Animal Control Manager

City of Live Oak • Live Oak, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Police Chief, the Animal Control Manager supervises, assigns, reviews, and participates in the work of City staff responsible for animal control services. The role manages the Animal Control Facility, staff, and volunteers; oversees enforcement of applicable laws and ordinances; and develops policies, objectives, and work standards. The manager also prepares and oversees the department budget and prepares the facility for state inspections and quarantine-facility approval.

The position oversees animal shelter operations and animal care, including feeding, cleaning, transportation to veterinary clinics, basic nursing care and emergency first aid, administration of veterinarian-prescribed medications and treatments, vaccination, deworming, flea prevention, and microchipping. The manager responds to visitors and public complaints, investigates animal-related concerns and violations, educates the public, and apprehends, confines, or traps animals when needed. Duties also include humane euthanasia and removal of deceased animals.

The role maintains mandated records and animal databases, prepares reports and safety data sheets, supervises and evaluates Animal Control Officers, facilitates staff training, maintains staff certifications and continuing education, and manages supplies, equipment, and purchasing. The manager works with animal rescue organizations and the City of Live Oak Humane Society, including attending monthly meetings.

Work is performed throughout the City and at animal shelter facilities. It involves exposure to extreme weather, potential physical harm and infectious diseases from animals, and hazardous chemicals. The position operates animal control equipment, City trucks, and other vehicles.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and three years of experience handling and caring for animals, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Knowledge of Texas animal health and safety laws, including Title 10, Chapters 821–829.009, and Chapter 826 on rabies, as well as Live Oak City Ordinances Chapter 4.
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting, finance, and procurement practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of customer service, workplace safety, and conflict resolution practices.
• Knowledge of domestic and local wild animal species and breeds, animal disease symptoms and behaviors, animal care and handling methods and equipment, and proper administration and location of vaccines and medications.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and safety regulations; records management; report preparation; filing; office procedures; computers; and general office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; handle and care for animals; supervise and direct staff; recognize aggressive and abnormal animal behavior; interact professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public; organize work and meet deadlines; enter data accurately; prepare reports; build working relationships; and operate a computer and related software.
• Valid State driver’s license required.
• Texas Department of Health Services Animal Control Officer certification required, or must be obtained within one month of hire.
• Certified Euthanasia Technician credential required, or certification must be obtained within one month of hire.
• DEA registration required, or ability to complete it within one month of hire.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations of the Animal Control Facility, staff, and volunteers.
• Oversee enforcement of state laws, regulations, and City ordinances; develop policies and direct implementation of goals, objectives, and work standards.
• Prepare, monitor, and manage the Animal Control budget; research and submit budget requests.
• Prepare the facility for yearly state inspections and maintain its status as a state-approved quarantine facility.
• Maintain current DEA registration for providing Schedule II and III drugs for humane euthanasia.
• Assist shelter visitors by phone and in person with complaints, concerns, licensing, microchipping, adoptions, and returns to owners.
• Oversee animal care, feeding, cleaning, veterinary transportation, nursing care or emergency first aid, vaccinations, medications, treatments, microchipping, and facility sanitation.
• Maintain animal control records, including bite cases, euthanasia logs, warnings, citations, and microchip registrations, according to state retention requirements.
• Manage animal database programs and ensure data integrity; prepare reports on impounds, dispositions, and licenses for City Management; and prepare facility chemical safety data sheets.
• Assign and direct Animal Control Officer work, prioritize workloads, complete accident and injury reports, facilitate training, monitor performance, conduct yearly evaluations, maintain staff continuing education and certificates, ensure regulatory compliance, and review paperwork.
• Explain animal-related ordinances and public safety; issue citations, warnings, licenses, and tags; and educate the public.
• Maintain supplies and equipment, prepare purchase orders, order supplies, replace equipment, and monitor spending against budget projections.
• Work with animal rescue organizations and the City of Live Oak Humane Society and attend monthly meetings.
• Respond to and investigate animal complaints and concerns involving ordinance violations, cruelty, neglect, welfare, and bite cases involving wild and domestic animals; set, bait, and check traps as needed.
• Apprehend, control, and confine loose, stray, injured, abandoned, aggressive, and dangerous animals.
• Provide humane euthanasia for critically ill, injured, or dangerous animals, and at pet owners’ request for sick, dying, or aggressive animals.
• Remove deceased animals from private and public properties.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule
• Education assistance
• Annual step increases
• Certification pay up to $150 per month
• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• 12 holidays
• Floating holiday
• Longevity day
• Health coverage
• Dental coverage (DHMO plan)
• Basic life insurance, long-term disability, and AD&D paid at 100% for the employee, with 45% dependent coverage
• Voluntary vision, additional life/AD&D, short-term disability, and FSA plans
• Texas Municipal Retirement System retirement plan with a two-to-one City match
• Vesting with the City after five years, unless eligible for prior-year service credit

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED