Animal Service Officer II, (B272931-11), 205, Animal Control

Provide day-to-day field supervision and hands-on animal control services to protect public safety and animal welfare. Assign patrol routes, respond to high-priority calls, train Animal Service Officer I staff, enforce Chapter 6 ordinances and Texas statutes, administer vaccinations/treatments, and liaise with partner agencies during routine and emergency incidents. 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.

• Develops and implements a community-focused patrol model focusing on engaging and educating the community in animal related care.
• Understands the City of Laredo Animal Control ordinances and state laws regarding animals.
• Develops curriculum and teaches classes to field and shelter staff relating to ordinance compliance, cruelty investigations, and disaster response.
• Prepares for and coordinates with Laredo' Emergency Management for any type of disaster which might require the assistance of field services.
• Provides guidance to agency needs related to court cases and court holds.
• Oversees daily audit of field activity to ensure all paperwork is completed accurately, and follow-ups are scheduled and conducted in a timely manner. 
• Flags any unusual activity and ensures issues are resolved quickly and professionally. 
• Ensures that calls for service are investigated, corrected, and complete before being finalized and filed.
• Provides a safe work environment for animals and employees.
• Interacts with the public in a professional and knowledgeable manner to maintain public confidence and safety; speaks at schools and to other community groups concerning animal control services.
• Provides direction and assistance on complex, controversial or politically sensitive field services cases.
• Directs the preparation of detailed and comprehensive technical reports.
• Represents the field service as requested on legislative matters as a spectator and/or witness on legislative matters.
• Develops professional, cooperative relationships with law enforcement and other animal control agencies who operate within the city.
• Prepares staff for court appearances, testimony, and depositions when needed so that information is presented accurately and professionally.
• Reviews and approves purchase requests for department needs and essentials. 
• Drafts and files motions on behalf of the agency.
• Lead field patrols; assign Animal Service Officer I routes; respond priority calls; ensure humane capture, transport, and shelter intake. 
• Trains and mentors Animal Service Officer I staff on ordinance compliance, evidence handling, courtroom testimony, and PPE use.
• Administers or oversees vaccinations, medications, microchipping, and quarantine monitoring and documents in shelter software.
• Investigates cruelty and bite cases; gathers evidence, prepares case files, and expert reports, and testifies in court. 
• Coordinate emergency response with Fire, Police, and Emergency Management (i.e., disaster evacuation; mass seizures).
• Community outreach at local schools, HOA meetings, media briefings, promote rabies prevention, and responsible pet ownership.
• Approves purchase order requests, tracks fuel and PPE inventories; drafts affidavits or motions for court holds. 
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for city business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Skills and Abilities: 

• Skilled in media relations management and public relations strategies.
• Skilled in advanced public speaking skills; effective presentation abilities.  
• Ability to work on weekends.
• Ability to effectively coach and provide adult instruction.
• Ability to perform data entry processes with accuracy. 
• Ability to conduct inter-agency communications.
• Ability to conduct analytical and systematic methods for proper investigations.
• Ability to gather complex data, analyze, and present clear communication through report writing.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• 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 work 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 this position.

Knowledge of: 

• Knowledge of field supervision.
• Knowledge of animal welfare programs.
• Knowledge in proper animal-handling.
• Knowledge of defensive driving procedures and requirements.
• Knowledge of route optimizations.
• Knowledge of basic legal fundamentals in daily operations.
• Knowledge of zoonosis awareness; diseases prevention and related infections.
• Knowledge of basic vet-tech procedures.
• Knowledge of document and evidence tracking through chain of custody procedures.
• Knowledge of the legalities, protocols. and procedures involving sworn testimonies. 
• Knowledge of state and county animal control ordinances and laws.
• Knowledge of logistical procedures.
• Knowledge of ICS basics.
• Knowledge of budget-conscious practices and procurement processes.
• Knowledge of proficient legal drafting. 

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

Sometimes

• Construction site
• Confined space 
• Warehouse environment

Frequently

Often

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

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

Seldom

• Moving mechanical parts

Frequently

Often

• Communicable diseases
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• National travel
• International travel

Seldom:

• Regional travel

Often

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree or sixty (60) college hours from an accredited* college or university
• At least one (1) year of experience in enforcement, social services and one (1) year of experience as a supervisor, lead, or field technician officer.

Foreign Education: 

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

Note: The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• 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.
• Animal Control Officer Certification from the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) or a state-level equivalent program is required.

The following Licenses and/or Certifications must be obtained after employment. Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated from the time of hire.

• Euthanasia Certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
• First Aid and CPR for Animals 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 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.