Job Details

Animal Control Officer

To enforce City ordinances governing the licensing, impounding, and shelter of animals; and to collect and transport animals to the appropriate impounding location.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Receives general supervision from a Police Lieutenant.
• Functional supervision is provided by an Animal Control Supervisor.

Essential Job Functions:

• Adheres to City attendance and punctuality policies demonstrating dependability.
• Adheres to all City safety policies (protective equipment, pre-duty precautions checklist, etc.) to prevent unnecessary or unreasonable risk of injury to self, others, or property.
• Adheres to department dress code policies to present a professional appearance. Should exhibit appropriate grooming and attire for the position and responsibility.
• Maintain a Basic Animal Control Certificate and a Certified Euthanasia Certificate.
• Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Patrol the city in a radio equipped vehicle, answer calls for service and the enforcement of city, county and state laws, look for stray animals, conduct both preliminary and follow up investigations on all animal related activities.
• Pick up and transport animals as necessary, interview victims, complainants and witnesses, gather and preserve evidence. Prepare investigative reports and case information, provide evidence and testimony in court.
• Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the Animal Control matters.
• Investigate animal related incidents and prepare reports of activities performed and incidents observed. Issue municipal related citations or summons.
• Maintain contact with citizens regarding potential animal control problems and concerns and preserve good relations with the general public.
• As a Field Training Officer for animal control, provide thorough training, guidance and evaluation of Animal Control Officers and volunteers.
• Answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities related to Animal Control.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with the public, including informants and contacts which may be helpful in investigations.
• Perform operational activities at animal shelter, including cleaning kennels, feeding animals, and responding to public inquiries.
• Humanely euthanize sick or injured animals.
• Recognize animal diseases and symptoms.
• Remove dead animals from public roads and perform proper disposal activities.
• Maintain and clean animal control vehicle, shelter, and related equipment.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports.
• Post animals on appropriate web sites and social media outlets for adoption.
• Adopt animals at the Adoption Center as well as at various other venues.
• Vaccinate animals with appropriate vaccines while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Microchip animals upon adoption.
• Collect money for adoptions, donations, licensing, and owner reclaims.
• Teach at events and other educational functions both inside and outside of the Adoption Center.
• Be on-call after hours and on holidays.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Knowledge of:

• Various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic and wild animals.
• Animal behavior and basic methods of animal collection.
• Use and care of drugs used to euthanize diseased and injured animals.
• General law enforcement functions and procedures.

Ability to:

• Learn, interpret, and understand laws and regulations.
• Learn and effectively develop skills in the humane treatment of animals.
• Perform a variety of animal shelter operation activities.
• Provide assistance to law enforcement and emergency personnel in a variety of capacities.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Provide professional customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Accurately observe and remember names, places, incidents, people, and animals.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Perform duties with a significant degree of independence within established guidelines.
• Multitask and work with interruptions.
• Learn computer programs that are an essential function to the Adoption Center and Animal Shelter operations.

Training and Experience:

• One year of experience in the care and handling of animals and a High School Diploma or GED.

Licenses and Certificates:

• 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 and a valid Texas Driver's License.

The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Qualified Individuals.