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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Animal Protection Officer


FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (80) Serv/Maint
Class Code: 10510 Salary Grade: JA8
Approved: Last Revised: November 02, 2017


Purpose:
 
Under general supervision, perform tasks related to rabies control, impoundment, education and prevention services.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
1. Safely and humanely capture and transport animals, including those who are sick, injured or potentially dangerous. 
2. Investigate reports of rabies exposure, dangerous or vicious animals and proper care violations.
3. Participate in prevention services such as teaching bite prevention classes, responsible pet ownership classes, etc.  Contribute to the programs and services that support the shelter’s live outcome goal.
4. Establish quarantines and oversee home observations.
5. Respond to observed or reported emergency situations and ordinance violations as well as after-hours emergency calls as needed at the request of citizens and other government agencies such as the Austin Police Department.
6. Answer citizen questions and provide assistance, education regarding responsible animal ownership/ordinance requirements and assist in complaint mediation.
7. Write reports and record data on appropriate log/forms.
8. Dispatch service calls to field personnel. 
9. Issue citations; obtain affidavits and testify in court. 
10. Euthanize animals when necessary with understanding and compassion for the animal.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of animal services and related programs.
• Knowledge of State and local laws, regulations and ordinances concerning animal related issues/complaints.
• Knowledge of City of Austin and Travis County streets, roads, etc. 
• Skill in safely handling wild, domestic and livestock animals, including those with unknown temperament.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Skill in the use of tools used to capture, restrain and transport animals.
• Skill in verbal and written communication, including the ability to draft grammatically correct, concise reports under strict deadlines.
• Skill in public speaking.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing and problem solving under pressure.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to identify animal species and breeds.
• Ability to diffuse heated encounters, both human and animal.
• Adhere to disease management and safety protocols.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of experience in a field related to customer service 
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License.
  • The following certifications relevant to the job must be obtained within the given timelines.  The City will pay for any certifications obtained while employed with the City of Austin
• Basic Animal Control Certification must be completed within six (6) months of hire.
 
• Notary Public must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
 

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.