Animal Control Officer

Bell County, Texas; Belton (TX); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Bell County, Texas seeks a dedicated Animal Control professional to care for animals at the county shelter, assist with intake, and coordinate adoptions and transfers. The role includes maintaining clean facilities, basic medical care, and reporting.

A valid driver’s license and state certifications are required, with weekend/after-hours work as needed. The position emphasizes animal welfare, public safety, and compliance with local laws, while providing opportunities to engage with the

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Six months of experience in animal control or shelter operations preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Certifications: Animal Control Officer Certification, Euthanasia Certification, Bite Stick and Pepper Spray Certification.
• English reading, writing and speaking required.

Responsibilities

• Provides daily care for all animals in the county shelter, including feeding, watering, cleaning and monitoring health.
• Maintains sanitary and humane shelter conditions in line with laws and best practices.
• Assists with intake and processing of animals, including documentation and microchip scanning.
• Coordinates basic medical care and facilitates veterinary treatment when needed.
• Manages animal placement, including reunifications, adoptions, transfers and rescues.
• Maintains shelter records and daily statistics; operates equipment and kennels safely.
• Investigates animal bites and ensures proper quarantine; may testify in court as required.
• Guides public on responsible pet ownership and adoption processes.

Skills

Animal control experience

Driver's license

Observation & safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Animal Control Officer Certification

Euthanasia Certification

Bite Stick and Pepper Spray Certification

Valid state driver’s license

Job description

Come work at a place where we strive to promote and create a safe community. We take pride in living and working in Central Texas and are looking for exceptional talent to join our team.

Job Description:

• Provides daily care for all animals housed at the county shelter, including feeding, watering, cleaning, and monitoring health and behavior.
• Maintains sanitary and humane conditions within the shelter in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and best practices.
• Assists with the intake and processing of animals, including documentation, identification, photographing, and microchip scanning.
• Coordinates or administers basic medical care as needed and facilitates veterinary treatment when required.
• Manages animal placement efforts, including reuniting animals with owners, facilitating adoptions, and coordinating transfers or rescues.
• Performs or assists with humane euthanasia in accordance with policy, training, and certification requirements.
• Maintains accurate shelter records, including intake logs, medical records, disposition reports, and daily statistics.
• Operates and maintains shelter equipment, kennels, and facilities in a safe and functional condition.
• Investigates animal bites, ensures proper quarantine procedures, and completes all required reporting.
• Interviews complainants and animal owners to determine compliance with laws and ordinances.
• Prepares reports, citations, and case files; may testify in court as required.
• Guides the public on responsible pet ownership, animal care, and applicable laws.
• Assists citizens reclaiming animals or navigating adoption processes.
• Promotes animal welfare and compliance through education and outreach.

Equipment & Safety

Operates equipment, including animal control vehicles, radios, capture tools, traps, computers, microchip scanners, and related tools.

May use defensive tools, including pepper spray or firearms, when necessary to protect self or others. Assists law enforcement personnel when requested in matters involving animal-related public safety concerns.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred: Minimum of six (6) months of experience in animal control, animal shelter operations, law enforcement, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Physical Demands:

Work involves frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and handling animals. Regularly requires exertion of 20-50 pounds of force. Requires manual dexterity and coordination in handling equipment and animals safely. Ability to work weekends, holidays, and after-hours as needed.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

• Animals (including aggressive or diseased animals)
• Extreme temperatures and weather conditions
• Noise, odors, and cleaning chemicals
• Zoonotic diseases and biohazards
• Hazardous or unpredictable situations involving animals or the public

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language.

Required (or ability to obtain within six months): Animal Control Officer Certification Euthanasia Certification Bite Stick and/or Pepper Spray Certification.

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy located at the Historic Courthouse, 3rd Floor, in downtown Belton.

Additional Qualifications:

Proposed Compensation: $19.93 - $19.93

Mission Statement.

The government of Bell County, Texas exists to promote and sustain a superior quality of life in Central Texas. In partnership with our communities and citizens, we pledge to deliver cost-effective services in a personal, responsive, and innovative manner.

The Government of Bell County Values:

• Public Safety for all citizens
• Responsibility and accountability
• People as our most important resource
• Achievement of positive solutions to every problem
• Positive liaisons with local government organizations
• A county that is renowned for its beauty and cleanliness
• Taking pride and achieving the highest quality in all we do
• An open, accessible government, where citizen involvement is vital
• Fairness, integrity, and trust as essential qualities of ethical governance
• Encouragement of progressive thinking through employee involvement and teamwork
• Citizens as customers, deserving the highest quality of services delivered by a local government.

Learn more about Bell County