Animal Control Officer

Come work at a place where we strive to promote and create a safe community. We take pride in living and working in Central Texas and are looking for exceptional talent to join our team.

Job Description:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Enforces ordinances, statutes, and licensing requirements related to the control of all domestic animals, including, but not limited to, dogs and cats, by patrolling assigned areas and picking up animals which are in violation of county codes.

• Captures and impounds diseased, injured, stray or trapped dogs and cats.

• Responds to and investigates complaints from the public regarding diseased, injured, stray, nuisance, neglected, and abuse domestic animals.

• Investigates cases of cruelty to domestic animals, abandonment, and barking dogs, etc. Promotes the importance of animal control and cruelty laws. Interviews complainants and animal owners to determine validity of complaints and compliance with established laws and ordinances.

• Ensures that confinement of such domestic animals is according to County ordinances.

• Investigates, quarantines, and follows up on animal bites. Reports all bites.

• Provides proper care for animals at the county operated kennel facility as necessary including feeding, acquiring medical aid, and related duties. Attempts to locate and return animals to owners.

• Takes steps necessary to prosecute individuals who are violating animal control laws and ordinances and presents the cases in court representing the County.

• Prepares and maintains files (including records and reports) regarding impounded dogs and cats, animal bites, quarantines, investigations, citations, vehicle logs and daily statistics.

• Operates and maintains the county animal kennel facility and the county animal control vehicle according to policy.

• Operates various types of machinery and equipment including police radio, cell phone, capture pole, animal control traps, computer, printer, tranquilizer gun, firearms, digital camera, microchip scanner, etc.

• May use firearm to accomplish lethal force for protection of self or others if required. Assists other law enforcement personnel in the protection of life and property, when requested.

• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires high school diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by six (6) months experience in animal control, law enforcement or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

Physical Demands:

• Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.

• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.

• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.

• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.

• Traffic; Moving machinery.

• Electrical shock; Heights.

• Radiation; Disease/pathogens.

• Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.

• Other extreme hazards not listed above.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

• Requires: Animal Control Officer, Euthanasia and Bite, Stick/Pepper Spray Certifications.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

Additional Qualifications:

Proposed Compensation:

$16.29 - $17.14

Additional Recruiting Instruction:

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

Bell County is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy located at the Historic Courthouse, 3rd Floor, in downtown Belton.