Animal Services Officer II - Dallas Animal Services (Civil Service)

City of Dallas

12d • $24 - $27

About The Position

The Animal Services Officer (ASO) II is an employee of Dallas Animal Services whose duty is to protect the health, safety and well-being of City of Dallas residents, animals, and communities. ASOs are trained and authorized to enforce city ordinances and state laws regarding animal welfare. The City of Dallas provides 24/7 animal services coverage, which requires scheduling flexibility, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and overnights. The ASO II is required to work at least one weekend day, some holidays and during inclement weather conditions.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic animal care and handling, behavior, and physical characteristics.
• Knowledge of city ordinances and state laws relating to animal control.
• Ability to operate independently.
• Ability to learn and follow city ordinances and state/federal laws pertaining to animal welfare.
• Ability to meet and interact with the public, including citizens who may be anxious or upset.
• Ability to employ de-escalation techniques and obtain pertinent information for investigation purposes.
• Ability to prepare citations, warning notices, and other forms.
• Ability to learn and recognize common animal diseases.
• Ability to safely operate a large vehicle during high-stress traffic hours of the day, inclement weather, and poor road conditions.
• Ability to physically lift animals of 50 lbs. or heavier into and out of an animal services vehicle.
• Ability to learn and competently employ methods for safely handling dangerous, aggressive, sick, injured, and diseased animals.
• Ability to perform intravenous injections and determine proper dosage of drugs to administer to animals.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Ability to learn and follow the City of Dallas and Dallas Animal Services department procedures, policies, and work instructions.
• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED
• EXPERIENCE: 2 plus years of customer service or animal shelter/animal control experience that involved processing inquiries and/or complaints.
• LICENSES and CERTIFICATIONS: Valid driver's license with a good driving record. Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Basic Animal Control Officer Certification. Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) Euthanasia Technician Certification.
• OTHER REQUIREMENTS: NO Felony Drug offenses within the last ten years NO Animal Cruelty convictions Availability to work varying shifts including nights, weekends, holidays and twenty-four seven (24/7) on call status Subject to working in inclement weather

Responsibilities

• Investigates citizen complaints by conducting interviews, compiling detailed notes, and taking photos for evidentiary purposes related to: Animal bite investigations Dangerous dog investigations Aggressive dog activity Loose animals Animal welfare checks Improper confinement of animals
• Enforcement: The ASO II issues violation notices and citations to animal owners who violate city ordinances and state laws, which may require testifying in court. Examples of enforcement matters may include, but are not limited to: Vaccination Microchipping Spay/neuter Prohibited and regulated animals Loose animals Tethering Confinement requirements Sanitary living conditions Quarantine Bites
• Utilizes a department-issued rugged tablet to accurately enter comprehensive data related to animals, owners, and complainants, as well as citation paperwork, violation notices, owner surrender forms, and bite reports.
• Impounds lost animals, owned animals, and wildlife - some of which may be injured, sick, and/or aggressive - safely restraining and transporting them to the City of Dallas animal shelter. The ASO also returns found animals to owners, administers microchips to dogs in the field, and releases healthy wildlife.
• Performs euthanasia with Schedule 3 FDA-approved drugs to ensure animals are euthanized in a humane manner. Also responsible for the preparation of rabies specimens using surgical techniques.
• Educates and provides resources to City of Dallas residents to provide education regarding laws and ordinances, standards of care, and other responsibilities that accompany animal ownership. The ASO may refer citizens to low- or no-cost medical services and animal care/feeding assistance programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED