Field Operations Officer - Animal Services

City of Lubbock•Tx 79404, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Animal Control Officer position promotes education and public safety by enforcing the state laws and city ordinances related to the humane care and treatment of animals. This role involves investigating reports of violations, utilizing discretion to gain compliance, patrolling for stray animals, setting traps, operating equipment, and performing administrative tasks. The officer will also assist other city departments, remove dead animals, euthanize animals when necessary, and handle rabies quarantines and testing. Emergency call response during assigned on-call shifts is also a responsibility.

Requirements

Completion of a high school diploma or the equivalent with an additional one year of experience in a public contact position; or any combination of relevant education and experience.
Must obtain a certification as a Basic Animal Control Officer through the Texas Department of State Health Services within the timeframe by the department.
Must obtain a certification as a Certified Euthanasia Technician recognized by the Texas Department of State Health Services within the timeframe set by the department.
Valid Current Driver's License
Physical Exam Required
Knowledge of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic and wild animals.
Knowledge of animal behavior and diseases.
Knowledge of basic methods of animal collection.
Knowledge of law enforcement principles and procedures.
Ability to learn, interpret, and understand laws and regulations governing the humane treatment of animals.
Ability to learn and develop skills in the humane treatment of animals.
Ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude.
Regular and timely attendance.
Ability to remain objective in difficult and stressful situations.
Ability to provide assistance to law enforcement and emergency personnel in a variety of capacities.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to accurately observe and remember names, places, incidents, people and animals.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to perform duties with a significant degree of independence within established guidelines and procedures.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to learn and navigate the city's geography.
Ability to learn specialized software.
Ability to utilize computer skills and keyboarding skills.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Occasionally lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
Frequently stand and walk during the shift.
Occasionally climb stairs and inclined surfaces.
Push and pull objects in order to place animals into a cage.
Frequently flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially at the knees to pick up animals.
Frequently rotate upper trunk to the right and left while sitting or standing.
Place arms above, at, and below shoulder height.

Responsibilities

Investigates reports of violations of State laws and City ordinances including inhumane, neglectful, or cruel treatment of animals, animal bites, dangerous dog attacks, rabies exposures, nuisance animals, and livestock violations.
Utilizes discretion and proper judgment with authority to gain compliance through the issuance of citations and warnings, and/or authoring and executing search and seizure warrants and testifying at court hearings.
Proactively patrols the community for loose dogs, using a combination of training, experience, and critical thinking skills to capture and remove unattended or stray animals from local neighborhoods.
Bait, set and monitor traps to capture wild and domestic animals.
Operates and maintains a variety of equipment including an Animal Control vehicle, two-way radio, mobile computer terminal, catchpoles, traps, snares, nets, etc.
Performs administrative tasks accurately including writing reports daily, collecting and processing evidence, and maintaining records of all cases.
Assists other city departments with animal-related issues.
Removes dead animals, transporting and disposing of properly.
Euthanizes sick, injured, dangerous, or stray animals as necessary and properly disposes of said animal.
Quarantines animals suspected of biting for rabies observation or prepares specimens for submission of rabies testing.
Responds to emergency calls during assigned on-call.
Performs other duties as assigned.