Animal Services Officer

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Under general supervision, performs responsible work in the enforcement of state and local animal control laws and ordinances and in the investigation of violations of such laws and ordinances. Responds to a variety of animal-related complaints from the general public.

Essential Job Functions

Patrols the City for stray animals; impounds stray animals; traps and/or captures wild animals; rescues injured animals; removes and disposes of dead animals. Investigates reports of animal biting incidents and reports of dangerous or vicious animals; enforces dangerous animal regulations. Responds to fire or police emergencies if animals are present; picks up live or dead animals in any other situation warranting removal, using catch pole and leash. Prepares detailed reports of activities and investigations made; consults with prosecutors and prepares case reports for court action; testifies in court.

Enforces the animal control ordinances: investigates bites, informs citizens of laws, issues citations, appears in court on behalf of the city. Takes calls in the animal shelter, logs all calls and activities, writes reports. Responds to, investigates and answers calls; cleans and maintains animal control shelter and vehicle; feeds and waters animals; collects monies for the release and adoption of dogs and cats. Conducts preliminary or follow-up cruelty investigations.

Feeds and waters animals in the shelter, clean cages, performs euthanasia on trapped (high risk) wildlife and any critically injured animals in the field; in addition to animals at the shelter as needed. Oversees rabies quarantine. Drives to the landfill and buries animals. Prepares and forwards specimen to state laboratory for examination. Responsible for regular attendance and arriving to work on time.

Performs other duties as assigned. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others.

Minimum Requirements

High School Diploma or GED and one year of experience in animal care, control, and handling required. Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Ability to comprehend and apply established animal control ordinances, regulations, policies, procedures; and ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions. Ability to perform effectively in stressful and sometimes possibly dangerous situations. Ability to handle injured/dying animals. Knowledge of PC operations and data entry.

Ability to use animal capture and handling equipment, police radio, firearms, restraint pole, throw net, and proficiency in using euthanasia tools, i.e. hypodermic needles, stethoscope, microscope, syringe pole and tourniquet.

Ability to follow instructions, safe practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks. Ability to perform duties with tact and courtesy in dealing with the general public. Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the general public; ability to maintain records and prepare reports.

Other Requirements

Valid driver's license required. Must have and maintain a good driving record in accordance with the driving standards as established by the City of Rowlett. Must report all traffic citations to his/her departmental Director or his/her designee within two working days of receipt.

Ability to be on-call during non-working hours. Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Must be available for timely response to after-hours call-outs when on-call duty. Must be willing to submit to pre-exposure rabies immunization. Clear criminal record.

Texas Department of State Health Certified Animal Control Officer and Euthanasia Technician within twelve (12) months of employment.

Considerable exposure to various disagreeable elements. Includes continuous and frequent exposure to weather conditions. Position requires heavy lifting up to 100 lbs., carrying, lifting, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling and reaching. Position also requires sitting, standing, walking or running to perform animal control duties. Exposure to hazards (vicious, wild, rabid animals). Work is done in the middle of traffic on average of once or twice per day; frequent vibration from riding in truck; occasional exposure to noise in shelter from barking dogs; occasional threats from agitated individuals. Possible exposure to zoonotic diseases.