Animal Welfare Officer

Salary: $16.00 Hourly

Location: Beaumont, TX

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 5436

Department: Animal Care

Division: Animal Care

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities: Conduct inspections and enforce municipal animal regulations; represent the City in court proceedings; interpret and apply animal laws; patrol designated areas to collect deceased, injured, or stray animals, including domestic pets and wildlife; investigate reports of animal bites, treatment concerns, and regulatory violations; issue citations for infractions, maintain necessary documentation, and respond to public inquiries; provide recommendations for corrective measures; administer vaccinations to animals upon arrival at the shelter; scan for microchips in animals found in the field; assist the Veterinary Technician with administering euthanasia; engage in the development and delivery of public education initiatives regarding animal laws, safety, and pet adoption; fulfill patrol duties that may require being on-call 24/7, including handling phone and dispatch responsibilities; utilize photography and computer equipment as needed; collaborate closely with the City Veterinarian.

Additional Responsibilities: Perform other related tasks as necessary. May assist with operations at the animal shelter. This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.

Working Conditions

Standard office environment; outdoor inspections in various weather conditions; potential exposure to extreme temperatures, odors, insects, dust, cuts, and animal bites; frequent interaction with upset and hostile members of the public; must be comfortable working with animals of all sizes and breeds; availability required for a standard workweek, including rotating weekend duties; subject to 24-hour on-call status; preference for residence within close proximity to Beaumont. This position is essential, requiring immediate availability during natural disasters.

Minimum Essential Qualifications

Knowledge: Familiarity with municipal animal codes and regulations; understanding of basic principles and terminology related to animal control; knowledge of IBM iSeries (AS/400) and related systems such as tax roll and water utilities inquiry; some awareness of safety protocols for working with animals; understanding of animal care methods and procedures; knowledge of local roads and addresses.

Skills/Abilities: Proficient in operating a motor vehicle; ability to interact tactfully and effectively with the public while enforcing regulations; capability to manage potentially confrontational situations; ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision; proficiency in reading and interpreting legal documents; effective oral and written communication skills; ability to work with often aggressive, sick, or injured animals; adept in using tools such as animal traps and tranquilizer guns; organized in maintaining inspection records; capable of reading and writing; ability to learn relevant computer systems.

Physical Requirements: Constant visual and auditory acuity; frequent sitting, standing, walking, driving, writing, kneeling, climbing, lifting, carrying, dragging, pulling, or pushing objects weighing up to 100 lbs.; use of calculators and cleaning equipment; occasional bending and twisting.

Education/Experience: High school diploma or equivalent; at least one year of experience in public interaction; certification as a Basic Animal Control Officer is preferred; six months of experience working with animals is preferred.

Other Requirements:

Must possess a valid Class C driver's license with a clean driving record. Other state driver's licenses equivalent to Texas Class C with a good driving record will be considered. Texas law mandates that new residents obtain a valid Texas driver's license within 30 days. Must be physically capable and willing to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccination; must complete a Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) approved euthanasia course within six months of employment; must obtain TDSHS Basic Animal Control Certification within one year of employment; writing and grammar assessments will be conducted. Candidates selected for hire will undergo a background check and drug/alcohol screening.

The City of Beaumont is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, the City will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations or assistance, please contact a Human Resources representative.

The City may consider all relevant education and experience when determining minimum qualifications and starting salary.

All Full-Time Civilian employees have the option to receive medical, prescription, and dental insurance.

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