and maintains the City’s Animal Control Shelter & vehicle: Cleans & maintains safe & sanitary conditions in the shelter, including cages & kennels. Provides fresh food & water for animals. Cleans euthanasia tables & equipment. Cleans filters, sweeps, mops, dusts shelter & offices. Cleans & maintains Animal Control vehicle. Tracks, orders & receives supplies & medications. Informs & educates the public & business owners on animal licensing regulations, disposal of animals, rabies, & pet adoption programs. Maintains accurate records and activity logs. Maintains files & documents of citizen contacts, enforcement actions and final resolutions. Prepares monthly operational reports and completes various records and/or forms. Submits monthly reports and other information to Supervisor, City Management, City Council and others as requested. Acts as back up to the City’s Code Enforcement Officer as needed. Protects classified, confidential, and sensitive information. Supports the relationship between the City and the public through courteous and cooperative interactions. Provides superior customer service to all internal & external customers. Performs all job duties, tasks and activities, according to work instructions, defined procedures and policies, following all safety rules. Identifies & reports problems that interfere with completion of job duties and initiates or recommends solutions as appropriate. Keeps work areas clean and orderly. Exemplifies a cooperative attitude to work effectively with others. Performs related duties as assigned or required by supervisor. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of municipal operations, services and activities specific to animal control. Excellent knowledge of the current state & local laws regarding animals, including euthanasia. Knowledge of basic capture & restraint procedures. Knowledge of the care & handling of animals. Good writing skills with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Intermediate math skills including fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurements. Computer proficiency with intermediate knowledge of MS Office applications. Demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal supervision. Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to plan, organize and execute multiple tasks by assessing and prioritizing work projects. Ability to respond appropriately to requests and inquiries. Ability to make sound decisions and effectively handle stressful situations in a professional manner. Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to abide by all rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to perform all physical requirements of the job safely. Education & Experience High School diploma or GED required, college degree preferred. One year of experience operating an animal shelter and enforcing animal control ordinances. Experience handling animals & performing euthanasia process. Certifications & Licenses Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License with clear driving record Texas Animal Control Certification required Texas Euthanasia Certification NIMS Training #J-18808-Ljbffr Gfoat