ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER I

Job Description

Job Description

Why Work for the City of Balch Springs?

The City of Balch Springs is a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community that thrives on its rich history, commitment to progress, and dedication to fostering a positive work environment. As a city, we focus on enhancing the quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors.

We are a forward-thinking organization that embraces innovation and strives for excellence in every department. With our clear vision to inspire growth and community pride, the City of Balch Springs is an excellent place to build a rewarding career. Whether you’re passionate about public safety, economic development, or community engagement, we offer diverse opportunities that allow you to make a meaningful impact.

As an employee of the City of Balch Springs, you’ll be part of a supportive team where professional development is encouraged, and collaboration is valued. We believe in providing employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed, ensuring a positive work-life balance and fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and open communication.

Employee Benefits & Compensation:

• Competitive Salary: We offer competitive pay based on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
• Retirement Plans: Access to Texas Municipal Retirement System
• Paid Leave: Generous paid time off, including vacation (15 days for 1st year), sick leave, and holidays (11 plus 2 floating.)
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement within the city.
• Employee Recognition: We value and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our employees.

Our core values of integrity, respect and transparency guide our everyday work, and we actively support our employees’ professional growth. Join our team and help shape the future of a city that’s committed to creating a thriving environment for all.

Job Summary:

The Animal Control Officer I assists in enforcing ordinances, regulations, and laws related to animal care and public safety. This entry-level role focuses on patrolling designated areas, responding to complaints, and providing support with stray or nuisance animals under supervision. Officers will assist with maintaining shelter facilities, helping to remove animals from residential areas, and ensuring proper care of animals. The position supports the mission of animal welfare and public safety while being an opportunity for career growth through certification and training.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or General Education Degree.
• Must have a genuine liking of animals
• A valid Texas driver’s license.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Essential Job Functions:

• Handle administrative tasks, including answering calls, processing fees, maintaining records, and organizing office supplies.
• Perform shelter duties, including cleaning, animal care, and accurate documentation of intakes and dispositions.
• Assist the public with animal-related inquiries, adoptions, lost and found services, animal complaints, and provide education on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
• Respond to calls regarding stray or nuisance animals, assisting in their capture and ensuring proper care.
• Conduct daily animal inventory, ensuring accurate data entry and proper documentation on kennels.
• May assist in humane euthanasia procedures and disposal of deceased animals under supervision.
• May assist with supporting community outreach, adoption programs, and volunteer coordination, including assigning duties and tracking hours.
• Educate the public on City ordinances, animal welfare, and cruelty prevention through outreach efforts.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws relating to animals in the State of Texas.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures relating to animals such as animal body language, animal handling etc.

Skills in:

• Providing exceptional external and internal customer service
• Communicating effectively.
• Handling multiple tasks, planning, and prioritizing.
• Enforcing regulations with tact and good judgment
• Working well under pressure with flexibility and professionalism.
• Operating a personal computer and various software programs.

Ability to:

• Safely handle and care for animals while maintaining compliance with established safety procedures and animal welfare standards.
• Respond professionally and effectively to animal-related complaints, stray animal calls, and public inquiries while exercising sound judgment.
• Maintain accurate records, complete detailed documentation, and ensure proper tracking of animal intakes, dispositions, and daily inventory.
• Support shelter operations through effective organization, multitasking, and coordination of administrative, cleaning, and outreach activities.
• Educate and engage the community on responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, cruelty prevention, and City ordinances in a professional and informative manner.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in an office or public-facing service environment requiring frequent interaction with the public, standing, walking, sitting, speaking, hearing, and operation of office equipment and computer systems. The employee may occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Duties may involve repetitive motions, data entry, handling cash or documents, and extended periods of customer interaction. The work environment may include moderate noise levels and frequent interruptions. Employees may occasionally work extended hours or assist during emergency operations or high-volume service periods. Employees may regularly interact with members of the public who may be upset, frustrated, emotional, confrontational, or in stressful situations and must exercise professionalism, de-escalation techniques, sound judgment, and effective communication while maintaining appropriate service standards and safety practices.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Balch Springs is committed to maintaining a workplace and service environment free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions and the provision of municipal services are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.