Animal Protection Investigator, Austin Animal Services (Animal Protection Division)
About The Position
The Animal Protection Investigator will report to the Animal Protection Supervisor. This position protects public health and safety by investigating rabies exposures and dangerous or vicious animal incidents. This position enforces local and state animal control laws and ensures compliance with quarantine and dangerous dog requirements. This position responds to citizen complaints, issues citations, prepares detailed reports, maintains animal records, and testifies in court as needed. This position also establishes and monitors animal quarantines, maintains the public list of declared Dangerous Dogs, and humanely euthanizes animals when necessary. The person in this role will operate a radio to dispatch calls for service, process public information requests, provide community education, and maintain the required certifications.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of experience in a field related to Animal Protection or Control.
- Valid Texas Class C Driver's License.
- Knowledge of animal services and related programs.
- Knowledge of State and local laws, regulations, and ordinances concerning animal related issues/complaints.
- Knowledge of City of Austin and Travis County streets and roads.
- Skill in safely handling wild, domestic and livestock animals, including those with unknown temperament.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City of Austin employees and the public.
- Skill in the use of tools used to capture, restrain, and transport animals.
- Skill in verbal and written communication, including the ability to draft grammatically correct, concise reports under strict deadlines.
- Skill in Public speaking.
- Ability to deal with the public in crisis situations and present a professional attitude and appearance.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to diffuse heated encounters, both human and animal.
- Ability to identify animal species and breeds.
- Ability to adhere to disease management and safety protocols.
Nice To Haves
- Two (2) or more years of progressive experience in an animal shelter, animal welfare organization, animal control agency, animal protection, code enforcement, or a related professional field.
- Demonstrated experience conducting complex animal-related investigations, including dangerous/vicious dog incidents, or serious bodily injury (SBI) investigations and clearly articulate all findings with proper comprehensive documentation.
- Successful completion of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Animal Control Officer Basic Training course.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating with law enforcement, public health, veterinary professionals, emergency management, or other public safety partners.
- Experience mentoring and educating others, or providing guidance to staff on animal handling, investigations, related procedures in an animal shelter or other professional setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of rabies control protocols, quarantine procedures, and dangerous dog compliance requirements, laws, and regulations.
- Ability to train others.
Responsibilities
- Investigates reports and complaints regarding rabies exposure, dangerous or vicious animals, and SBI events.
- Attends and participates in all court proceedings regarding dangerous/vicious dog, SBI cases.
- Answers citizens' questions and education to citizens regarding dangerous/vicious dog, SBI investigations.
- Establishes quarantines and oversees home observations.
- Writes reports and records data on appropriate log/forms.
- Dispatches calls for service to field personnel.
- Issues citations, obtain affidavits and testify in court.
- Fill out requests for records under the provision of the Texas Public Information Act.
- Answers citizens' questions and provides assistance and education to citizens regarding responsible animal ownership/ordinance requirements.
- Maintains a current list of declared Dangerous Dogs for public access.
- Humanely euthanizes animals when necessary.
Benefits
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision
- Paid leave
- Highly competitive retirement plan
- Training opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
