Animal Control Officer

Midland County•Tx 79706, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs animal control and enforcement duties to protect public health and safety, promote responsible animal ownership, ensure humane treatment of animals, and enforce applicable county and state animal control laws and regulations. This role involves responding to citizen complaints, investigating animal-related incidents, and ensuring the proper care and handling of animals in county custody.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
At least one (1) year of relevant experience
Ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation
Must be at least 21 years of age
Must possess and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with county policy and applicable insurability requirements
Must successfully complete a criminal history review
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Must maintain a reliable working telephone or other approved means of communication
Knowledge of proper care, handling, restraint, transportation, and humane treatment of animals
Knowledge of proper use, care, and maintenance of animal control equipment, including catch poles, traps, kennels, leashes, and other approved restraint equipment
Knowledge of applicable county and state animal control laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
Knowledge of animal bite, rabies quarantine, animal cruelty, seizure, and related procedures
Knowledge of basic legal and court procedures and terminology related to animal control enforcement
Knowledge of safe handling and documentation of medications and controlled substances used in animal control operations
Knowledge of basic mathematical concepts necessary to calculate fees and maintain records
Knowledge of modern office procedures, computers, software, and departmental recordkeeping systems
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and complete reports, citations, records, and other documentation
Ability to exercise sound judgment during potentially dangerous, hostile, emotionally charged, or rapidly changing situations
Ability to safely capture, restrain, handle, and transport animals of varying sizes, conditions, and temperaments
Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, elected officials, law enforcement, courts, veterinarians, public agencies, animal owners, and the general public
Ability to exercise initiative, discretion, and sound decision-making within established laws, policies, procedures, and authority
Ability to identify problems, collect and evaluate information, document facts, and reach appropriate conclusions
Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions and manage multiple assignments and changing priorities
Ability to operate computers, departmental software, vehicles, and specialized animal control equipment
Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License
Must obtain and maintain Basic Animal Control Officer training/certification and required continuing education within the timeframes established by Texas law
If assigned euthanasia responsibilities, must complete and maintain all euthanasia training and certification required by Texas law before independently performing such duties and within applicable statutory requirements
Must obtain and maintain any additional training, licenses, or certifications required by applicable law, county policy, or assigned duties

Responsibilities

Responds to citizen complaints and investigates animal-related incidents, including animal bites, nuisance animals, animal cruelty or neglect, dangerous animals, and other violations of applicable county and state laws.
Captures, restrains, transports, impounds, and handles domestic animals, livestock, wildlife, aggressive animals, and deceased animals using approved humane methods and equipment.
Investigates and follows up on animal bite and potential rabies exposure cases; coordinates quarantine, testing, documentation, and other required actions in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
Prepares, packages, documents, and transports specimens or animal remains for rabies testing in accordance with applicable safety and laboratory requirements.
Performs euthanasia of animals when authorized and in accordance with state law, required training, departmental procedures, and humane practices.
Maintains accurate records and reports concerning investigations, citations, impoundments, animal care, incidents, medications, controlled substances, euthanasia activities, and other departmental operations.
Maintains required drug logs and ensures appropriate security, inventory, documentation, and accountability for euthanasia drugs and other medications as authorized.
Issues citations and notices for violations of applicable county and state animal control laws and regulations.
Collects and maintains documentation and evidence related to animal control investigations and enforcement actions.
Prepares for and provides testimony in court or other legal proceedings concerning animal control investigations, citations, cruelty cases, seizures, and related matters.
Ensures animals in county custody receive humane care and are maintained in healthy, safe, and sanitary conditions as required by applicable law and departmental procedures.
Safeguards animals and other property taken into county custody and maintains appropriate records relating to impoundment, seizure, release, and disposition.
Provides information and education to the public regarding responsible animal ownership, animal care, containment, rabies prevention, and applicable laws and regulations.
Inputs and maintains information in animal shelter and departmental software systems.
Calculates applicable fees, collects payments, and issues receipts for animals reclaimed by owners or other authorized transactions.
Maintains inventories of equipment, materials, and supplies necessary for daily operations.
Safely operates, fuels, inspects, and maintains assigned county vehicles and animal control equipment.
Responds to emergencies, after-hours, weekend, holiday, or on-call assignments as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.