ANIMAL SERVICES - Animal Control Officer

City of Lufkin; Lufkin (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lufkin is seeking an Animal Control Officer to enforce local ordinances, respond to complaints, and safeguard the welfare of people and animals within the community. The role requires a high school diploma, a Texas driver license, and the ability to obtain ACO certification within six months; on-call duties and emergency response are part of the job.

This is an essential service position with opportunities to educate the public and collaborate with the Animal Services team to keep Lufkin

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification in safe and humane animal handling preferred.
• Experience in animal control, law enforcement, or related field preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver's License required.
• Must complete ACO Certification Course within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas to identify and respond to animal issues, complaints, and emergencies.
• Investigate reports of animal cruelty or ordinance violations and take appropriate actions.
• Safely capture and restrain animals using approved methods and equipment.
• Impalement of animals as needed with proper documentation and care.
• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership and local ordinances.
• Enforce licensing and permit regulations and issue citations when needed.
• Perform euthanasia procedures following humane protocols when required.
• Respond to emergencies, including disasters, to assist in rescue and sheltering.
• Provide testimony in court and maintain accurate records of activities and investigations.
• Available for emergency calls and related duties as assigned.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Physical fitness

Public interaction

Policy knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AC Humane Handling certification preferred

AC Certification course within 6 months (Texas DOH)

Texas Driver's License

Angelina County residence or within 30 minutes

Job description

Position: Animal Control Officer

Department: Animal Services

Reports To: Animal Services Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay: $17.51

DESCRIPTION

Responsible for enforcing animal control ordinances, responding to public complaints, and ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Certification in safe and humane animal handling techniques is preferred.
• Previous experience in animal control, law enforcement, or a related field is preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver's License at time of placement is required.
• Must complete and pass ACO Certification Course required by Texas Department of Health and Euthanasia Certification within the first 6 months of employment.
• Must live in Angelina County or be within 30 minutes for on-call purposes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and thorough understanding of local, state, and federal animal control laws and regulations.
• Skills in strong problem-solving to assess and address a variety of animal-related situations in the field.
• Skills in effective communication, both verbal and written, for interacting with the public, fellow officers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, carrying, and restraining animals of various sizes.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Conduct routine patrols to identify and respond to animal-related issues, complaints, and emergencies within designated areas of the city.
• Investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and violations of animal control ordinances, taking appropriate actions in accordance with established procedures.
• Safely and humanely capture and restrain animals, utilizing appropriate equipment and techniques, with a focus on minimizing stress and harm.
• Carry out the impoundment of animals as necessary, ensuring accurate documentation, and adherence to protocols for proper care and housing.
• Provide education to the public on responsible pet ownership, local ordinances, and safety measures related to interactions with animals.
• Enforce animal licensing and permit regulations, issuing citations for non-compliance and educating pet owners on the importance of compliance.
• Perform euthanasia procedures when required, following established protocols and ensuring humane practices.
• Respond to emergency situations, including natural disasters or disease outbreaks, to assist in animal rescue, evacuation, and sheltering.
• Provide testimony in court proceedings related to animal control cases, presenting evidence and ensuring accurate documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of activities, investigations, citations, and impoundments in accordance with departmental policies.
• Available for emergency calls.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position is an essential service position and will require providing services during emergency situations.

Visit our website www.cityoflufkin.com or contact the Human Resources Department at Lufkin City Hall, 300 E. Shepherd Ave., Suite 226, Lufkin, TX 75901, Phone [phone].