Animal Control Officer

City of La Porte, Texas•La Porte, TX

1d•$21 - $26

About The Position

To enforce City ordinances governing the licensing, impounding, and shelter of animals; and to collect and transport animals to the appropriate impounding location.

Requirements

Knowledge of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic and wild animals.
Knowledge of animal behavior and basic methods of animal collection.
Knowledge of use and care of drugs used to euthanize diseased and injured animals.
Knowledge of general law enforcement functions and procedures.
Ability to learn, interpret, and understand laws and regulations.
Ability to learn and effectively develop skills in the humane treatment of animals.
Ability to perform a variety of animal shelter operation activities.
Ability to provide assistance to law enforcement and emergency personnel in a variety of capacities.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to provide professional customer service to both internal and external customers.
Ability to accurately observe and remember names, places, incidents, people, and animals.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to perform duties with a significant degree of independence within established guidelines.
Ability to multitask and work with interruptions.
Ability to learn computer programs that are an essential function to the Adoption Center and Animal Shelter operations.
One year of experience in the care and handling of animals and a High School Diploma or GED.
Possession of a valid Texas Driver's License.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months a valid Basic and Advanced Human Officer Certification by the Texas State Board of Health and a valid Texas Driver's License.

Responsibilities

Patrol the city in a radio equipped vehicle, answer calls for service and the enforcement of city, county and state laws, look for stray animals, conduct both preliminary and follow up investigations on all animal related activities.
Pick up and transport animals as necessary, interview victims, complainants and witnesses, gather and preserve evidence. Prepare investigative reports and case information, provide evidence and testimony in court.
Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the Animal Control matters.
Investigate animal related incidents and prepare reports of activities performed and incidents observed. Issue municipal related citations or summons.
Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential animal control problems and concerns and preserve good relations with the general public.
Provide thorough training, guidance and evaluation of Animal Control Officers and volunteers.
Answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities related to Animal Control.
Develop and maintain good relationships with the public, including informants and contacts which may be helpful in investigations.
Perform operational activities at animal shelter, including cleaning kennels, feeding animals, and responding to public inquiries.
Humanely euthanize sick or injured animals.
Recognize animal diseases and symptoms.
Remove dead animals from public roads and perform proper disposal activities.
Maintain and clean animal control vehicle, shelter, and related equipment.
Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports.
Post animals on appropriate web sites and social media outlets for adoption.
Adopt animals at the Adoption Center as well as at various other venues.
Vaccinate animals with appropriate vaccines while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment.
Microchip animals upon adoption.
Collect money for adoptions, donations, licensing, and owner reclaims.
Teach at events and other educational functions both inside and outside of the Adoption Center.
Be on-call after hours and on holidays.
Perform related duties as assigned.