Animal Control Officer

Midland County; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Midland County is seeking an Animal Control Officer to enforce county and state animal control laws, respond to complaints, and ensure humane treatment of animals. The role involves handling a variety of animals, maintaining records, and providing testimony in court when required.

Applicants must meet education and licensing requirements, pass a criminal history check, and legally work in the United States.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with at least 1 year of relevant experience.
• Must be at least 21 years old and able to perform essential functions.
• Must possess and maintain a Texas Driver's License.
• Criminal history review required per state/county policy.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Respond to citizen complaints and investigate animal-related incidents.
• Capture, restrain, transport, impound, and handle animals humanely.
• Investigate animal bite and rabies exposure cases and coordinate related actions.
• Prepare and transport specimens for rabies testing.
• Perform euthanasia when authorized and in accordance with law.
• Maintain accurate records and reports of investigations, impoundments, and care.
• Provide testimony in court related to animal control matters.
• Ensure humane care for animals in custody and safekeeping of equipment and drugs.
• Educate the public on responsible animal ownership and laws.

Skills

Communication

Report writing

Judgment

Animal handling

Confidentiality

Relationship building

Initiative

Problem solving

Multitasking

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent + 1 year relevant experience

Job description

Under general supervision, performs animal control and enforcement duties to protect public health and safety, promote responsible animal ownership, ensure humane treatment of animals, and enforce applicable county and state animal control laws and regulations.

• Responds to citizen complaints and investigates animal-related incidents, including animal bites, nuisance animals, animal cruelty or neglect, dangerous animals, and other violations of applicable county and state laws.
• Captures, restrains, transports, impounds, and handles domestic animals, livestock, wildlife, aggressive animals, and deceased animals using approved humane methods and equipment.
• Investigates and follows up on animal bite and potential rabies exposure cases; coordinates quarantine, testing, documentation, and other required actions in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
• Prepares, packages, documents, and transports specimens or animal remains for rabies testing in accordance with applicable safety and laboratory requirements.
• Performs euthanasia of animals when authorized and in accordance with state law, required training, departmental procedures, and humane practices.
• Maintains accurate records and reports concerning investigations, citations, impoundments, animal care, incidents, medications, controlled substances, euthanasia activities, and other departmental operations.
• Maintains required drug logs and ensures appropriate security, inventory, documentation, and accountability for euthanasia drugs and other medications as authorized.
• Issues citations and notices for violations of applicable county and state animal control laws and regulations.
• Collects and maintains documentation and evidence related to animal control investigations and enforcement actions.
• Prepares for and provides testimony in court or other legal proceedings concerning animal control investigations, citations, cruelty cases, seizures, and related matters.
• Ensures animals in county custody receive humane care and are maintained in healthy, safe, and sanitary conditions as required by applicable law and departmental procedures.
• Safeguards animals and other property taken into county custody and maintains appropriate records relating to impoundment, seizure, release, and disposition.
• Provides information and education to the public regarding responsible animal ownership, animal care, containment, rabies prevention, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Inputs and maintains information in animal shelter and departmental software systems.
• Calculates applicable fees, collects payments, and issues receipts for animals reclaimed by owners or other authorized transactions.
• Maintains inventories of equipment, materials, and supplies necessary for daily operations.
• Safely operates, fuels, inspects, and maintains assigned county vehicles and animal control equipment.
• Responds to emergencies, after-hours, weekend, holiday, or on-call assignments as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications necessary for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least one (1) year of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and possess the ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must possess and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with county policy and applicable insurability requirements. Driving history, including DWI/DUI convictions and moving violations, will be reviewed based on the driving responsibilities of the position.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history review. Criminal convictions, including felonies and misdemeanors involving moral turpitude, family violence, animal cruelty, or other job-related offenses, will be evaluated based on the nature and gravity of the offense, time elapsed, relationship to the position, applicable law, and county policy.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Prior military service and discharge status will be considered only as permitted by applicable law.
• Must maintain a reliable working telephone or other approved means of communication.

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Proper care, handling, restraint, transportation, and humane treatment of animals.
• Proper use, care, and maintenance of animal control equipment, including catch poles, traps, kennels, leashes, and other approved restraint equipment.
• Applicable county and state animal control laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Animal bite, rabies quarantine, animal cruelty, seizure, and related procedures.
• Basic legal and court procedures and terminology related to animal control enforcement.
• Safe handling and documentation of medications and controlled substances used in animal control operations.
• Basic mathematical concepts necessary to calculate fees and maintain records.
• Modern office procedures, computers, software, and departmental recordkeeping systems.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and complete reports, citations, records, and other documentation.
• Exercise sound judgment during potentially dangerous, hostile, emotionally charged, or rapidly changing situations.
• Safely capture, restrain, handle, and transport animals of varying sizes, conditions, and temperaments.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, elected officials, law enforcement, courts, veterinarians, public agencies, animal owners, and the general public.
• Exercise initiative, discretion, and sound decision-making within established laws, policies, procedures, and authority.
• Identify problems, collect and evaluate information, document facts, and reach appropriate conclusions.
• Work effectively under stressful conditions and manage multiple assignments and changing priorities.
• Operate computers, departmental software, vehicles, and specialized animal control equipment.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's License.
• Must obtain and maintain Basic Animal Control Officer training/certification and required continuing education within the timeframes established by Texas law.
• If assigned euthanasia responsibilities, must complete and maintain all euthanasia training and certification required by Texas law before independently performing such duties and within applicable statutory requirements.
• Must obtain and maintain any additional training, licenses, or certifications required by applicable law, county policy, or assigned duties.