ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER PAY GRADE: 108 – $30,998 minimum salary SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor and Animal Shelter Supervisor or designee, the Animal Control Officer investigates cases of animal cruelty or neglect, enforces county ordinances for stray animals, rescues, traps, and provides humane care to impounded animals. The officer also performs shelter duties such as cleaning kennels, feeding, euthanizing, monitoring health, coordinating adoptions, and works holidays and weekends. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Accurately document all time worked. Operate county vehicles and equipment in compliance with policy. Enforce laws and ordinances by catching and impounding running animals. Perform rescues, removals, disciplinary actions and adoptions. Answer and investigate animal complaints, issuing live‑animal traps to the public. Conduct home visits for animal bite or attack situations. Prepare animal specimens for rabies testing and monitor quarantine. Maintain tools, equipment, facilities, and vehicles. Coordinate and promote the animal adoption program, building networks with rescue organizations. Arrange veterinarian visits for necessary medical care. Maintain daily shelter activity reports for the Environmental Health Director. Clean, scrub, and disinfect animal cages and outdoor areas. Provide food and water and monitor appetite, especially for quarantine animals. Respond to emergencies in after‑hours, weekends, and holidays. Assist annual rabies clinics sponsored by the Environmental Health Program. Assist office with incoming calls and provide general public information. Train new staff in field duties. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and coworkers. Use animal control law knowledge to take action and provide information to law enforcement authorities. Assist with prosecution or release of violators. Prepare case reports and testify in court. Remove animals from county roadways and dispose of deceased animals in accordance with ordinance. Patrol proactively and react to citizen complaints regarding domestic animals. Attend community meetings to explain department activities and foster public relations. Humanely euthanize animals when required. Handle domestic animals with available equipment. Maintain accurate records, files, and documentation of case dispositions. Maintain confidentiality of information and restrict access as needed. Other duties as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High School Diploma or GED, and one (1) year of experience in code enforcement or animal control, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess or obtain within six months the Texas Department of State Health Services Animal Control Officer (TDSHS ACO) Certification and maintain it while employed. Must complete a six‑month probationary period upon certification; successful completion results in civil‑service status. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of animal control rules, ordinances, and regulations; preparation of animal specimens for rabies testing; ability to complete daily reports; skills in loading and unloading animals; knowledge of safe euthanasia procedures. Must be willing to work after hours, weekends, and holidays. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Valid Texas Driver’s License, compliance with Texas driving laws, and acceptable driving record. Reliable transportation. Willingness to work during natural disasters or emergencies. BACKGROUND CHECK & SEPARATION Criminal background check required. The employee may be separated “at will” before obtaining ACO certification and before completing the probationary period. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Good health and physical condition to perform all job duties; may require assistance if needed. BENEFITS Cameron County offers fringe benefits including health and life insurance protection, sick and annual leave, retirement system, and paid holidays. County payroll is mandatory direct deposit. EEO STATEMENT AA/EEO/MFD Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr