Animal Control Officer I

City of Copperas Cove, Texas; Copperas Cove (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Copperas Cove, Texas seeks an Animal Control Officer to care for and capture domestic animals and wildlife, respond to citizen complaints, and assist Police with animal-related issues.

The role requires driving in Texas, maintaining the shelter and equipment, and preparing reports. Training includes euthanasia and certification with a strong emphasis on animal welfare.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver's License required.
• One year of work experience related to animal care.
• Euthanasia course must be completed within 90 days.
• Animal Control Officer Basic Certification within 1 year.
• Affection for animals and ability to handle various breeds.

Responsibilities

• Daily care and capture of domestic animals and wildlife.
• Respond to citizen complaints and assist Police with animal problems.
• Maintain Animal Control facility, equipment and vehicles.
• Patrol streets to enforce animal laws and ordinances.
• Prepare detailed reports and records; testify when required.
• Issue citations and collect fees for adoptions, licenses, etc.

Skills

Animal care and handling

Verbal and written communication

Regulatory knowledge

Public interaction

Independent judgment under stress

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid Texas Class C Driver's License

One year animal care experience

Euthanasia course completion

Animal Control Officer Basic Certification

Tools

Radio communication equipment

Personal computer

Cameras

Office software

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Daily care and capture of domestic animals and wildlife. Completes reports and assists Police with animal related problems. Maintains Animal Control facility, equipment and vehicles. Responds to citizen complaints. Performs essential duties to ensure the success of the department to include euthanizing animals.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct supervision from the Animal Control Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily care and capture of domestic animals and wildlife.

Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone during normal duty hours and after-hours for emergencies.

Carries out duties in conformance with State, County, and City laws and ordinances.

Patrol City streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to enforce animal related laws and ordinances. Conducts patrol activities including capturing loose domestic animals and nuisance wildlife.

Completes reports and assists Police with animal related problems.

Maintains Animal Control facility, equipment, and vehicles.

Responds to calls for assistance involving animals, investigates animal bites and attacks.

Serves Dangerous Animal Orders and Aggressive Animal Orders.

Prepares a variety of detailed and complex reports and records.

Completes case reports and provides all exculpatory or impeaching information and evidence to the prosecuting entity as required by Brady v. Maryland (1963).

Responds to citizen complaints.

Undertakes community-oriented work and assists citizens with animal related issues and advice regarding the care of animals.

Responsible for preparation of memos, letters, and reports.

Attends and conducts classes, training, and labs. Mentors students, gives speeches and presentations to students and public meetings.

Pass testing for certifications and other applicable training.

Issues citations and may be required to testify in a court of law.

Collects fees and issues receipts for adoptions, impounds, licenses, etc.

General office duties and reports.

Cleans and maintains Departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities.

Ability to perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

The employee must have the ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude.

Perform other essential duties as required to achieve successful operations of the department to include euthanizing animals.

Regular and timely attendance is an essential job function.

Must be able to follow directions.

Performs other essential duties as required to achieve successful operation of the department.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Serves as a member of various employee committees as assigned.

Other Duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a valid Texas Class C Driver's License.
• One (1) year work experience related to animal care and handling.
• Must Complete Euthanasia Course within 90 Days.
• Obtain Animal Control Officer Basic Certification within 1 year.
• Must possess an affection for animals, concern for their welfare, and be familiar and comfortable working with various breeds of dogs, cats, and other animals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge in the area of animal care and handling.
• Skills in communication, both verbal and written.
• Ability to read, comprehend and enforce local, state and federal regulations regarding domestic animals and wildlife.
• Ability to work effectively with the public and coworkers.
• Ability to make independent judgments during stressful situations.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal applications, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. Must pass physical demands for the department.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Devices used for the entrapment, capture and control of domestic animals and wildlife; radio communication equipment (hand held and vehicle). Personal computer including word processing software, phone, copy/fax machine, cameras, other specialized tools and equipment as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to engage in moderate to strenuous physical activity, work with tools and equipment, drive vehicles, perform repetitive motions, perform work involving the entire body, stand, and walk and balance on all types of surfaces.

The employee is required to lift and/or move objects or animals weighing up to 100 pounds, and may be required to carry, push, and pull materials. The employee is required to bend from the waist, crouch or squat, kneel, sit, crawl, climb, twist, and reach with arms and hands.

The employee must be able to see clearly, with or without vision correction, in close situations, at a distance, and peripherally, and be able to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed outdoors and in an Animal Shelter that operates six days per week with exposure to animals, including some with questionable health and temperament concerns. The work environment requires that the employee exercise caution at all times and adhere to safety standards to avoid the risk of personal injury.

Will often be exposed to outside weather conditions, odors, fumes, cleaning chemicals and animal waste/blood.

The work environment is noisy, distracting and moderate to loud depending on working conditions.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.