Job Description

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Field Services Manager, this includes supervising Animal Management Officers; training and advising new Officers; assigning and scheduling field employees; inspecting equipment for maintenance, repair, and service needs; answering questions regarding City ordinances and State laws regulating animals; investigating bite incidents, cruelty cases, welfare cases, complaints related to animals in violation of Municipal Codes, works closely with other agencies to trap and relocating wild animals within the city, and issuing citations to animal owners whose pets have been found in violation of the Municipal Code. This position will be required to work shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime as necessary by the department, and during inclement weather. This position is considered weather essential personnel. This position will be required to work on call on an as needed basis as determined by the needs of the department.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises a team of Animal Management Officers and other staff as needed, including the training, scheduling, and evaluation of direct reports.
• Investigates bite incidents, cruelty cases, welfare cases and complaints related to animals in violation of other Municipal Codes.
• Notifies owners of deceased or injured animals.
• Documents work and ensures that staff documentation is completed in a timely manner, runs reports, and prepares detailed reports to management on an ongoing basis.
• Issues written citations or warnings to violators of the City Ordinance and State Laws as necessary, which may include filing suits, gathering evidence needed in preparing a case for court, preparing cases, and testifying in Court.
• Provides back-up on the front desk of the animal shelter, performs intake and adoption activities, and completes associated reports and paperwork.
• Manages and accounts for assigned inventories of equipment, vehicles, and other City property.
• Works with outside agencies to trap and relocates wild animals that are not assigned to the State’s high risk list for rabies.
• Observes areas of alleged violations and interviews available witnesses to determine if the City Ordinances and State laws have been violated.
• Impounds dogs, cats and other animals running at large or in violation of City Ordinances and State Law.
• Responds to inquiries and educates the general public and other entities concerning code and permit regulations. Interpret codes, city ordinances to staff and public.
• Collaborates with the other departments and agencies as required ensuring compliance with codes.
• Researches and prepares various reports.
• Make decisions regarding which animals are treated for illness or injury, or euthanized to prevent suffering.
• Performs euthanasia as required.
• Assists fellow staff to accomplish required tasks.
• Prepares rabies specimens as required.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Requires a High School Diploma or its equivalent and a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in Animal Management Field Operations. The following certifications are required: Euthanasia Certification, Texas Basic Animal Control Certification, Bite Stick and OC Certification/training. Valid Texas Driver’s License required

The following certifications and continuing education are preferred: NACA/NCIS Level I, II, and III ASPCA courses(Investigating Animal Abuse for Law Enforcement, Combating Dog Fighting, Basic Animal Cruelty Investigation), ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Courses(10 part webinar series), and Incident Command System Classes through Emergency Management.

Must have or be able to obtain pre-exposure rabies vaccinations within six (6) months of hire. Employees in this position must reside within ten (10) miles of the city limits of Amarillo.

The City of Amarillo will consider all relevant education and experience when determining applicant’s

qualifications, and when determining salary requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of laws, guidelines and ordinances pertaining to Animal management/control as well as the fundamentals of legal procedures for court and court administration.
• Ability to lead, motivate and supervise field staff.
• Ability to safely handle animals, including those with unknown health and temperament.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Knowledge of disease management and safety protocols.
• Knowledge of animal services and related local programs.
• Skill in using standard office equipment such as copiers and multi-line phone systems, and computers and related software applications for data entry, word process and accounting purposes.
• Ability to safely operate a staff or pole, ropes, nets and cameras.
• Ability to operate a half ton truck with mobile radio, incinerator, tranquilizer rifle or pistol, euthanasia equipment.
• Ability to safely and effectively prepare lab specimens.
• Knowledge of medications and sedations used when handling animals.
• Ability to operate a watercraft with outboard motor and associated equipment.
• Ability to operate a livestock trailer and associated equipment.
• Ability to make decisions during emergency and unusual circumstances.
• Good interpersonal skills, particularly in dealing with fellow employees and the general public.
• Knowledge to safely administer sodium pentobarbital, Ketaset and Oleoresin Capsicum.

ADA PROFILE

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee will be required to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The employee is also required to climb, crawl, crouch, feel, finger, grasp, handle, pull, push, reach, speak, stand, stoop, talk, see, and walk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and preform repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee’s work is conducted primarily outdoors in all types of weather conditions and in a dynamic and physically threatening environment that requires the employee to be sensitive to change and make life and death decisions of themselves and others.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.