Animal Services Officer - Dallas Animal Services (Civil Service)

City of Dallas

7d•$22 - $25

About The Position

The Animal Services Officer (ASO) I works for Dallas Animal Services to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Dallas residents, animals, and communities. ASOs are trained and authorized to enforce city ordinances and state laws regarding animal welfare. Dallas provides animal services coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week, requiring scheduling flexibility across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and overnights. Officers must work at least one weekend day, some holidays, and in inclement weather. Until training and onboarding certifications are complete, an ASO I may not enter the field without a training officer. The role investigates animal-related complaints, documents evidence and case information, handles and transports animals to the city shelter, and returns found animals to their owners. Animals encountered may be sick, injured, aggressive, or diseased. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and one year of qualifying customer service or animal shelter/animal control experience involving inquiries or complaints. A basic Animal Control Officer certification issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) satisfies the education and experience requirements. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is required. The employee must obtain basic ACO and euthanasia certifications from TDSHS within the probationary period. Candidates must have no felony drug offenses within the last ten years and no animal cruelty convictions. The listed starting salary range is $22.32–$24.56; the amount offered depends on qualifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of customer service or animal shelter/animal control experience involving the processing of inquiries and/or complaints. A basic Animal Control Officer (ACO) certification issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) meets the education and experience requirements.
Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
Obtain basic ACO certification and euthanasia certification issued by TDSHS within the probationary period.
No felony drug offenses within the last ten years and no animal cruelty convictions.
Availability to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and 24/7 on-call status; must work at least one weekend day and some holidays.
Ability to work in inclement weather.
Knowledge of basic animal care and handling, animal behavior, and physical characteristics.
Ability to learn and follow city ordinances and state and federal laws pertaining to animal welfare, as well as City of Dallas and Dallas Animal Services procedures, policies, and work instructions.
Ability to interact with the public, including anxious or upset citizens; use de-escalation techniques; and obtain pertinent information for investigations.
Ability to prepare citations, warning notices, and other forms.
Ability to learn and recognize common animal diseases and safely handle dangerous, aggressive, sick, injured, and diseased animals.
Ability to safely operate a large vehicle in high-stress traffic, inclement weather, and poor road conditions.
Ability to lift animals weighing 50 pounds or more into and out of an animal services vehicle.
Ability to perform intravenous injections and determine appropriate drug dosages for animals.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.

Responsibilities

Investigate citizen complaints by interviewing people, compiling detailed notes, and taking photos for evidence concerning animal bites, dangerous dogs, aggressive dog activity, loose animals, animal welfare checks, and improper animal confinement.
Use a department-issued rugged tablet to enter information about animals, owners, and complainants, and complete citations, violation notices, owner surrender forms, and bite reports.
Safely restrain and transport lost animals, owned animals, and wildlife—including animals that may be injured, sick, or aggressive—to the City of Dallas animal shelter.
Return found animals to their owners.
Perform other related duties as assigned.