Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

Do you have a passion for animal welfare and a commitment to serving your community? As an Animal Control Officer, you'll play a vital role in protecting both people and animals by promoting responsible pet ownership, enforcing animal-related laws, and responding to a variety of community needs. This dynamic position is ideal for someone who is compassionate, confident, and able to remain calm under pressure while making a positive impact every day. If you're looking for a meaningful career where no two days are the same, we encourage you to apply. Animal Control Officers promote public safety by enforcement of state laws and local ordinances dealing with rabies control, cruelty to animals, and health code standards. This role demands strong research and organizational abilities, careful attention to the requirements for processing and documenting casework, excellent communication skills, the ability to interact tactfully and effectively with the public and handle stressful situations with composure. Animal Control Officers will be assigned on-call status on a rotating basis for response to emergency calls for service. During the scheduled on-call status, Officers must:

• Be available for response to emergency calls.
• Be able to maintain a maximum 1-hour response time.
• Be in uniform when responding to calls for service.

Field Operations: Operates City animal services vehicles safely and obeys State laws and City policies during the performance of duties. Operates patrol vehicles within City limits to impound animals roaming at-large, or injured animals involved in bites or scratches. Responds to animal complaints, removes wild animals from residences, and enforces applicable City of Baytown ordinances and regulations. Removes deceased animals from residential areas, and roadways according to department protocol. Educates citizens regarding compliance with animal laws, ordinances, and quarantine requirements. Maintains daily work sheets regarding impounded, deceased, and wild animals. Euthanizes animals that are high-risk, rabid, critically injured, or sick animals impounded in the field. Prepares rabies specimens and forwards to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for testing. Transfers dead animals to landfill and unloads. Performs minor repairs and maintenance to a variety of equipment.

Code Enforcement: Represents Local Rabies Control Authority to enforce State rabies laws and City licensing requirements. Issues citations or written warnings. Completes and processes citizen complaints regarding violations. Represents the City in Municipal or County Court regarding citations issued for violations of animal regulations. Capable of understanding and explaining complex facts and relationships in detail, as well as summarizing and writing clearly, concisely, and legibly.

Administration: Assists citizens with paperwork necessary to complete transactions for adoptions, redemptions, sterilization program, licensing programs, donations, and trap issuance. Enters data necessary for tracking complaints, animals, Local Rabies Control Authority (LRCA) reports, etc., into a computer database. Assists with off-site events such as spay/neuter clinics, adoption fairs, etc. Responds to phone calls and walk-in customers in a high-volume environment. Operates two-way radio systems using correct codes and signals.

Shelter Operations: Maintains proper sanitation according to department standards by cleaning animal cages, walls, windows, and flooring. Sanitizes as required. Observes animals and reports any signs of illness, distress, or safety issues. Ensures all animals have adequate food and water by replenishing supplies. Ensures all adoptable animals are properly identified with tags, collars, and correct cage cards. Keeps outside exercise areas free of solid waste. Operates washers and dryers to clean laundry. Exercises animals by taking them to exercise areas. Reconciles animals and updates paperwork and computer systems to reflect changes. Euthanizes animals as required. Provides humane treatment to all animals.

Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days).
• Basic State Certification in Animal Control must be obtained within the first year of employment.
• Euthanasia Certification must be obtained with the first year of employment, as required by DSHS.
• Ability to handle all types of animals.
• Ability to work well independently, learn quickly, and remain flexible in a fast-paced work environment.
• Exceptional customer service, written, and oral communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to exercise good public relations skills and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Knowledge of animal diseases. Ability to handle animals without harm to them, others, or self. Ability to properly prepare lab specimens. Ability to use proper euthanizing techniques. Ability to maintain composure during stressful situations and get along appropriately with co-workers and the public.