Relief Animal Control Officer

City of La Porte, Texas•La Porte, TX

About The Position

The Relief Animal Control Officer enforces City ordinances governing animal licensing, impounding, and sheltering, and collects and transports animals to appropriate impounding locations. The position patrols the city, responds to service calls, enforces city, county, and state laws, and investigates animal-related activity. It also performs operational duties at the animal shelter and Adoption Center, including animal care, public assistance, adoption activities, and humane euthanasia when necessary. The role receives general supervision from a Police Lieutenant and functional supervision from an Animal Control Supervisor. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Requirements

One year of experience in the care and handling of animals.
High school diploma or GED.
Possession of a valid Texas driver's license.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within six months, a valid Basic and Advanced Human Officer Certification by the Texas State Board of Health.
Knowledge of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic and wild animals.
Knowledge of animal behavior and basic methods of animal collection.
Knowledge of the use and care of drugs used to euthanize diseased and injured animals.
Knowledge of general law enforcement functions and procedures.
Ability to learn, interpret, and understand laws and regulations.
Ability to learn and effectively develop skills in humane animal treatment.
Ability to perform animal shelter operations and assist law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and provide professional customer service.
Ability to accurately observe and remember names, places, incidents, people, and animals.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform duties independently within established guidelines, multitask, and work with interruptions.
Ability to learn computer programs essential to Adoption Center and Animal Shelter operations.

Responsibilities

Follow City attendance, punctuality, safety, and department dress code policies.
Maintain a Basic Animal Control Certificate and a Certified Euthanasia Certificate.
Patrol the city in a radio-equipped vehicle, respond to calls for service, look for stray animals, and enforce applicable city, county, and state laws.
Conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations of animal-related activities and incidents.
Collect and transport animals; interview victims, complainants, and witnesses; gather and preserve evidence; prepare investigative reports and case information; and provide evidence and testimony in court.
Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies on animal control matters.
Issue municipal-related citations or summons and prepare reports of activities and incidents.
Maintain contact with citizens regarding animal control concerns and foster good public relations.
Provide training, guidance, and evaluation to Animal Control Officers and volunteers as a Field Training Officer.
Answer public questions about local and state laws, procedures, and animal control activities.
Develop and maintain relationships with the public, informants, and investigative contacts.
Perform animal shelter operations, including cleaning kennels, feeding animals, and responding to public inquiries.
Humanely euthanize sick or injured animals and recognize animal diseases and symptoms.
Remove dead animals from public roads and dispose of them properly.
Maintain and clean the animal control vehicle, shelter, and related equipment.
Prepare and maintain records and reports.
Post animals on appropriate websites and social media for adoption and facilitate adoptions at the Adoption Center and other venues.
Vaccinate animals using appropriate personal protective equipment and microchip animals upon adoption.
Collect money for adoptions, donations, licensing, and owner reclaims.
Teach at events and other educational functions inside and outside the Adoption Center.
Perform related duties as assigned.