Law Enforcement Animal Control/Environmental Deputy

Lubbock County; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lubbock County is seeking a dedicated Animal Control Officer to respond to citizen requests, apprehend animals, investigate violations, and maintain detailed reports. The role requires experience with animal control, knowledge of Texas laws, and the ability to handle emergencies and euthanasia humanely.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, and Basic Peace Officer certification (TCOLE). A valid Texas driver’s license and the willingness to work a rotating on‑call schedule are

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Basic Peace Officer certification (TCOLE) required.
• Minimum 1 year of related experience or equivalent education.
• Knowledge of Texas animal control and health/safety laws.
• Ability to restrain animals and operate equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Respond to citizen requests for animal control and address complaints.
• Apprehend animals with catchpoles or nets; handle euthanasia when needed.
• Answer calls about animal bites under state law (Chapter 826).
• Investigate dangerous dogs and environmental violations; file cases.
• Maintain detailed records of daily activities and reports.
• Be on rotating on‑call schedule including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Assist with patrol duties as needed.

Skills

Animal control

Knowledge of Texas laws

Emergency response

Interpersonal communication

First aid

Firearms safety

Education

High School Diploma or GED

TCOLE Peace Officer Certification

Tools

Firearms safety

Vehicle operation

Trailers handling

Job description

Responsibilities

• Responds to citizen requests to pick up aggressive, dangerous, or dead animals and addresses complaints regarding illegal dumping, junked vehicles, illegal burns, tall weeds, trash, and junk.
• Apprehends animals with catchpoles, traps, nets, or tranquilizes animals; operates equipment used to capture animals.
• Answers calls for service in response to animal bites on humans, following Chapter 826 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
• Euthanizes injured or sick animals humanely.
• Responds to fire or police emergencies involving animals.
• Conducts investigations of dangerous dogs (Chapter 822, Texas Health and Safety Code), animal cruelty, illegal dumping, junked vehicles (Transportation Code Chapter 683), illegal burns, and related environmental complaints; takes appropriate action and files cases through appropriate courts.
• Returns estray livestock to fenced areas or impounds them; provides for the safekeeping, care, advertisement, and sale of impounded strays.
• Issues court citations to violators, executes search/seizure warrants for animals, and testifies in court as needed.
• Maintains detailed records of daily activities, including incident, supplementary, animal bite, estray, and environmental reports.
• Conducts cleanups throughout the county.
• Monitors and maintains county vehicle and equipment, ensuring service as needed; maintains firearms proficiency.
• Be on a rotating on‑call schedule including (nights, weekends and holidays).
• Assists with patrol duties as needed and performs other related work as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This is a non‑supervisory position.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED certificate; Basic Peace Officer certification through TCOLE, plus at least 1 year of experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of Livestock Laws of the State of Texas, Lubbock County Rabies Control Program, Rabies Control Act, Dangerous Dog Act, Health and Safety Code, Transportation Code Chapter 683, and other pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations (e.g., laws of arrest, search and seizure, evidence, criminal and civil law, TCOLE, and FLSA rules). Knowledge of animal behavior, breeds, handling, euthanasia techniques, and care of animals and livestock. Knowledge of environmental issues, including illegal dumping, junked vehicles, and illegal burns. Knowledge of modern police practices, investigative methods, and principles of first aid. Knowledge of the geography of Lubbock County and adjacent areas. Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, project consequences, and implement recommendations. Ability to research, evaluate methods, and interpret and apply policies, laws, and regulations. Ability to respond quickly and calmly in emergencies, speak and write effectively. Ability to operate computers, utility vehicles, trailers, and firearms safely; physically restrain individuals and apprehend/transport large animals (e.g., estray cattle and horses). Ability to obtain information through interviews and interrogation and maintain effective working relationships with co‑workers and law enforcement personnel. Ability to meet specific physical requirements established by the department.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Basic Peace Officer certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Must successfully complete and obtain continuing education trainings pertaining to Animal Control and Environmental Officers. Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License in good standing.

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 regularly required to carry and lift up to 50 pounds (occasionally up to 75–100 pounds); frequently stand and walk during the shift; occasionally climb ladders, stairs, or inclined surfaces; push/pull objects; flex upper body forward at the waist and partially at the knees; rotate upper body left or right while sitting or standing; and place arms above, at, or below shoulder height. The employee must coordinate eye, hand, and foot movement to operate a vehicle and frequently use hands/fingers to handle or feel objects. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. The employee must complete a one‑mile run in 12:30 minutes, 20 push‑ups in one minute, and 20 sit‑ups in one minute. During emergencies, the employee may exert intense physical exertion (e.g., running, jumping, crawling).

Work Environment

The work environment is frequently outdoors and subject to extreme weather conditions, including wind, rain, sleet, snow, hail, excessive heat (above 100°F), cold (below 0°F), and humidity. Requires good physical condition for prolonged, strenuous activity, considerable running, and walking. The employee must tolerate animal noise, odors, and significant stress or guilt related to animal euthanasia. Hazards include confronting aggressive/feral animals, wildlife, zoonotic diseases, hazardous chemicals, lifting heavy animals, handling poisonous snakes, and environmental risks. Must be available to work irregular hours, including shift work, weekends, and holidays.