Animal Care Officer

DEPARTMENT

Parks Recreation & Culture

SALARY

$22.74 - $28.43

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, responds to, enforces, and investigates violations to applicable ordinances governing animals, State Statute or Board Rules regarding animal regulations. Provides excellent humane care for the animals brought to and housed within Animal Services. Position is responsible for addressing owner responsibility; nuisance complaints; hurt, stray, or unwanted animals and sick or injured wildlife. Due to the politically sensitive and high-profile nature of the job, staff must be able to use discretion and have a high level of confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs administrative duties such as report writing, following documentation protocols, dispatching, assisting citizens, answering inquiries, and maintaining accurate Animal Services records. Routes issues and complaints to the appropriate personnel.
• Maintains accurate records for animals, controlled substances, and documents according to Federal and State Law and policy. Maintains inventory records of controlled substances and Animal Services supplies.
• Conducts department specific functions such as: response and investigation for animal related violations, including court appearances and issues citations and violations for non-compliance. Provides humane care for animals, including sanitation, basic care, and euthanasia.
• Works with the community to provide information and education regarding responsible pet ownership and animal interactions.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Use existing, and develop new, presentations to create informative and educational demonstrations for community groups such as schools, key clubs, and event.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of state, local and federal laws and regulations pertaining to animals.
• Knowledge of legal proceedings involved in animal services. Knowledge of methods and techniques of conducting investigations.
• Knowledge of Animal Services methods, techniques, and practices.
• Knowledge of the clinical signs of animal diseases, basic animal behavior (domestic and wild), animal husbandry, and basic first aid.
• Knowledge of euthanasia practices and controlled substance management.
• Skill in using positive interpersonal skills and de-escalation techniques.
• Skill in developing reports and correspondence.
• Skill in communicating ideas, concepts, and terminology effectively through oral and written means.
• Skill in managing multiple, high priority tasks.
• Skill in analysis and decision making.
• Ability to write clear and concise letters and reports.
• Ability to work independent of specific instruction(s).
• Ability to work effectively when surrounded by loud noise and smells.
• Ability to maintain assigned vehicle and equipment according to protocols.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral and written communication and make fine discriminations in sound.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with others.
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.
• Ability to read labels on a variety of containers.
• Ability to decipher labels on but not limited to cleaning agents and medical containers.
• Ability to operate a variety of tools and equipment utilized in a particular division of assignment.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment and systems including but not limited to water hoses, dishwashers and/or restraining equipment, syringes /needles, drugs/medications, computers, PetPoint, Microsoft and basic office equipment.
• Ability to perform basic medical procedures such as vaccinating, blood draw, and microchipping.
• Ability to maintain a healthy environment for both animals and people.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to humanely euthanize animals.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including but not limited to seeing, carrying, kneeling, twisting, sitting, standing, bending and stooping.
• Ability to lift or exert forces equivalent to lifting 50 pounds.
• Ability to work well with others and contribute to a positive, engaging work culture.
• Work hours may include weekends, evenings and/or after hour call. Duty assignments may require rotation within divisional units because of the technical, procedural and or legal knowledge required of the assignment. Some individuals may be appointed to permanent assignments which may not require the rotation of duty assignments.
• Knowledge of office and administrative practices and procedures.
• Skill in using PC Software including current Microsoft Office Suite of applications.
• Skill in communicating professionally and tactfully with other city employees and the public by oral and written means.
• Skill with organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment utilizing knowledge of the organization's policies.
• Ability to work independently under general instructions.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including but not limited to filing, pulling, seeing, sorting, squatting, standing, stooping, twisting body, typing, walking, and writing.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including but not limited to PC, telephone, calculator, scanner, and copier.
• Ability to prioritize deadlines and tasks.
• Ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.
• Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to accomplish unit objectives.
• Ability to understand mathematical calculations involving fractions, percentages, and decimals.
• Ability to work within a set schedule.

Qualifying Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or vocational school required.
• One year of work experience related to animal control, a related area
• or any equivalent combination of education or work experience.
• Valid Texas Driver's License
• State of Texas Basic Animal Control Officer Certification or required to obtain within one year.
• Euthanasia Training Certification is required within 120 days of employment.
• Bite Stick Certification required within one year of employment.

Employment Screenings Required:

• Criminal background check
• Human Performance Evaluation (Physical)
• Motor Vehicle Record
• Drug and Alcohol Testing

City of Arlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.