Animal Control Officer I-Iii

Summary/Objective

Under general supervision from the Animal Control Supervisor, the Animal Control Officer (ACO) performs labor and technical services to assure that Smith County will be free from animals at large, creating hazards of public health, public safety or public order, and protects animal from mistreatment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Enforces Animal Control ordinances of Smith County and of Texas State Laws that are applicable to Animal Control. Assists with legal action against violators, may testify in court.
• Responds to emergency calls on 24-hour basis. Responds to citizen complaints. Intercedes in crisis situations between citizens and animals.
• Responsible for investigating animal bites, advises both owner and victim of procedures and documenting accordingly.
• Responsible for safe operation of County equipment and vehicles including daily maintenance, cleaning and disinfecting.
• Completes special assignments as needed i.e., assisting law enforcement officers with evictions, arrests and drug busts.
• Assists in all facets of shelter work, including care and feeding; kennel housekeeping and euthanasia.
• Effects education program for Animal Control in schools and community organizations.
• Working knowledge of laws and regulations of the State and County that are applicable to Animal Control
• Working knowledge of methods and techniques effective in animal capture, destruction and other procedures; job specific knowledge of policy and procedures established for the work system; animal behavior and handling techniques.
• Utilize discretion and proper judgment with authority to gain compliance through the issuance of citations and warnings, and/or authoring and executing search and seizure warrants and testifying at court hearings.
• Participate in various community events and public outreach; utilize knowledge of animals to educate the public on animal related issues including animal care, control, laws, ordinances, practices, and safe handling techniques.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment including Animal Control vehicle, two-way radio, mobile computer terminal, body worn camera, conducted electronic weapon, catchpoles, traps, snares, nets, etc.
• Perform administrative tasks accurately including writing reports, collecting and processing evidence, and maintaining records of monthly work, continuing education and trainings attended.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to be on call 24-hours a day
• Must reside within 5 miles of Smith County
• Must past a background check through the Sheriff Office
• Knowledge of current zoonotic disease problems.
• Knowledge of the laws and ordinances pertaining to Animal Control and humane treatment of animals.
• Knowledge in the use of Animal Control equipment.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures relating to animals.
• Knowledge in Epidemiology and surveillance methodology for disease prevention.
• Must have good computer skills.

Education and Experience

• Must have a High School Diploma or GED
• Must have experience with animals, and cannot be afraid of dogs.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must have a valid Texas Driver License.
• Must be able to obtain an Animal Control Certification within one (1) year of employment.
• Must be able to obtain euthanasia training with one (1) year of employment.
• Basic Peace Officer Certification from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is recommended but not required, or be able to pass a comprehensive background and physical assessment in order to enter an upcoming Police Academy class.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the Animal Control Officer to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the ACO is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. The ACO is occasionally required to use hands to handle, or operate objects, controls, or tools in relation to capturing animals; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• The ACO must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an ACO encounters while performing the essential functions of this jobs

• While performing the duties of this job, the ACO frequently works in outside weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually excessive.
• Will encounter belligerent people and sometimes hostile environments.

Travel

The ACO is required to travel throughout Smith County, and out-of-town for training classes.