Animal Control Officer I, (A262931-9), 203, Animal Control

City of Laredo • Laredo, TX

12d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs routine rabies control and prevention work and impounds animals; captures unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; canvasses assigned area to locate animals in violation of licensing laws, conducts rabies disease investigations, surveillance and enforcement as well as health education and prevention on zoonotic and vector disease; may conduct advanced animal control procedures and serves to improve pet responsibilities and reduces neglect and cruelty.

Requirements

• Knowledge of current zoonotic diseases.
• Knowledge of the laws and ordinances pertaining to animal control and humane treatment of animals.
• Knowledge in the use of animal control equipment and protective devices.
• Knowledge in Epidemiology and surveillance methodology for disease prevention.
• Knowledge of animal services.
• Must have computer knowledge skills.
• Ability to enforce local, state and federal laws governing animal control and zoonosis.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• At least two (2) year of general work experience.
• Ability to work with animals, be dependable, self-driven, ethical, and complete an on the job training.
• Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.
• Rabies Pre-Exposure Vaccines must be obtained within one (1) month of employment.
• Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required vaccinations within the specified period of time indicated from time of hire.
• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Basic Animal Control Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.
• Euthanasia Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.
• The following Licenses and Certifications that must be obtained after employment.

Responsibilities

• Takes reports and conducts investigations of animal or vector exposure seven days per week on a rotating shift.
• Conducts rabies and prevention vaccination events and promotes health promotion for disease control.
• Patrols area by driving truck to locate, identify, capture, transport, and impound unlicensed, stray, disowned and uncontrolled animals.
• Completes accurate timely reports and records regarding animal captures, detainment, and quarantines as assessed for rabies/vector diseases.
• Investigates any animal control report, conducts surveillance of "Dog Bite Reports" and conducts inspections; records where and when incidents took place, describes the animal or vector, records address and name of victim; searches and locates animals; performs follow-up activities on dogs in a 10-day observation period; maintains accurate and complete records of the same.
• Assists in facilitation of prevention measures against animal, vector, and other zoonotic exposures.
• Enforces the City ordinance to prevent possible rabies outbreak in the community; issues citations for dogs at large; issues tickets for unvaccinated dogs and conducts investigations on animal exposures.
• Responds and inspects calls from the public regarding animals that directly affect their way of life; investigates complaints related to animals in violation of City ordinances.
• Assists with capture of hazardous, dangerous or wild animals.
• Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with the public; projects a positive and professional image of the animal control service.
• Inspects and examines dog licenses or any other animal vector certification for validity of prevention measures and issues citations or summons to the owner whose animals are in violations.
• Conducts surveys to assure appropriate vaccination for dog and cats.
• Assists local, regional and state veterinarians in rabies testing; inspects and prepares specimens and remains for packaging and shipments to the Texas Department of Health laboratory in Austin for rabies analysis and other appropriate testing.
• Assists law enforcement personnel in removing confiscated and uncontrolled dogs from residences that are considered dangerous.
• Prepares and maintains daily records, investigation and surveillance files; assists in performing dispatching and related office duties.
• Appears in court hearings, discussions, conferences and jury trials as necessary to assure appropriate compliance of City codes and ordinances.
• Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors and other business contacts.
• May assist in direct impoundment procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
• Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
• Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to a contact the Human Resources Department at [phone] two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.
• City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer.
• We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply.
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values

What This Job Offers

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