Animal Service Officer I, (B272931-8), 204, Animal Control

City of Laredo; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Laredo is seeking an Animal Control Officer to respond to dispatched calls for stray, injured, or aggressive animals, enforce city ordinances, and assist shelter operations. You will educate the public on responsible pet ownership and maintain digital records, under supervision.

Requirements include a High School Diploma or GED and a valid Texas Driver License; bilingual English/Spanish abilities are advantageous.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• At least 1 year of general experience in animal care, enforcement, or social work.
• Valid Texas Driver License required.
• Animal Control Officer Certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Respond to dispatched calls for stray, injured, or aggressive animals.
• Enforce city ordinances and Texas statutes; issue warnings or citations when applicable.
• Assist veterinary and kennel teams with care and shelter operations.

Skills

Public speaking

Customer service

Conflict de-escalation

Data entry

Report writing

Bilingual English/Spanish

File management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Respond to dispatched calls for stray, injured, or aggressive animals; enforce Chapter 6 ordinances and Texas statutes; performs humane capture, transport, and shelter intake; educate the public on responsible pet ownership; and maintain accurate digital records- all under the guidance of the Field Services Supervisor or Animal Service Officer II.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description

• Humanely capture, restrain, and transport stray, injured or aggressive animals using approved equipment (i.e., catchpole, net, trap).
• Investigate citizen complaints and potential ordinance violations; issue warnings or citations.
• Assist veterinary and kennel teams; vaccinate, microchip, medicate, quarantine, feed, and clean.
• Educate residents on vaccination, licensing, bite prevention, and humane care; participate in school/HOA outreach.
• Maintain detailed digital call logs and evidence photos in shelter-management software (i.e., PetPoint).
• Operate radio, GPS tablet, and body camera; follow dispatch and officer-safety protocols.
• Perform routine vehicle/equipment checks; identify maintenance needs and restocks PPE.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for city business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to display presentation and communication skills and strong public speaking skills.
• Ability to deliver good customer service.
• Ability to effectively handle conflict and de-escalate aggressive or tense situations.
• Ability to maintain areas properly sanitized.
• Ability to perform data entry processes with accuracy.
• Ability to gather complex data, analyze, and present clear communication through report writing.
• Ability to use technology equipment such as smartphones and tablets.
• Ability to coordinate and establish file management procedures.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

Knowledge of

• Knowledge of situational awareness; perceive, comprehend, and acknowledge events in your immediate environment.
• Knowledge of radio procedures and understanding rules, protocols, and language used to communicate.
• Knowledge of proper inventory tracking.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of zoonosis awareness; diseases prevention and related infections.
• Knowledge of basic vet-tech procedures.
• Knowledge of safe animal handling procedures.
• Knowledge in the fundamentals of basic legal daily operations.
• Knowledge of proper equipment use.
• Knowledge of defensive driving training and requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations

Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Never

• Warehouse environment

Seldom

• Construction site

Sometimes

• Office or similar indoor environment

Often

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Confined space
• Vehicles

Exposures

Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Never

• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles

Seldom

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Communicable diseases

Frequently

• Individuals who are hostile or irate

Often

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel

Position will require the employee to travel

Never

• International travel

Seldom

• National travel

Frequently

• Regional travel

Often

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalency
• At least one (1) year of general experience in animal care, enforcement, or social work.

Foreign Education

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

Note: The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

The following Licenses and/or Certifications must be obtained after employment

• Animal Control Officer Certification from the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) or a state-level equivalent program must be obtained within 6 months of employment
• Euthanasia Certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment
• First Aid & CPR for Animals Certifications must be obtained within 6 months of employment

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at [phone] two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.