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.

Skills and Knowledge:

• 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.