Job Description

JOB TITLE: Senior Animal Services Officer
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Environmental Services/Animal Services
REPORTS TO: Animal Services Division Manager
Responsible for performing activities of an Animal Control Officer and performs lead activities such as assisting with staff performance, monitoring staff on a day-to-day basis, preparing monthly activity reports, providing training, and serving as a safety coordinator. Work is performed with limited supervision.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Participates in monitoring the day-to-day operations of the department and performing a variety of administrative activities, which includes: preparing and reviewing activity reports; coordinating monthly on-call and holiday schedules for on-call staff; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Performs vector control program services, which includes: ordering required equipment and supplies; preparing sprayers for calibration; spraying residential streets; completing vector control reports; coordinating staff participation in vector control activities; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Serves as the safety coordinator for the department, which includes: facilitating safety meetings; processing safety meeting notes and sign-in sheets; researching and conducting follow-up on staff concerns; assisting with the completion of accident and injury reports; and/or, performing other related activities.
• Educates the public on animal control ordinances, policies, and procedures, including proper control and care of pets.
• Responds to emergency situations involving animals on an on-call basis after normal business hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of animal care and handling principles and practices.
• Knowledge of common animal and zoonotic diseases.
• Knowledge of animal behavior.
• Knowledge of wildlife habitat management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of animal breeds.
• Knowledge of animal traps, catch poles, and chemical immobilization techniques.
• Knowledge of sedatives utilized on animals.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic animal anatomy.
• Knowledge in resolving team conflict.
• Skilled in applying independent judgment, personal discretion, and resourcefulness in interpreting and applying guidelines.
• Skilled in mediating conflict.
• Skilled in applying vector control processes.
• Skilled in providing customer service.
• Skilled in restraining and handling difficult animals.
• Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications.
• Skilled in communicating effectively with a variety of individuals, including good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs. without assistance, including loading an animal into a transport unit.
SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead responsibility over Animal Services Officers.
• Assist Animal Services Manager with preparing mid-year and annual performance evaluations for field staff.
• Initiate Positive Performance Management to encourage strong performance and correct performance deficiencies.
• Complete accident/injury reports as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency.
• Three years of progressively responsible animal control experience.
• 3-4 years of customer service experience.
• Must have a current State of Texas Basic Animal Control Certification.
• Ability to obtain State of Texas Advanced Animal Control Certification within 1 year of employment.
• Ability to obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification, as required by city policy, within 6 months of employment.
• Requires a valid Texas Driver's License
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• None.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Frequent climbing, balancing, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, talking, seeing, hearing, smelling, and manual dexterity.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of more than 100 pounds.
• Work is typically performed in both a standard office and outdoor environment, with potential exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• Work is occasionally performed in close quarters and high and precarious places.
• Potential exposure to electrical shock, vibrations, fumes or airborne particles, infectious diseases, chemicals, and criminal suspects.
• Drive pick-up truck with animal transport equipment.
• Uses two-way radios, multi-line phone system and cellular phone.
• Frequent use of medical devices including syringes, needles, droppers, swabs and medical safety equipment.
• Administers canine and feline vaccinations, to include mixing, preparation and administer.
• Utilizes animal restraint equipment including restraint pole, snake pole, snake tongs, flexible snare, several size animal traps, injured animal transport equipment, animal muzzles, halters, livestock leads and harness.
• Uses high pressure cleaning equipment.
• Utilizes personal protective equipment.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
• Must pass pre-employment drug test.
• Must pass criminal history check.
• Must pass motor vehicle records check.
• Must maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Must obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification, as required by city policy, within 6 months of employment.
• Must obtain State of Texas Advanced Animal Control Certification within 1 year of employment.