Animal Control Officer

About the role

An island community rich in history and opportunity, Galveston is the ideal place to live, work and raise a family!

Summary

Under general supervision, enforces City animal control ordinances, codes and laws.

Essential Functions

• Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.
• Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.
• Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Handles vicious/unruly/feral animals; patrols streets and apprehends stray or dead animals; maintains logs of calls and activities.
• Responds to calls regarding animal issues; impounds and records all animals; insures the welfare and care of animals; determines if animals require medical care.
• Provides animal containment, food, water and shelter until transport to the animal shelter.
• Investigates and writes reports on all broken-skin bites as required by state laws; ensures animal quarantine periods are followed; ensures completion of quarantine requirements to include preparation and transportation of specimen in head to lab situations by decapitation of humanely euthanized biting animal when appropriate.
• Receives and investigates citizen complaints regarding barking dogs, loose dogs, dogs digging and/or damaging personal property and animal nuisance feces on property.
• Issues citations or notices of violations while enforcing City codes and state laws; appears in court regarding animal cruelty cases or citations.
• Transports animals to the animal shelter; loads and unloads animals into and out of the City vehicle; completes impound process of animals at the shelter to include intake, processing, and vaccination.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Galveston and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
• Employees may at any time be required to work in order to provide for the safety and well-being of the general public, including the delivery and restoration of vital services, in the event of an emergency.

Knowledge

• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Local and state laws, codes and ordinances regarding animal control.
• Safe animal handling and capture practices and techniques.
• Geography of the City.

Skill in

• Using initiative, discretion and judgment within established procedures guidelines and rules.
• Defining problems; establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions.
• Managing situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment.
• Interpreting and applying City and state laws, codes and ordinances.
• Providing efficient customer service.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with managers, supervisors, employees, businesses, external public and private agencies and the general public.
• Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Operating a personal computer and various software applications.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with all levels within the City.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent; AND one year of animal control experience is preferred. A valid Texas Driver's License is required.

License and Certification

• A valid Texas driver's license is required.
• Certification as an Animal Control Officer through TACA, NACA, DSHS or similar organization. (Within six months of hire date)

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Work is performed primarily in an outdoor work environment.
• May be exposed to extreme weather conditions, potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals and infectious diseases.
• May be required to lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds.