Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

This position is responsible for controlling and/or impounding stray, abandoned, or injured animals; enforces ordinances concerning stray and/or dangerous animals.

Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one year.
• Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• A polygraph exam will be conducted on all applicants under final consideration for this position.

Duties:

• Responds to calls to catch and detain stray, abandoned, injured and/or dangerous animals.
• Patrols the city for and transports strays, abandoned, dead/injured and unlicensed animals to the city shelter.
• Pick up/impound animals in a safe and humane manner.
• Provides daily care for impounded animals, including feeding, watering and obtaining medical care.
• Investigate reports of animal bites, dangerous/vicious animals, and animal cruelty.
• Etherize animals when necessary.
• Respond to observed or reported emergency situations and ordinance violations.
• Issues warnings and citations for violations of state laws and city ordinances; conducts follow-up inspections as necessary.
• Write reports and record data on appropriate log/forms.
• Testifies in court regarding ordinance violations.
• Prepares reports concerning animal bites and quarantines animals for rabies observation.
• Counsel/educate citizens and provide information and assistance regarding responsible animal ownership/ordinance requirements (leash law, registration, animal behavior, etc.)
• Maintains records of impounded animals.
• Cleans the shelter, equipment and tools on a daily/weekly basis.
• Respond to after hours emergency calls as needed from the Big Spring Police.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of relevant state laws and city codes and ordinances concerning licensing and impounding of animals.
• Knowledge of city roads and geography.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
• Knowledge of the procedures involved in the capture and euthanization of animals.
• Knowledge of animal breeds and their characteristics.
• Skill in animal care.
• Skill in safely handling animals, including those with unknown temperament.
• Adhere to disease management and safety protocols.

Benefits

There are a wide variety of benefits available to City of Big Spring employees. These benefits include health, dental, life and disability insurance, optional life insurance plans, flexible spending account for health expenses, an Employee Assistance Program, and a Tuition Reimbursement Program. The City of Big Spring provides the following benefits to all regular, full-time employees:

1. Texas Municipal Retirement System
2. Deferred Compensation (Retirement)
3. Health Insurance
4. Dental Insurance
5. Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
6. Cafeteria Plan
7. Workman's Compensation
8. Longevity Pay for years of service
9. Paid Uniforms
10. Stand By Pay
11. Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
12. Paid Holidays
13. Recreation Privileges
14. Wellness Program
15. Tuition Reimbursement Program

Texas Municipal Retirement System: The City of Big Spring is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Employee/employer supported retirement begins at the date of employment. An employee contributes seven percent of their monthly wages to TMRS. The City then matches the employee contribution two to 1 upon retirement. Employees are eligible to retire after 20 years of service. Retirement becomes vested after five years of participation in TMRS. Applicants with prior or current military could receive up to 60 months towards their retirement for TMRS.

Deferred Compensation (Retirement): The 457b Deferred Compensation plan is provided to City employees in lieu of Social Security. Employees pay 6.7% of their adjusted gross salary. This amount is matched by the City as follows: 5.51% Contributed to the deferred compensation retirement 2.19% Pays for the life and disability insurance package 7.70% Total matched funds

Health Insurance: The City of Big Spring pays the cost of employees insurance and supplements the cost of dependent insurance. Dependent health insurance coverage is available at the following rates: Family Coverage $832.45/Monthly $416.23/Bi-Weekly Spouse Coverage $614.89/Monthly $307.45/Bi-Weekly Child Coverage $305.45 /Monthly $152.73/Bi-Weekly Payment for dependent health insurance coverage is deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Pharmacy cards are included in the health insurance package. If dependent insurance coverage is purchased, dependents will also receive the pharmacy card.

Dental Insurance: Dental insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates: Employee Only $22.08/Monthly $11.04/Bi-Weekly Employee and Spouse $44.78/Monthly $22.39/Bi-Weekly Employee and Children $49.64/Monthly $24.82/Bi-Weekly Employee and Family $72.40/Monthly $36.20/Bi-Weekly Payments for dental insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Employees enrolled in the dental plan will also be eligible for the discount Vision Access program and receive discounts on vision care services or supplies.

Vision Insurance: Vision insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates: Employee Only $8.02/Monthly $4.01/Bi-Weekly Employee and Spouse $15.20/Monthly $7.60/Bi-Weekly Employee and Children $16.02/Monthly $8.01/Bi-Weekly Employee and Family $20.42/Monthly $10.21/Bi-Weekly Payments for vision insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks.

Life and Long Term Disability Insurance: The City of Big Spring's life insurance policy provides for a death benefit equal to four times the employee's annual salary. In addition to the standard life insurance, employees may purchase optional life insurance. The long term disability package ensures that in the event of a permanent disability, a maximum of 20% of the employee's monthly salary is paid up to a maximum or $3,000.00 per month.

Cafeteria Plan (AFLAC): The City provides a program to allow employees to tax shelter day care and certain medical expenses. This insurance provides a tax savings increasing the employee's take home pay.

Workman's Compensation: The City of Big Spring meets the standard state requirements for Workman's Compensation. If an employee is injured on the job, he/she report the incident to the department supervisor immediately.

Longevity Pay for Years of Service: City employees are given longevity pay based on their length of service with the City of Big Spring. After one year of service, City employees receive longevity payments on their bi-weekly paycheck. After two years of service, employees are given the option to continue to receive a bi-weekly payment or they can elect to bank their longevity payments. Employees who bank their longevity payments will receive a lump sum payment once a year, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Years of service Annual Bi-Weekly 1 to 9 $72.00 $2.77 10 to 14 $96.00 $3.70 15 to 19 $120.00 $4.62 20+ years $144.00 $5.54

Uniforms: The City provides uniforms for employees who are required to wear certain attire to work. Three to five uniforms are furnished to employees, along with other suitable foul weather and safety gear. Police and Fire