Lead Animal Services Officer (Dallas Animal Services - Civil Service)

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Job Summary

• The Lead Animal Services Officer performs and leads lower-level animal control employees in performing a variety of duties relating to animal control to protect the public's health and safety and prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases.
• Job Description

Overview

The Lead Animal Services Officer performs and leads lower-level animal control employees in performing a variety of duties relating to animal control to protect the public's health and safety and prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases.

Essential Functions

1 Leads and trains lower-level animal control personnel to ensure that animal control activities are performed correctly and in compliance with City standards, policies, and protocols; ensures all employees understand assignments.

2 Prepares records, makes and receives telephone calls to gather information, and maintains files of reported animal bites; locates and captures animals involved in biting incidents and files severe bite reports with the Texas State Health Department.

3 Issues violation notices and citations to animal owners who violate city ordinances and state laws, which may require testifying in court. Examples of enforcement matters may include, but are not limited to:

• •Vaccination
• •Microchipping
• •Spay/neuter
• •Prohibited and regulated animals
• •Loose animals
• •Tethering
• •Confinement requirements
• •Sanitary living conditions
• •Quarantine
• •Bites

4 Investigates citizen complaints by conducting interviews, compiling detailed notes, and taking photos for evidentiary purposes related to:

• •Animal bite investigations
• •Dangerous dog investigations
• •Aggressive dog activity
• •Loose animals
• •Animal welfare checks
• •Improper confinement of animals

5 Euthanizes animals using Schedule 3 FDA approved drugs to ensure animals are euthanized in a humane manner.

6 Prepares, packs, and processes shipment of animal specimen to the Texas Health Department Laboratory for rabies testing.

7 Processes dangerous dog and animal cruelty cases by gathering needed information and filing warrants to begin the process for formal legal hearings.

8 Educates the public on standards of care and the benefits of spay or neuter and microchip services; educates public on city ordinances as it may pertain to their situation.

9 Maintains records and completed activity; completes citations.

10 Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

1 Knowledge of city ordinances and state laws relating to animal control.

2 Knowledge of common diseases of animals and the methods for handling vicious, diseased, or injured animals.

3 Knowledge of city ordinances and state laws relating to animal control.

4 Knowledge of various breeds of dogs, other animals and animal behavior.

5 Knowledge of the safe use of tranquilizing guns and animal traps.

6 Ability to physically lift animals 50 lbs. or larger for transportation.

7 Ability to prepare and serve court citations, warnings, and other records and forms.

8 Ability to direct the work of others.

9 Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

10 Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of customer service or animal shelter/animal control experience that involved processing inquiries and/or complaints. One (1) year of supervisory or lead experience is preferred.

EQUIVALENCIES

Valid professional Animal Control related training and/or certification(s) from a State or National organization PLUS two (2) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• •Valid driver's license with good driving record. ​
• •Must obtain a basic Animal Control Officer (ACO) certification AND euthanasia certification issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) within probationary period.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• •No Felony Drug offenses within the last 10 years
• •No Animal Cruelty convictions
• •Availability to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays and twenty-four seven (24/7) on call status
• •Subject to working in inclement weather

Salary Range

$25.12 - $28.85

The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.