Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under close supervision, the Animal Outreach Officer (AOO) enforces all animal ordinances for the City of Abilene, as well as other State of Texas animal laws for rabies, cruelty, and dangerous dogs. The AOO performs daily functions, to include but not limited to: cleaning, euthanasia, reports, and investigation of animal bites. This is accomplished by patrolling the City for animal violations, conducting inspections of properties; issuing citations and violation notices and completing administrative duties. This position also interacts with the community to be an advocate for animals and their welfare and provides education to citizens about animal concerns. Employees will have access to CJIS information and controlled substances in the performance of their job duties. Therefore, employees are required to not have any previous felony convictions. Per Texas CJIS Systems Access Policy, offenses that were committed while the individual was a juvenile will receive the same consideration and will be held to the same standard as adult offenses.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position exercises occasional supervision over new staff members in training.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Impound animals and conducts inspections and investigations by patrolling the City for animal violations; investigating neglect, dangerous or aggressive animals, animal bites or other complaints; responding to citizen complaints; scheduling regular inspections; touring the building or property; noting violations of code; researching to locate owners, if necessary; notifying owners of results of inspections; and re-inspecting noncompliant locations.
Issue citations and violations by compiling inspection reports; preparing cases for the court or other departmental requests; executing warrants; testify in court regarding enforcement of animal control ordinances.
Complete administrative duties by answering calls; providing information to the public and other departments as requested; compiling various reports; completing documents and forms, and maintaining records.
Provide customer service to the public by communicating local and state laws affecting animals and human interactions. Develop and implement community and school education programs; assist other departments with community functions, and develop and implement neighborhood incentives.
Occasionally, supervises new staff members in training by observing and monitoring work tasks; functioning as a lead worker; and providing guidance, instruction and feedback when requested.
Perform departmental specific functions by picking up strays and removing deceased animals from residential areas, veterinary clinics, and roadways according to department protocols; conducting euthanasia services animals that are trapped, high-risk, rabid, critically injured, or sick animals impounded in the field; remove deceased animals from residential areas, veterinary clinics, and roadways according to department protocols.
Ability to safely operate a three-quarter ton truck with an animal carrier, on a daily basis and in support of field operations, is required.
Operate City vehicles safely and obeys State laws and City policies during the performance of duties; learns to utilize a computer-aided dispatch system, shelter software system, and two-way radio systems.
Assist with off-site events such as spay/neuter clinics, adoption fairs, etc. and provide adoption counseling to prospective pet owners.
Apply proper disinfection techniques to departmental equipment and facilities according to department standards; observes animals and reports any signs of illness, distress, or safety issues.
Learn to implant microchips and administer vaccinations and medications to animals as required.
Learn to reconcile animals (inventory) and update paperwork and computer systems to reflect changes; prepare rabies specimens for shipment to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) laboratory for testing.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
State Regulations and Local Ordinances governing animal and disease control, as well as internal policies for the Abilene Police Department and Animal Outreach.
Common animal breeds, diseases and behaviors sufficient to accurately assess appropriate handling or treatment.
Techniques to capture, handle, tranquilize, and euthanize domestic and wild animals.
Basic knowledge of computer operations and typing, sufficient to enter and retrieve data.
Dietary and vaccination requirements of companion animals.

Skill to:
Interpersonal communication skills to effectively communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with both internal and external customers, even in high stress situations.
Operate City vehicles safely and obeys State laws and City policies during the performance of duties; learns to utilize a computer-aided dispatch system, shelter software system, and two-way radio systems.
Utilize equipment required for animal capture and/or containment in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Ability to:
Maintain composure and control in high stress situations.
Assess animal behavior and identify aggression signals.
Ability to work extended hours; overnight and weekends as well as holidays as needed.
Write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries in the appropriate, using proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Receive general direction and follow established standard operating procedures and/or policies.
Work requires analysis and judgment in accomplishing diversified duties.
Requires the exercise of independent thinking within the limits of policies, standards, and precedents
Must learn to recognize symptoms of common animal diseases and behaviors, determine characteristics of wild animal behaviors and habitats.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
Animal Outreach Officer I

Experience:
One (1) year of work experience involving the care of animals and dealing with the public; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Education/Training:
High School diploma or a GED is required.

License or Certificate:
A valid Texas driver’s license; or a military waiver is required.
State of Texas ACO Certification within 6 months of employment is required.
Certification as a Euthanasia Technician for the State of Texas is required within 6 months of employment and must complete 30 hours of continuing education during each three-year period thereafter.
Animal Outreach Officer II

Experience:
Three (3) years of work experience involving the care of animals and dealing with the public; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

License or Certificate:
State of Texas ACO Certification is required. Maintenance of continuing education unit (CEU) hours with the State of Texas ACO is required.
Maintenance of required recertification of Euthanasia Technician for the State of Texas.
Animal Outreach Officer III

Experience:
Five (5) years of work experience with companion or livestock animals either by full-time or part-time employment or by volunteering/recreation is required.

License or Certificate:
Maintenance of Continuing Education Unit (CEU) hours with the State of Texas ACO Certification is required.
Maintenance of required recertification of Euthanasia Technician for the State of Texas.
Certification as a Certified Cruelty Investigator for the State of Texas is required.

Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
In accordance with the Texas CJIS Systems Access Policy, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), employees are required to not have any previous felony convictions. Per Texas CJIS Systems Access Policy, offenses that were committed while the individual was a juvenile will receive the same consideration and will be held to the same standard as adult offenses.
Ability to work both indoors and outside.
Ability to work extended hours; overnight and weekends as well as holidays as needed.
Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, and chemicals.
Ability to travel to different sites.
Must receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations.
Must provide general care and perform medical procedures.
Requires ability to firmly grasp, extend, and rotate wrists frequently.
Frequent exposure to loud noises such as barking of dogs.
Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
Exposure to aggressive and/or dangerous animals, animal bites and scratches, and potentially infectious diseases or allergies.
Exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, and chemicals.
Must receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations.
With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
___ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
_X_ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:
N = No
E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
A = Almost Never (< 10% of the time)
Code / Task
_E_Standing
_M_Sitting
_E_Walking
_M_Lifting
_M_Carrying
_M_Pushing/Pulling
_M_Overhead Work
_M_Fine Dexterity
_M_Kneeling
_M_Crouching
_M_Crawling
_M_Bending
_M_Twisting
_M_Climbing
_M_Balancing
_E_Vision
_E_Hearing
_E_Talking
_N_Other: _____________________

colinoncars.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, colinoncars.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, colinoncars.com is the ideal place to find your next job.