Animal Welfare & Control Specialist

City of Weslaco; Weslaco (TX); On-site; USD 12,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Weslaco is seeking an Animal Control Officer to capture and impound dangerous or stray animals, investigate cruelty cases, and enforce city ordinances. The role includes providing humane care in the shelter, writing incident reports, and potentially testifying in court.

The position requires a high school diploma, 1–3 years in the field, a valid driver’s license, and ability to obtain required licenses within a year.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of experience in animal control or a related field.
• Must hold a valid Class C Driver's License and be insurable.
• Must obtain Basic Animal Control Officer License and Euthanasia Technician License within 1 year.
• Pass pre-employment background check and drug screen.
• Complete Emergency Management and Incident Command Training within 3 months.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate reports of animal attacks or cruelty.
• Capture and remove stray or abused animals.
• Write activity reports and maintain files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
• Inform owners that their pets are at animal holding facilities.
• Clean facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control trucks.
• Issue warnings or citations in connection with animal-related offenses.
• Organize the adoption of unclaimed animals.
• Educate the public about animal welfare and animal control laws and regulations.
• Hold animal clinics.
• Responds to natural disaster emergencies; supervises damage team members and volunteers.
• Vector Control.
• Perform other similar or related duties as assigned.
• Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours at night and/or on weekends.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Public safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

City of Weslaco is seeking an Animal Control Officer to capture and impound dangerous or stray animals, investigate cruelty cases, and enforce city ordinances. The role includes providing humane care in the shelter, writing incident reports, and potentially testifying in court.

The position requires a high school diploma, 1–3 years in the field, a valid driver’s license, and ability to obtain required licenses within a year.