Lead Animal Care Officer

City of San Antonio • 78227, TX

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, is responsible for participating in and supervising the activities of Animal Care Officers ensuring Animal Care policy adherence related to apprehending stray, diseased, or dangerous animals, equipment readiness, education, prevention services and situational support to Animal Care Officers in the field. Working conditions are in an indoor and outdoor environment with exposure to temperature variations, infectious diseases, and hostile animals. Exercises functional supervision over assigned staff.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
• Two (2) years of animal control or animal handling experience.
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.
• Must possess the Texas Department of State Health Services Basic Animal Control Officer Certification or obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Must maintain continuing Education Credits of thirty (30) hours over each three (3) year period.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Knowledge of City and State animal control ordinances, regulations and laws.
• Knowledge of geography of the city.
• Knowledge of vehicle operation safety procedures.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and methods used to humanely handle vicious animals.
• Knowledge of methods, practices, and techniques of animal control.
• Knowledge of procedures and policies for issuing City citations.
• Skill in safely handling animals including those with unknown temperament.
• Skill in the use of tools used to capture, restrain, and transport animals.
• Skill in dealing with the public including irate citizens.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer, associated software programs, and a two-way radio.
• Ability to humanely handle and control animals under all types of situations and circumstances.
• Ability to adhere to disease management safety protocols.
• Ability to establish and effective communication and working relationships with City staff and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Act as Field Training Officer for new or remediating Officers through documentation of readiness and remediation evaluations for assigned Animal Care Officer's, to include field mentorship and hands-on training.
• Execute assigned periods of instruction during the Animal Care Officer Academy as required for training and retraining of field personnel.
• Conduct process compliance inspections for equipment and personnel, to ensure operational readiness is maintained and professional appearance is consistent.
• Capable of acting as Animal Care Services Site Commander for inter- agency warrants, seizures and coordinated operations as required.
• Operate in an investigative capacity including, but not limited to obtaining/executing warrants, maintaining Dangerous and Serious Bodily Injury (SBI) case files, investigation and submission of criminal Attack by Dog cases, follow up on cases responded to by first responders and conducting annual inspections for Dangerous/Aggressive cases.
• Safely and humanely captures and transports animals including those that are sick, injured or potentially dangerous.
• Lifts and carries animals weighing up to 50 pounds to secure in cages or place on examination tables, and assists with team lifts for animals weighing over 50 pounds.
• Immediately responds to calls for animal assistance from law enforcement agency staff standing by.
• Responds to observed or reported emergency situations and animal law violations.
• Investigates reports of animal bites and dangerous or vicious animals.
• Documents field notes from investigation of pet/property owner and maintains accurate, thorough Daily Activity Log.
• Submits Log daily to supervisor.
• Writes reports and records data on appropriate log/forms.
• Counsels / educates citizens regarding responsible animal ownership/ordinance/law requirements (leash law, restraint, registration, animal behavior, etc.)
• Issues citations for violations; ensures complete and accurate information is documented.
• Testifies in court.
• Accurately and thoroughly enters animal information into software management system for each call responded to.
• Properly cleans and maintains assigned equipment and tools to assure proper working order.
• Performs related duties and fulfill responsibilities as required.

What This Job Offers

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