Animal Control Officer

Under general supervision, performs responsible work in the enforcement of state and local animal control laws and ordinances and in the investigation of violations of such laws and ordinances. Responds to a variety of animal-related complaints from the general public.

The City of Rowlett offers a great work/life balance schedule with normal business hours of 7:30 am - 5:30 pm depending upon departmental scheduling needs. We offer great benefits and compensation packages as well as a 7%, 2:1 match in the TMRS pension. To be considered, interested candidates need to go to the City of Rowlett career page and complete an application:

• Patrols the City for stray animals, impounds stray animals, traps and/or captures wild animals, rescues injured animals, removes and disposes of dead animals.
• Investigates reports of animal biting incidents and reports of dangerous or vicious animals, enforces dangerous animal regulations.
• Responds to fire or police emergencies if animals are present.
• Picks up live or dead animals in any other situation warranting removal, using catch pole and leash.
• Prepares detailed reports of activities and investigations made, consults with prosecutors and prepares case reports for court action, testifies in court.
• Enforces animal control ordinances: investigates bites, informs citizens of laws, issues citations, appears in court on behalf of the city.
• Takes calls in the animal shelter, logs all calls and activities, writes reports.
• Responds to, investigates and answers calls; cleans and maintains animal control shelter and vehicle; feeds and waters animals; collects monies for the release and adoption of dogs and cats.
• Conducts preliminary or follow-up cruelty investigations.
• Feeds and waters animals in the shelter, cleans cages, performs euthanasia on trapped (high risk) wildlife and any critically injured animals in the field; additionally to animals at the shelter as needed.
• Oversees rabies quarantine.
• Prepares and forwards specimen to state laboratory for examination.
• Responsible for regular attendance and arriving to work on time.

Performs other duties as assigned. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others.

• High School Diploma or GED and one year of experience in animal care, control, and handling.
• Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to comprehend and apply established animal control ordinances, regulations, policies, procedures, and exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Ability to perform effectively in stressful and potentially dangerous situations, handle injured/dying animals, and have knowledge of PC operations and data entry.
• Proficiency using animal capture and handling equipment, police radio, firearms, restraint pole, throw net, and euthanasia tools (hypodermic needles, stethoscope, microscope, syringe pole, tourniquet).
• Ability to follow instructions, safe practices, and standard operating procedures; perform duties with tact and courtesy; communicate effectively; maintain records and prepare reports.

• Valid driver's license and good driving record; report all traffic citations to the departmental Director within two working days.
• Ability to be on-call during non-working hours and to work evenings, weekends, and holidays; must be available for after-hours call-outs.
• Must be willing to submit to pre-exposure rabies immunization; clear criminal record.
• Texas Department of State Health Certified Animal Control Officer and Euthanasia Technician within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Position requires heavy lifting up to 100 lbs., carrying, lifting, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, and reaching; also requires sitting, standing, walking or running; exposure to hazards such as vicious, wild, rabid animals, and possible zoonotic diseases.

Considerable exposure to various disagreeable elements: continuous and frequent exposure to weather conditions, heavy vibration from riding in truck, occasional noise in shelter from barking dogs, occasional threats from agitated individuals, and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases.