Animal Care Officer

City of San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Antonio seeks an Animal Control Officer to safely capture and transport animals, respond to emergencies, issue citations, and testify in court. You will maintain thorough logs and educate the public on leash laws and animal ownership.

The role requires knowledge of ordinances, safety procedures, and excellent communication with diverse communities. Work hours include nights, weekends, and holidays in a dynamic field environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One year of animal control, animal handling, or law enforcement experience.
• Valid Class C Texas Driver's License.
• Must possess the Texas Department of Health's Basic Animal Control Officer Certification or obtain within six months of employment.
• Must maintain Continuing Education Credits of 30 hours over each three year period.

Responsibilities

• Safely and humanely captures and transports animals including those that are sick, injured or potentially dangerous.
• Lifts and carries animals weighing up to 50 pounds to secure in cages or place on examination tables.
• Responds to calls for animal assistance from law enforcement staff.
• Issues citations for violations and testifies in court.
• Maintains Daily Activity Log and documents field notes.
• Educates citizens on responsible animal ownership and law requirements.

Skills

Animal handling

Public interaction

Communication

Safety procedures

Vehicle operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Texas Driver's License (Class C)

Basic Animal Control Officer Certification

Continuing Education Credits (30 hours/3 years)

Tools

Vehicle operation

Job description

Under general direction, is responsible for apprehending stray, diseased, or dangerous animals. Investigates property to ensure compliance with animal control ordinances and laws, and educates the pet/property owner of violations and issues warning notices or citations for violations. Exercises no supervision.

Work Location

Animal Care Services; 4710 State Highway 151, San Antonio, TX 78227

Work Hours

Work hours vary; schedule will be assigned based on the needs of the department. Must be willing to have night, weekend, and Holiday availability.

Academy Schedule: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Dayshift: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

2nd Shift: 1:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

3rd Shift: 7:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m.

• Safely and humanely captures and transports animals including those that are sick, injured or potentially dangerous.
• Lifts and carries animals weighing up to 50 pounds to secure in cages or place on examination tables, and assists with team lifts for animals weighing over 50 pounds.
• Immediately responds to calls for animal assistance from law enforcement agency staff standing by.
• Responds to observed or reported emergency situations and animal law violations.
• Operates a light-duty truck to perform field investigations for reports of animal bites and dangerous or vicious animals.
• Documents field notes from investigation of pet/property owner and maintains accurate, thorough Daily Activity Log. Submits Log daily to supervisor.
• Writes reports and records data on appropriate log/forms.
• Counsels/educates citizens regarding responsible animal ownership/ordinance/law requirements (leash law, restraint, registration, animal behavior, etc.)
• Issues citations for violations; ensures complete and accurate information is documented.
• Testifies in court.
• Accurately and thoroughly enters animal information into software management system for each call responded to.
• Properly cleans and maintains assigned equipment and tools to assure proper working order.
• Attends and presents at scheduled events, educational seminars, and workshops as required.
• Assists in training new personnel.
• Performs related duties and fulfill responsibilities as required.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
• One (1) year of animal control, animal handling, or law enforcement experience.
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.
• Must possess the Texas Department of Health's Basic Animal Control Officer Certification or obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Must maintain Continuing Education Credits of 30 hours over each three (3) year period.

Applicant Information

• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

• Knowledge of City and State animal control ordinances, regulations and laws.
• Knowledge of San Antonio streets, roads, etc.
• Knowledge of vehicle operation safety procedures.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and methods used to humanely handle vicious animals.
• Knowledge of methods, practices, and techniques of animal control.
• Knowledge of procedures and policies for issuing City citations.
• Skill in safely handling animals including those with unknown temperament.
• Skill in the use of tools used to capture, restrain, and transport animals.
• Skill in dealing with the public including irate citizens.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer, associated software programs, and basic office equipment.
• Ability to humanely handle and control animals under all types of situations and circumstances.
• Ability to adhere to disease management safety protocols.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City staff and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to perform all the essential functions of the position, with or without accommodations.
• Working conditions are in an indoor and outdoor environment with exposure to temperature variations, infectious diseases, and hostile animals.