Animal Protection Investigator, Austin Animal Services

City of Austin • Austin, TX

7d • $24 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position performs tasks related to rabies control, dangerous or vicious animal investigations, legal proceedings, animal impoundment, education, and prevention services.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of experience in a field related to Animal Protection or Control.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver's License.
• Basic Animal Control Certification must be completed within six (6) months of hire.
• Notary Public must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• 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 and roads.
• 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 of Austin 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.
• Ability to deal with the public in crisis situations and present a professional attitude and appearance.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to diffuse heated encounters, both human and animal.
• Ability to identify animal species and breeds.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to adhere to disease management and safety protocols.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in animal control, animal protection, code enforcement, or a related field.
• Experience conducting complex dangerous/vicious dog or serious bodily injury (SBI) investigations and the ability to clearly articulate findings with documentation.
• Completion of the State of Texas Animal Control Basic Training course.
• Experience coordinating with law enforcement, public health, or emergency management agencies.
• Mentoring and educating others regarding dog investigations.
• Knowledge of rabies control protocols, quarantine procedures, and dangerous dog compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Investigates reports and complaints regarding rabies exposure, dangerous or vicious animals, and SBI events.
• Attends and participates in all court proceedings regarding dangerous/vicious dog, SBI cases.
• Answers citizens' questions and education to citizens regarding dangerous/vicious dog, SBI investigations.
• Establishes quarantines and oversees home observations.
• Writes reports and records data on appropriate log/forms.
• Dispatches calls for service to field personnel.
• Issues citations, obtain affidavits and testify in court.
• Fill out requests for records under the provision of the Texas Public Information Act.
• Answers citizens' questions and provides assistance and education to citizens regarding responsible animal ownership/ordinance requirements.
• Maintains a current list of declared Dangerous Dogs for public access.

Benefits

• outstanding benefits including several health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED