Animal Protection Officer Jobs

Job Summary

Open Until Filled - First Review on June 22, 2023

We are looking for a member to join our Animal Services team who exemplifies our core values of integrity, teamwork, professionalism, customer experience and innovation.

Job Summary

Provides for the enforcement of the City’s animal protection ordinances; investigates animal complaints; educates the community; works to maintain public health standards by making the community safe for both citizens and animals; prepares and maintains animal protection records; picks up and transports animals; performs euthanasia; assists with cleaning kennels as needed; assists with maintaining shelter facilities; and performs other related duties as required.

Essential Functions And Decision Making

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Picks up and transports stray animals, livestock, exotic animals and/or other wildlife; assists with securing livestock causing traffic problems; removes dead animals; performs trapping; transports animals to the Veterinarian; examines animals for injuries, illness, or malnutrition, and arranges for necessary medical treatment.
• Educates the public regarding responsible pet ownership, the City’s animal protection services, local ordinances, and handling of wildlife; attends and participates in community events and presentations.
• Processes rabies bite quarantine cases and sends for testing according to Texas State Law.
• Completes continuing education required for certifications; participates in City ordinance and State Law reviews.
• Applies knowledge and enforces State and local laws and ordinances; investigates animal bite cases and reports of animal cruelty/neglect; issues citations; prepares and maintains animal protection and call-out records; appears and testifies in court proceedings as required.
• Conducts inspections of local animal facilities and exhibits as needed.
• Responds to citizen, police, fire, and government partner requests for animal control assistance, including after-hours. Assists in investigating reports of animal cruelty and neglect.
• Patrols the City and performs a variety of animal control duties (often independent):
• Uses excellent customer service techniques in all situations both in and out of the shelter.

Conducts Various Types Of Shelter Duties

• Assists in cleaning and maintaining shelter facilities including kennels, quarantine areas, euthanasia room, food storage areas, vehicles, equipment, sally port and grounds; removes and disposes of trash and dead animals in designated areas.
• Assists animal shelter personnel; staffs the intake office and assists the public; picks up donations and supplies as required.
• Works with volunteers and provides staff assistance for volunteer training, programs and initiatives. Celebrates volunteer successes and strives to create a welcoming environment for all volunteers. Provides feedback to the volunteer coordinator on volunteer performance and coaching opportunities.
• Performs basic facility maintenance; repairs animal kennels and related equipment;
• Euthanizes animals in accordance with established protocol; updates and maintains euthanasia/controlled substance logbooks and computer records.

Performs other duties as assigned.

DECISION MAKING

• Uses judgment in selecting techniques for safely handling animals or seeks assistance for handling difficult animals in special circumstances.
• Ability to work with disgruntled citizens in seeking resolution.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to recognize animal behavior and health concerns and report accordingly.
• Ability to understand and accept shelter procedures regarding live release dispositions and euthanasia.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Salary Is Dependent Upon Qualifications)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to respond to the city limits for after-hours emergency calls within one (1) hour.
• Basic Animal Control Officer and Euthanasia Technician certifications are required within 120 days of employment.
• Minimum of three (3) years animal handling experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to pull and back up a trailer.
• Previous experience in a law enforcement/dispatcher capacity.
• Knowledge of animal handling, behavior, identification, rabies laws and animal ordinances.
• Previous experience in an animal control/animal shelter/boarding/veterinary setting.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Enjoys working with animals; displays patience; has knowledge of animal control procedures and the ability to work under high stress situations.
• Interacts and communicates with staff and the public, both verbally and in written form, and assists the public regarding a variety of animal control matters; must be able to maintain positive working relationships with internal and external agencies, including other animal control organizations, volunteers and coworkers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements include lifting 50 pounds, or more, frequently. Subject to vision constantly; standing, walking, handling, crawling, hearing, talking and foot controls frequently; sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing and balancing occasionally.

Working conditions involve exposure to all weather conditions, general driving hazards, aggressive and/or wild animals, zoonotic diseases, hazardous chemicals, and potentially irate members of the public. Possible rabies exposure (Pre-exposure rabies vaccine and booster offered at city’s expense). Protective equipment required: catchpoles, cat tongs, snake tongs, nets and/or other personal protective equipment as required and supplied by the city.

Safety Sensitive Position.

WORK HOURS

7 days a week, 40 hr/wk with rotational on-call/overtime hours/on-call for City emergencies.

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• Wellness Initiatives
• Choice Plus PPO Plan
• Dental Plan
• Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
• Prescription Drug Plan
• United Healthcare

Davis Vision Insurance

• Premium Vision Plan
• Laser Vision Correction discounts
• Base Vision Plan

Retirement

• Texas MunicipalRetirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Vacation
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Direct Deposit
• City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
• Activity Center Membership
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Sick Leave
• Longevity Pay
• Employee Assistance Program
• Holidays

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous