Lead Animal Control Officer

City of Royse City; Royse City (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Royse City seeks a Lead Animal Control Officer under the Administrative Services Director. You will supervise daily shelter operations, assist with staff performance, prepare monthly reports, provide training, and order supplies.

You will patrol for animal emergencies, investigate complaints, collect rabies specimens, and assist with re-homing by coordinating with rescues and vets. You’ll also respond to after-hours calls and ensure compliance with all laws.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Associate degree or higher preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Must clear drug screen and FBI background per NCIC/TCIC.
• Minimum 3 years in municipal animal control or related field.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Must be Texas Basic Animal Control Officer with Euthanasia Certification.
• Must hold/obtain Cruelty Investigator certification within 6 months.
• Must hold/obtain Advanced Animal Control Officer certification within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Patrols area for emergency and non-emergency animal situations; investigates complaints and bite reports; collects rabies specimens.
• Apprehends/impounds pets and stray animals violating ordinances.
• Issues citations and license violation warnings; testifies in court with documentation.
• Responds to citizen complaints and mediates animal disputes.
• Educates the public on ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Euthanizes animals per guidelines; maintains euthanasia records.

Skills

Animal handling

Citations & enforcement

Customer service

Computers & software

Communication

Public interaction

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree or higher

DDHEHS Basic Animal Control Officer certification

Euthanasia certification

Advanced Animal Control Officer certification

Tools

Vehicle operation & driving record

Job description

Under the general supervision of the Administrative Services Director, the Lead Animal Control Officer is responsible for performing the activities of an Animal Control Officer and performs lead activities such as assisting with staff performance, monitoring staff on a day-to-day basis, preparing monthly reports, providing training, and ordering supplies and equipment necessary to carry out operations. This position communicates frequently with co-workers, vet clinics and rescues, member of the public and others in order to carry out the day-to-day operations of the Animal Shelter.

• Participates in monitoring the day-to-day operations of the department and performing a variety of administrative activities, which include: processing and organizing credit card purchases; monitoring cash receipts and deposits; preparing and reviewing activity reports; coordinating monthly on-call and holiday schedules for on-call staff; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Patrols assigned area for emergency and non-emergency animal situations, including strays and wildlife. Investigates complaints and bite reports. Collects rabies specimens.
• Apprehends and impounds pet and stray animals in violation of animal control ordinances.
• Issues citations and license violation warnings to pet owners. Attends court hearings to provide information on violations and supporting documentation.
• Responds to a variety of requests for service originating from citizen complaints, complaints from the community, to mediate animal disputes with neighbors, and to provide information.
• Educates the public on animal control ordinances, policies, and procedures, including proper control and care of pets.
• Euthanizes animals, following established guidelines and procedures. Maintains applicable euthanasia records and monitors compliance with applicable certifications.
• Assists the public in locating lost pets and adopting new pets. Works with the general public and rescue/humane organizations to re-home animals from the shelter to permanent homes. Evaluates temperament, health, and general adaptability of animals to ensure a safe and lasting adoption.
• Responds to emergency situations involving animals on an on-call basis after normal business hours.
• Regular, punctual attendance is a requirement of the job.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of animal care and handling principles and practices;
• Knowledge of common animal diseases;
• Knowledge of animal behavior, breeds, and anatomy;
• Knowledge of animal traps, catch poles, and chemical immobilization techniques;
• Knowledge of sedatives utilized on animals;
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedures;
• Knowledge of proper animal services health and safety;
• Skilled in issuing citations and violations in accordance with applicable policies and procedures;
• Skilled in administering sedatives to animals;
• Skilled in providing customer service;
• Skilled in handling difficult animals;
• Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications;
• Skilled in communicating effectively with a variety of individuals;

MINIMUM EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required
• Associate Degree or higher education preferred
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and have an acceptable driving record
• Must successfully clear a drug screen and a background check, inclusive of FBI fingerprinting and background per NCIC/TCIC regulations
• Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in municipal animal control or related field
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Must be certified by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services as a Basic Animal Control Officer and possess Euthanasia Certification.
• Must hold a Cruelty Investigator certification nor be able to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Must be certified as an Advanced Animal Control Officer or be able to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

Must be physically fit with the ability to lift or carry up to 80 pounds without assistance. Ability to push, pull or carry up to 200 pounds with assistance. Must be able to work on your feet for a continuous eight-hour shift in both indoor and outdoor locations.