Animal Control Officer

Position Description

If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 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.

Position Overview:

Under general supervision, the Animal Control Officer will enforce animal laws, investigate animal incidents, maintain equipment, manage animal records, and conduct inspections. Individuals in this role will be responsible for representing the County in court and engaging in public education and community outreach related to animal welfare.

The Animal Control Officer is expected to know ethical standards related to documentation, time management, and maintaining honesty and trustworthiness in the workplace.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Public Interaction & Law Enforcement: Responds to citizen requests for service, as outlined in the Animal Control Officer Training Manual, and enforces local animal laws and regulations.
• Completes special assignments as needed i.e. assisting law enforcement officers with evictions and arrests.
• Animal Incident Investigations: Investigates animal bite incidents, guides both the animal owner and the victim regarding necessary procedures and ensures proper documentation of the case.
• Equipment & Vehicle Maintenance: Operates County vehicles and equipment, ensuring daily maintenance, cleaning, and disinfecting are completed to ensure proper function and sanitation.
• Animal Record Keeping: Inputs and maintains accurate records of impounded animals, including animal details and photographs, ensuring proper linking for the County website.
• Dangerous Dog Facility Inspections: Conducts inspections of Dangerous Dog facilities to ensure compliance with Harris County regulations and standards for safety and animal care.
• Court Appearances & Professional Representation: Attends court hearings as needed, presenting required records and documentation, and maintains a professional image and demeanor at all times.
• Public Education & Outreach: Teaches scheduled animal safety and bite prevention programs to the public, promoting awareness and education.
• Community Events & Mobile Services: Participates in community events such as vaccination clinics, health fairs, and mobile adoptions, as assigned, to promote animal welfare and services.
  
  
  

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.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to remain objective in difficult and stressful situations.
• Ability to complete required paperwork accurately, clear and concise.
• This person must be a team player who consistently works for the betterment of the department.
• Ability to work well without supervision.
• Must be trustworthy and honest regarding his/her documentation and use of work time.
  
  
  

Core Competencies:

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.

Preferences

N/A

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• This is a full-time position. Working 40 hours per week.
• This position will have a rotating schedule.
  
  
  

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. Outside of day-to-day travel, this position may require infrequent travel and interaction with the community at public events.
  
  
  

Physical Demands:

• Will be required to lift and restrain animals or other objects up to 50 pounds. Must be in good physical health. May have to manually set up and tear down equipment as the mobile clinic requires.
  
  
  

Location

• Harris County Pets: 612 Canino Rd, Houston, TX 77076.
  
  
  

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

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