Animal Management Officer Trainee

STARTING PAY: $20.00 per hour

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Animal Management & Welfare Field Supervisor or Animal Management Field Manager. Learns to perform duties of his position which includes enforcing animal control through the apprehension and impounding of stray, diseased and/or dangerous animals; assisting in loading and unloading animals from trucks; counting, sorting, and separating them by size and sex prior to placement in kennel. Work also includes, sanitizing the facility and equipment; patrolling and responding to complaints from citizens related to animals in violation of the Municipal Code; investigating animal bites. welfare/cruelty to animals) wild animals within the city limits: issuing citations to animal owners whose pets have been found in violation of the Municipal Code; and appearing in county and municipal courts as State's witness on animal related cases.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• With assistance, investigates bite incidents, cruelty cases, welfare cases and complaints related to animals in violation of other Municipal Codes.
• Traps and relocates wild animals that are not assigned to the State's high-risk list for rabies.
• Observes areas of alleged violations and interviews available witnesses to determine if the City Ordinances and State laws have been violated.
• Impounds dogs. cats and other animals running at large or in violation of City Ordinances and State Law.
• Patrols and responds to citizen complaints.
• Sanitizes vehicles, cages, tools and equipment after use
• Issues written citations to violators of the City Ordinance and State Laws.
• Maintains detailed records of daily activities.
• Assists in the reclaim and adoption of animals from the shelter.
• Assists in the care and feeding of animals at the shelter.
• Prepares rabies specimens for laboratory testing.
• Assists citizens and agencies in multiple facets of animal management.
• Educates residents on laws relating to animal management and care.
• Performs minor repairs to equipment, i.e. traps, staff, etc
• Traps and relocates wildlife.
• Participates in educational programs for children (school) and citizens of the community.
• Rescues animals in danger or distress.
• Gathers evidence needed in preparing a case for court and appearing in court.
• Performs euthanasia as required.
• Maintains extensive contact with various species of animals.
• Monitors activity and health of animals and must be able to detect clinical signs of various animal related diseases.
• Collects evidence and fact related to cases to file for a search and seizure warrant.
• Serves warrants and processes paperwork thru the court.
• Maintains and logs classified drugs as used for euthanasia and tranquilization
• Prepares reports and extensive documentation concerning bite investigations and welfare report
• Prepares written reports on the use and justification of oleoresin capsicum.
• Restrains, handles, and transports livestock
• Assists fellow staff to accomplish required tasks.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Successful applicants must live within 10 miles of Amarillo in order to respond to standby and call back hours and during emergency situations.
• Ability to safely handle animals, including those with unknown health and temperament.
• Ability to safely operate a staff or pole, ropes, nets and camera
• Ability to operate a half ton truck with mobile radio, euthanasia equipment and operate a livestock trailer and associated equipment.
• Knowledge to safely administer sodium pentobarbital, Ketaset and Oleoresin Capsicum.
• Ability to make decisions during emergency and unusual circumstances.
• Skill in using standard office equipment such as copiers and multi-line phone systems, and computers and related software applications for data entry, word process and accounting purpose
• Strong verbal and written communication skill.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATION

• Must be a Basic Certified Animal Control Officer and complete a 3-semester hour course of Police Community Relations within 12 months after appointment.
• Will require getting rabies pre-exposure vaccinations within 12 months of employment.
• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience in the care of animals is preferred.
• Must have a valid Texas driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Requires good physical condition, considerable running and walking and ability to lift up to 75 pounds.Applicants must be able to perform prolonged, strenuous activity.
• Ability to handle hostile and deceased animals with potential personal risk and exposure.
• Position operates in a professional animal shelter environment with both indoor and outdoor exposure, operation of motor vehicle in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to tolerate animal noises and odors.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.