Animal Control Officer ; A262931-3 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.

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.

Knowledge of:

• current zoonotic diseases
• laws and ordinances pertaining to animal control and humane treatment of animals
• animal control equipment and protective devices
• epidemiology and surveillance methodology for disease prevention
• animal services
• computer knowledge skills

• enforce local, state and federal laws governing animal control and zoonosis
• maintain good planning and organizational skills
• take and follow directions from supervisor
• give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff
• perform strenuous and routine work
• maintain a valid Texas Driver License and good driving record
• maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to general public complaints
• project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo
• effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language
• comply with all City of Laredo policies and procedures
• maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position

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.