Animal Control Officer

City of Bryan; Bryan, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bryan is seeking an Animal Control Officer to enforce animal control laws and work with citizens to promote compliance. Responsibilities include responding to calls, patrolling, detaining and transporting animals, and enforcing ordinances.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and at least 3 years of experience, with license requirements including a Texas Class C license and specific certifications. Works outdoors and indoors with variable hours.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must have at least 3 years of responsible work experience.
• Familiar with multiple breeds of dogs, cats, and other animals.

Responsibilities

• Responds to calls and complaints and prioritizes according to division guidelines.
• Patrols streets, detains and impounds animals, transports to Bryan Animal Center.
• Enforces laws, issues warnings, and appears in court when needed.
• Driven to euthanize sick or homeless animals when necessary.
• Investigates nuisance reports and animal bite cases; collects rabies specimens as needed.
• Educates the public on animal care, safety, and humane treatment.
• Assists with Bryan Animal Center care, daily records, and customer service.

Skills

Animal handling

Public safety awareness

Interpersonal communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Texas Class C driver’s license

Basic Animal Control Officer certification (TDSHS)

Certified Euthanasia Technician (TDSHS)

Job description

Hiring Pay Rate

Hiring Pay Rate $19.25/hour (or higher depending on qualifications)

Posting Opening Date

Posting Opening Date 08/10/2026

Posting Closing Date

Job Summary

Works with citizens throughout the City of Bryan to promote compliance with and enforce animal control laws and ordinances.

Essential Job Functions

• Responds to calls and complaints; prioritizes calls using Animal Services Division guidelines.
• Patrols public streets, detains and impounds stray or unlicensed animals, and transports animals to the Bryan Animal Center.
• Enforces animal control laws and ordinances within the City; explains ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals; issues verbal and written warnings of violations of Animal Control ordinances; appears in court on applicable cases.
• Impounds, quarantines, and disposes of animals as appropriate; transports animals to a veterinarian to be treated or neutered. Euthanizes sick, injured, or homeless animals as necessary.
• Investigates reports or complaints of dogs, cats, or other animals creating nuisances; takes appropriate action; investigates reports of animal abuse, investigates animal bite reports, prepares rabies specimens as necessary.
• Educates members of the public about animal compliance and animal care, safety, and humane treatment.
• Assists with the care and maintenance of the Bryan Animal Center including cleaning the center, testing, and vaccinating animals, assisting customers, feeding animals, and carrying out euthanasia.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of daily records and reports.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Responds regularly and promptly to work.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED .
• Must possess at least 3 years of responsible work experience.
• Must be familiar and comfortable working with various breeds of dogs, cats, and other animals.

Equivalent combinations of related education, experience, certification, and training may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.

Ability to:

• Use all tools and equipment appropriate to job responsibilities.
• Utilize good public relations skills.
• Perform work independently based on broad instructions and general supervision.
• Learn, interpret, and apply laws and regulations of the City related to animal control.
• Handle animals appropriately.
• Handle stress associated with euthanasia.
• Handle difficult situations when impounding animals at will or against the owner’s permission.
• Read, understand, and interpret relevant laws, regulations, procedures, and instructions.
• Maintain accurate records; prepare clear and concise reports.
• Be constantly alert and aware of the hazards involved and follow the safety practices and principles in reporting and preventing accidents.
• Abide by City and department administrative directives, policies, and procedures.
• Provide management with sound, positive advice, and information concerning the incumbent’s area of responsibility.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work and communicate effectively with the public and other required entities.

Skills:

• Basic handling and control of domestic animals.
• Reading maps and following directions.

Licenses, Certifications & Special Requirements

• Texas Class C driver’s license with a good driving record as measured by the City’s evaluation system.
• Must be able to work irregular hours, weekends, holidays, and stand-by situations.
• Must obtain a certification as a Basic Animal Control Officer through the Texas Department of State Health Services within the timeframe by the department.
• Must obtain a certification as a Certified Euthanasia Technician recognized by the Texas Department of State Health Services within the timeframe set by the department.
• Must be able to take pre-exposure rabies vaccine as directed by the department.

Physical Demands

Physical demands include but are not limited to: sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, standing, walking, driving, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, crawling, climbing, and using hands and fingers to operate equipment and to lift or move objects. Frequently handles animals of all sizes, occasionally weighing up to 100 pounds.

Working Conditions

Work is performed indoors and outdoors. There is exposure to animal waste/blood, inclement weather, extreme temperatures, cleaning chemicals, odors, fumes, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.

Equipment

Work shall be performed with tools, appliances, and equipment approved by those agencies and bodies that have control, authority, or approval of the design working ranges or limitations of those items; the employee has the responsibility to conform to those ranges and limitations.
Equipment may include but is not limited to: traps, muzzles, catch poles, hand tools, two-way radios, phones (desk & mobile), City vehicle, computer, printer, copier, and other office equipment.

Additional Notes/Instructions for Applicants

This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. City management has exclusive rights to alter this job description at any time without notice.
Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an ‘at-will’ relationship.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * I understand that prior to submittal I must: 1) Verify the application form includes my complete work history & education. 2) If I have previously applied, verified my application is up-to-date, including current dates of employment. (Note: A resume will not substitute the need to add your work history to the application form.)
  • Yes
  • No
• * Select the primary way you heard about this employment opportunity:
  • City of Bryan Website
  • City of Bryan Social Media
  • City of Bryan Employment Office
  • City of Bryan Employee
  • Friend/Relative
  • Indeed
  • Google
  • Glassdoor
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Texas Municipal League
  • Careers in Government
  • Television Station
  • Radio Station
  • Newspaper
  • Career Fair (specify location below)
  • College/University Website (specify school below)
  • Other Website (specify below)
  • Other Source (specify below)
  • Unknown
• If known, specify details of source selected above (name, station, location, etc.):

  (Open Ended Question)

• * What is your expected wage/salary for this position?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Why are you looking for a new position at this time, and what specifically interests you about this position?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * What sort of animals do you have direct experience handling? What sort of care did you provide to these animals?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you possess experience working as an Animal Control Officer?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess Animal Control Certification?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess experience working at an animal shelter, animal care facility, or a similar type of work environment?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess experience dealing with aggressive, sick, or injured animals?
  • Yes
  • No

(Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter
• Letter(s) of Recommendation
• Certification(s)