Animal Services Officer (Parks)

SALARY

JOB SUMMARY

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, responds to, enforces, and investigates violations to applicable ordinances governing animals, State Statute or Board Rules regarding animal regulations. Provides excellent humane care for the animals brought to and housed within Animal Services.  Position is responsible for addressing owner responsibility; nuisance complaints; hurt, stray, or unwanted animals and sick or injured wildlife. Provides excellent customer service. Due to the politically sensitive and high-profile nature of the job, staff must be able to use discretion and have a high level of confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs administrative duties such as report writing, following documentation protocols, dispatching, assisting citizens, answering inquiries, and maintaining accurate Animal Services records.
• Routes issues and complaints to the appropriate personnel.
• Uses technology efficiently, including animal management software, field operations software, technological programs to streamline and organize workload, and basic office equipment.
• Maintains accurate records for animals, controlled substances, and documents according to Federal and State Law and policy.
• Maintains inventory records of controlled substances and Animal Services supplies.
• Maintains facilities in a neat and organized manner.
• Conducts department specific functions such as: response and investigation for animal related violations, including court appearances and issues citations and violations for non-compliance.
• Provides humane care for animals, including sanitation, basic care, and euthanasia.
• Works with the community to provide information and education regarding responsible pet ownership and animal interactions.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Uses existing, and develops new, presentations to create informative and educational demonstrations for community groups such as schools, key clubs, and events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of state, local and federal laws and regulations pertaining to animals.
• Knowledge of legal proceedings involved in animal services.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of conducting investigations.
• Knowledge of Animal Services methods, techniques, and practices.
• Knowledge of the clinical signs of animal diseases, basic animal behavior (domestic and wild), animal husbandry, and basic first aid.
• Knowledge of euthanasia practices and controlled substance management.
• Skill in using positive interpersonal skills and de-escalation techniques.
• Skill in developing reports and correspondence.
• Skill in communicating ideas, concepts, and terminology effectively through oral and written means.
• Skill in managing multiple, high priority tasks.
• Skill in analysis and decision making.
• Ability to write clear and concise letters and reports.
• Ability to work independent of specific instruction(s).
• Ability to work effectively when surrounded by loud noise and smells.         
• Ability to maintain assigned vehicle and equipment according to protocols.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral and written communication and make fine discriminations in sound.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with others.
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.
• Ability to read labels on a variety of containers.
• Ability to decipher labels on but not limited to cleaning agents and medical containers.
• Ability to operate a variety of tools and equipment utilized in a particular division of assignment.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment and systems including but not limited to water hoses, dishwashers and/or restraining equipment, syringes/needles, drugs/medications, computers, PetPoint, Microsoft and basic office equipment.
• Ability to perform basic medical procedures such as vaccinating, blood draw, and microchipping.
• Ability to maintain a healthy environment for both animals and people.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to humanely euthanize animals.
• Ability to work well with others and contribute to a positive, engaging work culture.

Qualifying Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or vocational school required.
• One year of work experience related to animal control, a related area or any equivalent combination of education or work experience.
• Possession of a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• State of Texas Basic Animal Control Officer Certification required within one year
• Euthanasia Training Certification required in 120 days
• Bite Stick Certification required in one year

Environmental Factors and Safety Hazards:

Position is subject to chemicals, dust, odor, zoonosis, parasites, mold, aggressive animal(s), and mite hazards.

Work hours may include weekends, evenings and/or after hour call. Duty assignments may require rotation within divisional units because of the technical, procedural and or legal knowledge required of the assignment. Some individuals may be appointed to permanent assignments which may not require the rotation of duty assignments.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING:

• Criminal Background Check
• Drug & Alcohol testing
• Motor Vehicle Review (MVR)
• Physical/Human Performance Evaluation (HPE)

City of Arlington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.