Shelter Operations Officer - Animal Services

Under general supervision, the Animal Control Officer maintains shelter operations through exceptional service and care of the onsite pet population and customers.

• Assists with providing necessary food, water and shelter for impounded animals;
• Responsible for proper cleaning and disinfection of assigned areas on a daily basis;
• Participate in animal enrichment through playgroups and/or daily handling;
• Take part in the intake of multiple animals per day, including vaccinating and deworming;
• Report observed health or behavior issues to the veterinarian and management team;
• Provide information to the public about LAS programs and promote good animal care and responsible pet ownership;
• Advise potential adopters of LAS adoption benefits, policies and procedures;
• Protect all confidential information, including customers, donors, animals and internal communications;
• Represent Lubbock Animal Services by providing excellent customer service and focus;
• Provide medical care to sick and/or injured animals per the veterinarians recommendations;
• Euthanize sick, injured, dangerous, or stray animals as necessary and properly dispose of said animal;
• Quarantine animals suspected of biting for rabies observation or prepare specimens for submission of rabies testing;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Completion of a high school diploma or the equivalent with an additional one year of experience in a public contact position; or any combination of relevant education and experience.

• Must obtain a certification as a Basic Animal Control Officer through the Texas Department of State Health Services within the timeframe by the department.
• Must obtain a certification as a Certified Euthanasia Technician recognized by the Texas Department of State Health Services within the timeframe set by the department.

Valid Current Driver's License

Physical Exam Required

Work Schedule: Monday-Sunday; rotating 40-hour work week; 8-hour shifts between 7am-7pm; *Must be flexible, as we are an essential city department*

Knowledge of:

• Various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic and wild animals;
• Animal behavior and diseases;
• Basic methods of animal collection;
• Law enforcement principles and procedures.

Ability to: 

• Learn, interpret, and understand laws and regulations governing the humane treatment of animals;
• Learn and develop skills in the humane treatment of animals;
• Ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude;
• Regular and timely attendance;
• Ability to remain objective in difficult and stressful situations;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Perform duties with a significant degree of independence within established guidelines and procedures;
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions;
• Follow verbal and written instructions;
• Learn specialized software;
• Utilize computer skills and keyboarding skills;
• Prepare and maintain accurate records;

 Physical Requirements:

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds;
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 75 pounds;
• Frequently stand and walk during the shift;
• Push and pull objects in order to place animals into a cage;
• Frequently flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially at the knees to pick up animals;
• Frequently rotate upper trunk to the right and left while sitting or standing;
• Place arms above, at, and below shoulder height;
• Coordinate eye, hand and foot movement in order to operate a vehicle.