Animal Control Officer

Position Description

Harris County Public Health has earned the 2023 Best Place for Working Parents Business Designation.

About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Under the supervision of the ACO Field Supervisor and in accordance with the Animal Control Officer Training Manual, the Animal Control Officer responds to citizens' requests for animal control services; animal bite investigations; inspection of dangerous dog facilities and the enforcement of Harris County Animal Regulations. This position ensures that Harris County will be free from animals at large, creating hazards of public health, public safety or public order, and protects animal from mistreatment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responds to citizen requests for service as outlined in the Animal Control Officer Training Manual. Enforces animal laws and regulations.

• Responsible for investigating animal bites, advises both owner and victim of procedures and documenting accordingly.

• Responsible for safe operation of County equipment and vehicles including daily maintenance, cleaning and disinfecting.

• Inputs animal information and photographs of impounded animals. Ensures that animal info is linked to the correct photo for the web site. Also enters unassigned calls and other information as needed.

• Responsible for the inspection of Dangerous Dog facilities to insure that they comply with Harris County Regulations.

• Appears in court as required taking necessary records and documents. Must display a professional image and attitude.

• Completes special assignments as needed i.e. assisting law enforcement officers with evictions and arrests.

• Teaches animal safety and bite prevention programs when scheduled.

• Works at vaccination clinics, health fairs, mobile adoptions etc. as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED

Experience Requirements:

• One (1) year of paid work experience in a role providing direct customer service

• Six (6) months of basic knowledge of dog and cat care is required.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid Texas Driver's License

• Must complete the Department of State Health Services' Basic Animal Control Officer's Certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain that certification.

• Must complete the necessary FEMA ICS Training required for our department within six (6) months of employment.

Computer Proficiency:

• Must have a working knowledge of Windows operating system

• Must have a working knowledge of Chameleon Animal Care Software OR the ability to learn within six (6) months of employment.

Special Skills

• This person must have the ability to remain objective in difficult and stressful situations.

• Required paperwork must be correct, clear and concise.

• This person must be a team player who consistently works for the betterment of the department.

• Since this position requires the ability to work alone, this person must be trustworthy and honest regarding his/her documentation and use of work time.

Organizational Leadership

• Understands the organizational mission

• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust

• Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others

Collaboration

• Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission

• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group

• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs

Innovation

• Ability to adapt to change

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics

• Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect

• Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner

• Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses

• Uses sound judgment

• Self-motivated

• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity

Communication

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Rotating schedule

• Full-time

• 40hrs per week.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

• Must be in good physical health.

Salary

• Depends on Qualifications

• Based on 26 Pay Periods

Work Environment

• Able to tolerate high heat and humidity for extended periods of time outdoors while working in a variety of urban and natural environments

Location

• 612 Canino Rd., Houston, TX 77076

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

BENEFITS

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.

The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical Coverage

• Dental Coverage

• Vision Coverage

• Wellness Plan

• Life Insurance

• Long-term disability

• Employee Assistance Program

• Ten (10) days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service

• Accrual rates increase based on years of service

• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays and one (1) floating holiday

• Professional development opportunities

• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan

• Healthcare Reimbursement Account

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:

• Retirement Pension (TCDRS)
• Flexible schedule (varies by department)
• Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:

https://benefitsathctx.com/

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma

• Associate Degree

• Bachelor's Degree

• Master's Degree or higher

• None of the above

02

Which of the following best describes your verifiable paid work experience in a role providing direct customer service? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Less than one (1) year experience

• One (1) year or more

• I do not have this experience

03

Please provide details about your verifiable paid work experience in a role providing direct customer service.

• Do not use "See Resume", as we do not use resumes to assess qualifications.* (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history) Include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.

04

Which of the following best describes your verifiable basic knowledge of dog and cat care experience? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Less than six (6) months of experience

• Six (6) months of experience

• I do not have this experience

05

Please provide details about your verifiable basic knowledge of dog and cat care experience.

• Do not use "See Resume", as we do not use resumes to assess qualifications.* (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history) Include your (a) role(s), (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.

06

Do you currently hold a Department of State Health Services Basic Animal Control Officer's Certification? (Please be sure to include all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.)

• Yes, I currently hold a Department of State Health Services' Basic Animal Control Officer's Certification.

• No, BUT I am able to obtain this Certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain this certification.

• No, I'm not interested

07

This position requires the employee to complete the necessary FEMA ICS Training required for our department within six (6) months of employment. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes

• No

08

Do you have working knowledge of Windows operating system?

• Yes

• No

09

Do you acknowledge that you must have a working knowledge of Chameleon Animal Care Software OR the ability to learn within six (6) months of employment?

• Yes

• No

10

This role requires a Valid Driver's License (Texas upon hire) Do you have a Valid Driver's License?

• Yes, I have a Valid Texas Driver's License

• Yes, I have a Valid Out Of State Driver's License, but I understand I must obtain a Valid Texas Driver's License prior to start date

• No, I'm not interested

Required Question

Agency Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx