Animal Control Officer

Come work at a place where we strive to promote and create a safe community. We take pride in living and working in Central Texas and are looking for exceptional talent to join our team. 

Job Description:

Duties and responsibilities:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Provides daily care for all animals housed at the county shelter, including feeding, watering, cleaning, and monitoring health and behavior.
• Maintains sanitary and humane conditions within the shelter in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and best practices.
• Assists with the intake and processing of animals, including documentation, identification, photographing, and microchip scanning.
• Coordinates or administers basic medical care as needed and facilitates veterinary treatment when required.
• Manages animal placement efforts, including reuniting animals with owners, facilitating adoptions, and coordinating transfers or rescues.
• Performs or assists with humane euthanasia in accordance with policy, training, and certification requirements.
• Maintains accurate shelter records, including intake logs, medical records, disposition reports, and daily statistics.
• Operates and maintains shelter equipment, kennels, and facilities in a safe and functional condition.
• Investigates animal bites, ensures proper quarantine procedures, and completes all required reporting.
• Interviews complainants and animal owners to determine compliance with laws and ordinances.
• Prepares reports, citations, and case files; may testify in court as required.
• Guides the public on responsible pet ownership, animal care, and applicable laws.
• Assists citizens reclaiming animals or navigating adoption processes.
• Promotes animal welfare and compliance through education and outreach.

Equipment & Safety

• Operates equipment, including animal control vehicles, radios, capture tools, traps, computers, microchip scanners, and related tools.
• May use defensive tools, including pepper spray or firearms, when necessary to protect self or others.
• Assists law enforcement personnel when requested in matters involving animal-related public safety concerns.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Preferred: Minimum of six (6) months of experience in animal control, animal shelter operations, law enforcement, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Physical Demands:

• Work involves frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and handling animals.

• Regularly requires exertion of 20–50 pounds of force.
• Requires manual dexterity and coordination in handling equipment and animals safely.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and after-hours as needed.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

• Animals (including aggressive or diseased animals)
• Extreme temperatures and weather conditions
• Noise, odors, and cleaning chemicals
• Zoonotic diseases and biohazards
• Hazardous or unpredictable situations involving animals or the public

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Required (or ability to obtain within six months):
  • Animal Control Officer Certification
  • Euthanasia Certification
  • Bite Stick and/or Pepper Spray Certification

• Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

  Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Additional Qualifications:

Proposed Compensation:

$19.53 - $19.53

Additional Recruiting Instruction:

Bell County retains the right to close or extend any job posting at any time, regardless of the job posting closing date listed.

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy located at the Historic Courthouse, 3rd Floor, in downtown Belton.