Shelter Operations Officer - Animal Services

City-of-Lubbock,-T; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Lubbock Animal Services is seeking an Animal Control Officer to maintain shelter operations and ensure the welfare of impounded animals. You will assist with intake, vaccinations, and daily care, while engaging with the public about LAS programs and adoption policies.

The role requires handling medical duties under the veterinarian's guidance, preventing disease spread, and performing euthanasia when necessary. A flexible, rotating schedule is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with public contact experience.
• Certification as Basic Animal Control Officer within required timeframe.
• Certification as Certified Euthanasia Technician within required timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Maintain shelter operations and provide food, water, and shelter for impounded animals.
• Clean and disinfect assigned areas daily and participate in animal enrichment.
• Assist with intake, vaccination, and deworming of animals.
• Report health or behavior issues to veterinarian/management.
• Advise public on LAS programs and adoption policies.
• Protect confidential information and provide excellent customer service.
• Provide medical care per veterinarian recommendations and euthanize when necessary.
• Quarantine animals for rabies observation and prepare specimens for testing.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Animal handling

Customer service

Communication

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or equivalent +1 year public contact experience

Basic Animal Control Officer certification (Texas DSHS)

Certified Euthanasia Technician (Texas DSHS)

Job description

Under general supervision, the Animal Control Officer maintains shelter operations through exceptional service and care of the onsite pet population and customers.

• Assists with providing necessary food, water and shelter for impounded animals;
• Responsible for proper cleaning and disinfection of assigned areas on a daily basis;
• Participate in animal enrichment through playgroups and/or daily handling;
• Take part in the intake of multiple animals per day, including vaccinating and deworming;
• Report observed health or behavior issues to the veterinarian and management team;
• Provide information to the public about LAS programs and promote good animal care and responsible pet ownership;
• Advise potential adopters of LAS adoption benefits, policies and procedures;
• Protect all confidential information, including customers, donors, animals and internal communications;
• Represent Lubbock Animal Services by providing excellent customer service and focus;
• Provide medical care to sick and/or injured animals per the veterinarians recommendations;
• Euthanize sick, injured, dangerous, or stray animals as necessary and properly dispose of said animal;
• Quarantine animals suspected of biting for rabies observation or prepare specimens for submission of rabies testing;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Completion of a high school diploma or the equivalent with an additional one year of experience in a public contact position; or any combination of relevant education and experience.

• Must obtain a certification as a Basic Animal Control Officer through the Texas Department of State Health Services within the timeframe by the department.
• Must obtain a certification as a Certified Euthanasia Technician recognized by the Texas Department of State Health Services within the timeframe set by the department.

Valid Current Driver's License

Physical Exam Required

Work Schedule: Monday-Sunday; rotating 40-hour work week; 8-hour shifts between 7am-7pm; *Must be flexible, as we are an essential city department*

Knowledge of:

• Various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic and wild animals;
• Animal behavior and diseases;
• Basic methods of animal collection;
• Law enforcement principles and procedures.

Ability to:

• Learn, interpret, and understand laws and regulations governing the humane treatment of animals;
• Learn and develop skills in the humane treatment of animals;
• Ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude;
• Regular and timely attendance;
• Ability to remain objective in difficult and stressful situations;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Perform duties with a significant degree of independence within established guidelines and procedures;
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions;
• Follow verbal and written instructions;
• Learn specialized software;
• Utilize computer skills and keyboarding skills;
• Prepare and maintain accurate records;

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds;
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 75 pounds;
• Frequently stand and walk during the shift;
• Push and pull objects in order to place animals into a cage;
• Frequently flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially at the knees to pick up animals;
• Frequently rotate upper trunk to the right and left while sitting or standing;
• Place arms above, at, and below shoulder height;
• Coordinate eye, hand and foot movement in order to operate a vehicle.