Animal Control Officer I, (A262931-9), 203, Animal Control

Performs routine rabies control and prevention work and impounds animals; captures unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; canvasses assigned area to locate animals in violation of licensing laws, conducts rabies disease investigations, surveillance and enforcement as well as health education and prevention on zoonotic and vector disease; may conduct advanced animal control procedures and serves to improve pet responsibilities and reduces neglect and cruelty.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.
 

• Takes reports and conducts investigations of animal or vector exposure seven days per week on a rotating shift.
• Conducts rabies and prevention vaccination events and promotes health promotion for disease control.
• Patrols area by driving truck to locate, identify, capture, transport, and impound unlicensed, stray, disowned and uncontrolled animals. Completes accurate timely reports and records regarding animal captures, detainment, and quarantines as assessed for rabies/vector diseases.
• Investigates any animal control report, conducts surveillance of "Dog Bite Reports" and conducts inspections; records where and when incidents took place, describes the animal or vector, records address and name of victim; searches and locates animals; performs follow-up activities on dogs in a 10-day observation period; maintains accurate and complete records of the same.
• Assists in facilitation of prevention measures against animal, vector, and other zoonotic exposures.
• Enforces the City ordinance to prevent possible rabies outbreak in the community; issues citations for dogs at large; issues tickets for unvaccinated dogs and conducts investigations on animal exposures.
• Responds and inspects calls from the public regarding animals that directly affect their way of life; investigates complaints related to animals in violation of City ordinances.
• Assists with capture of hazardous, dangerous or wild animals.
• Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with the public; projects a positive and professional image of the animal control service.
• Inspects and examines dog licenses or any other animal vector certification for validity of prevention measures and issues citations or summons to the owner whose animals are in violations.
• Conducts surveys to assure appropriate vaccination for dog and cats.
• Assists local, regional and state veterinarians in rabies testing; inspects and prepares specimens and remains for packaging and shipments to the Texas Department of Health laboratory in Austin for rabies analysis and other appropriate testing.
• Assists law enforcement personnel in removing confiscated and uncontrolled dogs from residences that are considered dangerous.
• Prepares and maintains daily records, investigation and surveillance files; assists in performing dispatching and related office duties.
• Appears in court hearings, discussions, conferences and jury trials as necessary to assure appropriate compliance of City codes and ordinances.
• Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors and other business contacts.
• May assist in direct impoundment procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of current zoonotic diseases.
• Knowledge of the laws and ordinances pertaining to animal control and humane treatment of animals.
• Knowledge in the use of animal control equipment and protective devices.
• Knowledge in Epidemiology and surveillance methodology for disease prevention.
• Knowledge of animal services.
• Must have computer knowledge skills.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to enforce local, state and federal laws governing animal control and zoonosis.
• 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 and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints.
• 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 the position.

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

• Office or similar indoor environment

Often

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

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

Sometimes

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Moving mechanical parts

 Frequently

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Often

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

 

Never:

• International travel

 

Seldom:

• National travel

Sometimes:

• Regional travel

Often

• Local travel

 

Required Education and Experience

•  High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• At least two (2) year of general work experience. Ability to work with animals, be dependable, self-driven, ethical, and complete an on the job training. 

Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employment.     

Rabies Pre-Exposure Vaccines must be obtained within one (1) month of employment. Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required vaccinations within the specified period of time indicated from time of hire.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. 

Desirable Licenses or Certifications

• Basic Animal Control Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.
• Euthanasia Certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.

The following Licenses and Certifications that 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 above from time of hire.

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 a contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.