Lead Animal Control Officer
About The Position
Under the general supervision of the Administrative Services Director, the Lead Animal Control Officer performs the activities of an Animal Control Officer and carries out lead duties, including assisting with staff performance, monitoring staff day to day, preparing monthly reports, providing training, and ordering supplies and equipment needed for operations. The position communicates frequently with coworkers, veterinary clinics, rescues, members of the public, and others to support the day-to-day operations of the Animal Shelter. The role includes administrative and operational work, animal control patrol and response, enforcement of ordinances, public education, animal care and handling, adoption support, and after-hours emergency response on an on-call basis. Regular, punctual attendance is required.
Requirements
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in municipal animal control or a related field.
- Valid Texas Driver’s License and acceptable driving record.
- Must successfully clear a drug screen and background check, including FBI fingerprinting and background checks per NCIC/TCIC regulations.
- Must be certified by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services as a Basic Animal Control Officer and possess Euthanasia Certification.
- Must hold a Cruelty Investigator certification or be able to obtain it within six months of employment.
- Must be certified as an Advanced Animal Control Officer or be able to obtain certification within six months of employment.
- Knowledge of animal care and handling principles and practices, common animal diseases, animal behavior, breeds and anatomy, animal traps, catch poles, chemical immobilization techniques, animal sedatives, applicable laws and procedures, and animal services health and safety.
- Skill in issuing citations and violations in accordance with applicable policies and procedures, administering sedatives to animals, providing customer service, handling difficult animals, operating a computer and related software, and communicating effectively with a variety of individuals.
- Ability to lift or carry up to 80 pounds without assistance and push, pull, or carry up to 200 pounds with assistance.
- Ability to work on one’s feet for a continuous eight-hour shift in indoor and outdoor locations.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree or higher education preferred.
- Supervisory experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Monitor day-to-day department operations and perform administrative activities, including processing and organizing credit card purchases, monitoring cash receipts and deposits, preparing and reviewing activity reports, and coordinating monthly on-call and holiday schedules for on-call staff.
- Assist with staff performance, monitor staff on a day-to-day basis, provide training, prepare monthly reports, and order supplies and equipment needed for operations.
- Patrol assigned areas for emergency and non-emergency animal situations, including stray animals and wildlife.
- Investigate complaints and bite reports.
- Collect rabies specimens.
- Apprehend and impound pet and stray animals in violation of animal control ordinances.
- Issue citations and license violation warnings to pet owners.
- Attend court hearings to provide information on violations and supporting documentation.
- Respond to service requests arising from citizen and community complaints, mediate animal disputes between neighbors, and provide information.
- Educate the public about animal control ordinances, policies, and procedures, including proper pet control and care.
- Euthanize animals in accordance with established guidelines and procedures; maintain applicable euthanasia records and monitor compliance with applicable certifications.
- Assist the public with locating lost pets and adopting new pets.
- Work with the public and rescue and humane organizations to re-home shelter animals to permanent homes.
- Evaluate animals’ temperament, health, and general adaptability to support safe and lasting adoptions.
- Respond on an on-call basis to animal emergencies after normal business hours.
- Perform other duties as assigned and maintain regular, punctual attendance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
