Animal Control Officer

Cameron County•San Benito, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor and Animal Shelter Supervisor or designee, the Animal Control Officer will be responsible to investigate cases of animal cruelty/neglect, enforce Cameron County ordinance for regulation of stray animals, rescue animals, trap animals running at large and provide humane care of animals under his or her supervision. In addition, the Animal Control Officer will perform animal shelter duties, which follow well established procedures such as clean/disinfect kennels/bowls, feed, euthanize and monitor the behavior and health of impounded animals. The Animal Control Officer will also coordinate the adoption program and will be required to work holidays and weekends.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED, and one (1) year of experience performing code enforcement and/or animal control work in the field of environmental health; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must currently possess, or obtain within six months of employment, the Texas Department of State Health Services Animal Control Officer (TDSHS ACO) Certification.
Must maintain an active TDSHS ACO Certification while employed with the Cameron County Public Health Environmental Health Program.
Must complete a six (6) month probationary period from the day the TDSHS ACO Certification is attained.
Knowledge of animal control rules/ordinances and regulations.
Knowledge in preparing animals specimens for rabies testing.
Ability to fill out and record daily report.
Knowledge and skill on loading and unloading animals.
Knowledge of correctly and safely euthanizing animals.
Required to work after hours, weekends and holidays.
Must have a valid Texas Driver's License, comply with State of Texas driving laws, and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Must have reliable transportation.
Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency.
Criminal background check is required for employment or continued employment.
The employee must demonstrate the ability to satisfactorily perform the duties required.
The employee may be separated "at will" from employment at any time prior to obtaining TDSHS ACO certification and/or completion of probationary period.
Good health and physical condition sufficient to permit full performance of the duties of the position.
If additional assistance is required, employee must request assistance prior to performing the assignment.

Nice To Haves

Upon successful completion of six month probationary period, the applicant shall become a civil service covered employee.
Must submit to a Civil Service Clerical Exam.

Responsibilities

Accurately document all time worked.
Operate county vehicles and other equipment within policy and procedures to fulfill essential functions.
Enforce laws and ordinances/orders by catching and impounding animals running at large in rural areas of Cameron County.
Perform rescues, removals, disposal, and adoption of animals.
Answer/investigate animal complaints, issuing live animal traps to public.
Conduct home visits on animal/victims involved in animal bites/attacks.
Prepare animal specimens to send to State Health Department - Austin for rabies testing.
Monitor the health and behavior of animals under rabies quarantine care and document all observations onto the Rabies Quarantine forms/logs.
Upkeep and maintain all essential tools, equipment, facility, and vehicles.
Coordinate and promote the animal adoptions program by identifying potential animals, establishing a network of animal rescue organizations and developing a system to reunite lost pets.
Coordinate veterinarian office visits for animals needing medical care such as rabies vaccination for owner reunification or animal adoptions.
Maintain daily animal shelter activity reports used by the Environmental Health Director to monitor daily shelter census.
Rinse, scrub and disinfect animal cages and outdoor runs, hallways, floors, walls and isolation/quarantine areas; clean water and food dishes and related kennel equipment and facilities, scrub interior of animal-holding refrigerator after animal carcasses have been removed, clean and disinfect animal.
Provide food and water to each animal kept at shelter and monitor appetite especially quarantine animals.
Work after hours, weekends, and holidays on emergency calls reported by Sheriff's Department.
Assist on annual rabies clinics sponsored by Environmental Health Program.
Assist office on incoming calls and give out general information to public as requested.
Train new staff in perspective field.
Maintain daily activity reports used by the Environmental Health Director to monitor caseloads.
Maintain accurate records and any other information pertaining to investigations.
Establish and maintain effective working relations with program supervisors and co-workers.
Acquire information concerning animal control law violations, take action, cause action to be taken, or relay information to the proper authority.
Assist in prosecution or release to the proper agency of all persons cited in the course of animal control duties.
Prepare case reports and testify in court.
Remove injured and dead animals (dogs and cats) from county roadways and properly dispose of the remains.
Proactively patrol and react to citizen complaints regarding domestic animals.
Attend civic club meetings, churches, schools, and other places of public gathering to explain the activities and functions of the Department and to establish favorable public relations.
Humanely euthanize animals.
Handle domestic animals with available equipment.
Prepare and maintain accurate records, files, and documents on case dispositions such as mileage log, daily shelter inventory log, monthly report and Euthanization logs.
Address violators in a firm, courteous manner in order to develop public respect and confidence in the officer and the Department.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other organizations, and general public.
Maintain confidentiality of information and restrict the use of such information to work duties.
Other duties as assigned.