Animal Control Officer I, (A247610-7), 203, Animal Care & Facility

Salary: $15.26 Hourly
Location : Laredo, TX
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: A247610-7
Department:Animal Care Services
Division:Animal Care & Facility
Opening Date: 02/12/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Description
Performs routine rabies control, prevention work, and impounds animals; retrieves stray and uncontrolled animals; canvasses assigned area to locate animals in violation of licensing laws; conducts rabies disease investigations, surveillance and enforcement; as well as, health education and prevention on zoonotic and vector disease; may conduct advanced Animal Control procedures and serves to improve pet responsibilities and reduces neglect and cruelty. Will also provide Animal Care facility operations including pet care, infection control, clinical care, vaccinations, feeding, and euthanasia if appropriate.
Essential Functions/ Job Competencies/ Physical Requirements
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Takes reports and conducts investigations of animal or vector exposure seven days per week on a rotating shift.
• Conducts rabies and prevention vaccination events and promotes health promotion for disease control.
• Patrols area by driving truck to locate, identify, capture, transport, and impound unlicensed, stray, disowned, and uncontrolled animals.
• Completes accurate timely reports and records regarding animal captures, detainment, and quarantines as assessed for rabies/vector diseases.
• Investigates any Animal Control report, conducts surveillance of "Dog Bite Reports" and conducts inspections; records where and when incidents took place, describes the animal or vector, records address and name of victim; searches and locates animals; performs follow-up activities on dogs in a 10-day observation period; maintains accurate and complete records of the same.
• Assists in facilitation of prevention measures against animal, vector, and other zoonotic exposures.
• Enforces the City ordinance to prevent possible rabies outbreak in the community; issues citations for dogs at large; issues tickets for unvaccinated dogs and conducts investigations on animal exposures.
• Responds and inspects calls from the public regarding animals that directly affect their way of life; investigates complaints related to animals in violation of City ordinances.
• Assists with capture of hazardous, dangerous, or wild animals.
• Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with the public; projects a positive and professional image of the Animal Control service.
• Inspects and examines dog licenses or any other animal certification for validity of prevention measures and issues citations or summons to the owner whose animals are in violation of the same.
• Conducts surveys to assure appropriate vaccination for dog and cats.
• Assists local, regional, and state veterinarians in rabies testing; inspects and prepares specimens and remains for packaging and shipments to the Texas Department of Health laboratory in Austin for rabies analysis and other appropriate testing.
• Assists law enforcement personnel in removing confiscated and uncontrolled dogs from residences that are considered dangerous.
• Prepares and maintains daily records, investigation and surveillance files; assists in performing dispatching and related office duties.
• Appears in court hearings, discussions, conferences, and jury trials as necessary to assure appropriate compliance of City codes and ordinances.
• Assists in direct impoundment procedures, including kennel support, feeding, and euthanasia, clinics, adoption and foster care services.
• Conducts meticulous reporting and documents activities.
• Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of current zoonotic diseases.
• Knowledge of the laws and ordinances pertaining to Animal Control and humane treatment of animals.
• Knowledge in the use of Animal Control equipment and protective devices.
• Knowledge in Epidemiology and surveillance methodology for disease prevention.
• Knowledge of animal services, including pet responsibility, pound operations, and vector control.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to withstand outdoor weather conditions, outdoor elements such as excessive heat, intermittent noise, and inclement weather.
• Ability to work mandatory overtime when needed.
• Ability to maintain exceptional internal and external customer service.
• Ability to work rotation shifts and weekends. Pager hours.
• Ability to maintain records and properly document.
• Ability to conduct investigations and collect data.
• Administer vaccinations as directed by Supervisory Staff.
• Ability to conduct euthanasia with appropriate valid certification when obtained.
• Ability to maintain intake section clean and organized.
• Ability to feed animals when necessary.
• Ability to assist with cleaning duties when necessary.
• Ability to issue citations when necessary.
• Ability to serve as "essential personnel" and is required to remain available for immediate call to duty in the event of any natural manmade disaster, or any event in which the Animal Care Supervisor, Manager, or Director deem necessary.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Must have computer knowledge skills.
• Ability to enforce local, state, and federal laws governing Animal Control and zoonosis.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
Seldom

• Construction site

Sometimes

• Confined space
• Warehouse environment

Frequently

• Office or similar indoor environment

Often

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Vehicles

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
Seldom

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

Sometimes

• Moving mechanical parts

Frequently

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Communicable diseases

Often

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel
Never:

• International travel

Seldom:

• Local travel
• Regional travel
• National travel
• International travel

Sometimes:

• National travel

Frequently

• Regional travel

Often

• Local travel

Minimum Qualifications
Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• At least two (2) years of general work experience. Ability to work with animals, be dependable, self-driven, ethical, and complete on the job training.

Rabies Pre-Exposure Vaccines must be obtained within one (1) month of employment. Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining the required vaccinations within the specified period of time indicated from time of hire.
Valid Licenses and Certifications
Required Licenses or Certifications

• None

Basic Animal Control Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.**
Euthanasia Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.**
**Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.
Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to a contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.
City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.
The City of Laredo provides a benefit compensation package that includes the following for all Full-time regular employees:

• 10 days of paid vacation per year
• 6 1/2 days sick leave per year
• Pension plan
• 16 paid Holidays
• Paid health*
• Dental plan*
• Life insurance*

*30 day waiting period
For a full description of our benefits, please visit our website at: under Employee Benefits
01
Are you a current regular full-time or part-time City of Laredo employee?

• I am a full-time City of Laredo employee
• I am a part-time City of Laredo
• I am not a full-time or part-time City of Laredo employee

02
What is your highest level of education?

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency
• 30 completed college hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• 60 completed college hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
• PhD from an accredited college or university
• Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university
• Other Post Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university
• None of the above

03
Do you have at least two (2) year of general work experience?

• Yes
• No

04
Are you aware that you must be able to work with animals, be dependable, self-driven, ethical, and complete an on the job training?

• Yes
• No

05
I understand that failure to complete ALL sections of my application, including the "Driver License", "Education", "Work Experience", "Certifications and Licenses" (if applicable), "Agency-Wide Questions", and "Job Specific Supplemental Questions" will result in my application not being processed.

• I have read and understood the above information.
• I have read and do not understand the above information. I will contact the Human Resources Department for further explanation.

Required Question