Description

Under general supervision, performs entry- to intermediate-level animal control, animal welfare, and public safety duties for the City of Terrell. The Animal Services Officer enforces applicable animal-related ordinances and state laws; responds to routine service calls; assists with investigations; performs animal care and shelter operations; and provides customer service to the public. 

Essential Functions

This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

1.      Enforces City of Terrell ordinances and applicable state laws related to animal control, animal welfare, rabies control, licensing, vaccinations, and leash requirements.

2.      Responds to routine calls for service involving stray, injured, nuisance, confined, or deceased animals.

3.      Assists with capturing, restraining, handling, and transporting domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife using approved humane methods and equipment.

4.      Provides daily animal care and shelter operations support, including feeding, watering, cleaning, sanitizing kennels, and monitoring animal health and behavior.

5.      Assists with intake, impoundment, identification, redemption, adoption, and transfer of animals.

6.      Assists senior staff with investigations involving animal bites, cruelty, neglect, or dangerous animal complaints.

7.      Issues warnings or citations as authorized and documents enforcement actions.

8.      Educates the public on responsible pet ownership, animal safety, rabies prevention, and city ordinances.

9.      Operates and maintains animal control vehicles, equipment, tools, and facilities in a safe and sanitary condition.

10.  Maintains accurate records, logs, citations, and electronic documentation related to assigned duties.

11.  Performs euthanasia as assigned and authorized, in accordance with state law, training, and city policy.

12.  Responds to after-hours, weekends, holidays, on-call rotations, disaster response, and emergency situations as required.

13.  Works cooperatively with law enforcement, code enforcement, public health officials, rescue organizations, and the general public.

14.  Wash, clean and sanitize vehicle twice weekly as needed; service vehicles as needed.

15.  Follow all safety procedures and use appropriate PPE.

16.  Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

High School Diploma or GED required. Additional education or training in veterinary or animal control related activities preferred.

A minimum of one (1) year of experience in animal control, animal services, shelter operations or a closely related field is required. Additional prior experience in animal control, animal care, shelter operations, veterinary assistance, or a related field is preferred.

Licenses and /or Certifications

Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License with acceptable driving record required.

Possession of or ability to obtain a Basic Animal Control Certification within one (1) year from date of hire. Must also have the ability to obtain any other required state-mandated animal control training and certifications within established timeframes.

Knowledge of:

        Basic principles of animal control, animal behavior, and humane handling techniques.

        Applicable animal-related city ordinances and state laws.

        Proper care, restraint, and transportation practices for domestic animals.

        Department policies, procedures, and safety protocols.

        Basic recordkeeping practices and standard office software.

Skill in and Ability to:

        Safely and humanely capturing, handling, and restraining animals of varying sizes, breeds, and temperaments.

        Recognizing and responding appropriately to signs of illness, disease, stress, or aggression in animals.

        Investigating complaints, documenting findings, and preparing clear, accurate reports and records.

        Communicating effectively and professionally with the public, coworkers, supervisors, and other agencies.

        Providing courteous and professional customer service in potentially stressful or emotionally charged situations.

        Operating animal control equipment, vehicles, computers, and specialized shelter or case management software.

        Follow established policies, procedures, and safety protocols consistently.

        Work independently in the field while exercising sound judgment and decision-making.

        Work collaboratively as part of a team to achieve departmental goals.

        Remain calm, professional, and effective in stressful or emotionally challenging situations.

        Respond to animal-related emergencies, including injured, aggressive, or stray animals.

        Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and compliance with local ordinances.

        Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

        Work a variable schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays and on-call as required.

        Apply knowledge of animal control principles, ordinances, and regulations to enforce compliance effectively.