ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER I/SHELTER TECHNICIAN

Performs a variety of animal handling and maintenance services for the City of Commerce Animal Shelter, feeds and cares for animals at the shelter; is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the shelter facility, equipment and grounds; participates in clerical and other manual tasks associated with operating the animal shelter, pet licensing program, adoption program and performs related duties as required.

Job duties may vary dependent upon job assignment and skill level. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for maintaining a healthy environment and caring for impounded animals, including cleaning and disinfecting kennel runs and cages, feeding and watering animals, isolating and caring for sick animals.
2. Maintains animal holding facility, grounds, vehicle, and equipment in accordance with state regulations.
3. Observes animals to detect illness or disease and exercises them as required.
4. Cleans and maintains shelter facility; sanitizes walls and floors; empties trashcans, overall maintenance of grounds around the facility.
5. Assists in selling dog and cat licenses to the public; matches impounded animals for owners filing a lost animal report.
6. Maintains accurate records of work performed; Maintains up-to-date records and files on animals collected;
7. Completes paperwork associated with the adoption of animals.
8. Retrieves animals from runs and returns them to their lawful owners.
9. Receives complaints and calls from the public.
10. Receives animals from the public.
11. Receives and records fees for various services including adoptions, licenses and impounds.
12. Removes, impounds, and cares for stray and unwanted animals;
13. Assists with data entry and maintaining animal control records.
14. May assist Animal Control Officer II in the field; may occasionally answer calls and investigate complaints of animals.
15. Must be able to assist and perform euthanasia in a humane method as necessary on animals.
16. Other tasks as required or assigned by Animal Control Officer II.
17. Serves as Animal Control Officer in absence of Animal Control Officer II.
18. May oversee and/or perform presentations to schools and civic groups about animal control and otherwise publicizes animal control activities; and
19. Supports the relationship between the City of Commerce and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with other city staff, citizens of Commerce, and visitors.  Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information, consistent with City employee ethics training.
20. This position may be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a city or Department emergency.  This position does involve working some weekends. 
21. Performs other duties as required or assigned. 

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

1. Patrols streets to locate stray animals and promptly captures animals and transports them to the animal shelter.
2. Responds to complaints concerning animal problems or violations of animal control ordinances, including but not limited to animals running at large, bites, property damage or injuries.
3. Responds to emergency calls, such as cruelty to animal complaints, animal bites, control of poisonous or dangerous animals, and stray animals;
4. Removes dead, injured or dangerous animals from streets and disposes of them properly; to include apprehending, lifting and carrying said animals.
5. Investigates violations of animal control ordinances and issues warnings or citations as required; appears in court to testify regarding animal control cases.
6. Serves various criminal or civil notices or papers related to enforcement of animal control ordinances.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Some knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; working knowledge of animal restraint and care techniques; knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the licensing, quarantine, and  impounding of  animals; diseases communicable from pets to humans; livestock management; and euthanasia procedures   
• Some skill in operating the tools and equipment listed below;
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public;
• Using a computer and some specialized software applications;
• Ability to work safely; knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing animal shelters; including Texas Health & Safety Code/Texas Health & Human Services;
• Following and maintaining safety standards;
• Familiarity with City policies and procedures;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; the ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to learn the City’s geography.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Must have a valid driver license or the ability to obtain one by date of hire.  Driving is an essential function of the job.  The suspension or revocation of a driver license during employment may result in termination of employment. 

Must meet minimum requirements for Animal Control Officer I and must complete a basic Animal Control Officer course within the first 12 months of employment.  Must become certified through the Texas Department of Health as a basic, Certified Animal Control Officer.  Must also obtain certification as a Euthanasia Technician within the first (12) months of employment.

Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not listed under essential duties but is a critical function to operations of the City’s Animal Services Department.  Consistent, unplanned and unexcused absences may result in termination of employment. 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Animal Control Patrol vehicle, animal capture equipment, police radio, pager, first aid equipment, “catch pole”, euthanizer gun, personal computer.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves standing, using hands to manipulate, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and repetitive reaching with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk, talk, hear, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and smell.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may frequently push, pull, lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds, and occasionally exert force while pushing, pulling, lifting and/or carrying up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in a variety of outside weather conditions.  Some of these weather conditions can be extreme.  The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or extreme heat, humid or cold conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to inclement weather conditions. The employee is routinely encountering animals, including unvaccinated animals.  This comes with the threat of being potentially bit, scratched or exposed to blood borne pathogens.  The City provides the proper protective clothing and equipment to prevent unnecessary or unsafe contact with animals. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A copy of the City’s Step & Grade/Pay plan regarding compensation can be found online at: https://commercetx.org/open-data/#146-personnel

The City of Commerce offers a competitive benefits package including a contributory retirement plan, medical, dental and vision insurance for City employees paid for 100% by the employer, life and disability insurance, and paid time off.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required; drug screen; final selection and pre-employment medical examination.  NOTE:  Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period which will last for six (6) months.  Appointees have access to paid, vacation time following the completion of their probationary period. Appointees have access to health, vision and dental insurance benefits on the first of the month following the first full month of employment. 

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The City of Commerce is an “at will” employer.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The City of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing fair and equal treatment of all applicants for employment without regard to age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.  We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.   

By submitting an application, you certify that you have read, understand and been given access to a copy of this job description.