Animal Service Officer II, (B272931-11), 205, Animal Control

City of Laredo•Laredo, TX

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Service Officer II provides day-to-day field supervision and hands-on animal control services to protect public safety and animal welfare. The position leads field patrols, assigns routes to Animal Service Officer I staff, responds to priority calls, and ensures humane animal capture, transport, and shelter intake. It develops community-focused patrol and outreach approaches, trains field and shelter staff, and enforces City animal control ordinances and state laws. The role also supports animal welfare through vaccinations, medications, microchipping, and quarantine monitoring, with related documentation recorded in shelter software. The officer investigates cruelty and bite cases, gathers evidence, prepares case files and reports, and may testify in court. The position oversees field-activity audits and follow-up, supports court cases and holds, drafts and files motions, and prepares staff for court appearances, testimony, and depositions. It coordinates animal-control emergency response with Fire, Police, and Emergency Management, develops disaster-response readiness, and maintains cooperative relationships with law enforcement and other agencies. The role includes public education and community engagement, purchasing and inventory responsibilities, and driving a City vehicle for City business. Work may take place indoors and outdoors, including streets near moving traffic, vehicles, warehouses, confined spaces, and construction sites. The position frequently encounters communicable diseases, airborne particles, fumes, toxic or caustic substances, hostile or irate individuals, extreme heat and cold, and physical exertion. Local travel is often required, and the employee must be able to work weekends.

Requirements

Associate's degree or 60 college hours from an accredited college or university.
At least one year of experience in enforcement or social services, and one year of experience as a supervisor, lead, or field technician officer.
Valid Texas Driver License; applicants with an out-of-state license must obtain a Texas Driver License within six months of employment.
Animal Control Officer Certification from the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) or a state-level equivalent program.
Euthanasia Certification must be obtained within six months of employment; continued employment is contingent on obtaining it.
First Aid and CPR for Animals certification must be obtained within six months of employment; continued employment is contingent on obtaining it.
Ability to work weekends.
Ability to communicate effectively in English orally and in writing, and in Spanish orally.
Ability to maintain a good driving record and comply with City policies and procedures.
Ability to perform strenuous and routine work and maintain sufficient health and physical condition to perform the job.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
Skills in public speaking, presentations, media relations, public relations, coaching, adult instruction, accurate data entry, inter-agency communication, investigation, report writing, planning, organization, and maintaining effective working relationships.
Knowledge of field supervision, animal welfare programs and handling, defensive driving, route optimization, legal fundamentals, zoonosis and disease prevention, basic veterinary technician procedures, evidence chain of custody, sworn testimony procedures, animal control laws, logistics, ICS basics, procurement, and legal drafting.
Applicants offered employment must undergo a thorough background check and submit certified school transcripts; selected applicants must also pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Safety-sensitive positions are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
Applicants with education completed outside the United States must submit a qualifying foreign credential evaluation verifying U.S. degree equivalency.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a community-focused patrol model that engages and educates the community about animal care.
Lead field patrols, assign routes to Animal Service Officer I staff, respond to priority calls, and ensure humane capture, transport, and shelter intake of animals.
Train and mentor Animal Service Officer I staff on ordinance compliance, evidence handling, courtroom testimony, and personal protective equipment use.
Develop and teach training for field and shelter staff on ordinance compliance, cruelty investigations, and disaster response.
Enforce City of Laredo animal control ordinances and applicable state laws.
Investigate cruelty and bite cases; gather evidence; prepare case files, technical reports, and expert reports; and testify in court as needed.
Oversee vaccinations, medications, microchipping, and quarantine monitoring, and document these activities in shelter software.
Coordinate with Emergency Management and other agencies on disaster preparation and emergency response, including evacuations and mass seizures.
Provide guidance to agency staff on court cases and court holds; prepare staff for court appearances, testimony, and depositions; and draft and file motions or affidavits as needed.
Audit field activity and paperwork, ensure calls for service are investigated and completed, and arrange timely follow-up and resolution of unusual issues.
Promote a safe work environment for animals and employees.
Provide professional public service and conduct community outreach at schools, HOA meetings, and media briefings, including education on rabies prevention and responsible pet ownership.
Build cooperative relationships with law enforcement and other animal control agencies operating within the city.
Represent field services on legislative matters as requested, including as a spectator or witness.
Review and approve purchase requests, track fuel and PPE inventories, and support department procurement needs.
Drive a City vehicle for City business and perform other duties as assigned.