JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for the overall conditions of the Little Elm Animal Shelter and the well-being of all animals housed therein. Maintains the shelter area by cleaning and sanitizing animal kennels, removing litter and debris, washing feeding utensils, pans and equipment. Maintains stock and storage rooms in a neat and organized manner, stocks inventory of food, litter, cleaning supplies etc. Provides general care and feeding of animals, performs minor equipment/kennel repairs. Assists citizens in receiving, redeeming and adoption of animals at the shelter. Assists with animal tracking.  The Kennel Attendant / Animal Control Officer is authorized to maintain the department's official Animal Control records as required by law and municipal policy. The Kennel Attendant /Animal Control Officer patrols the Town and enforces all animal related ordinances and may be required to respond to after hour emergencies.
 
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
 

• Enforces animal regulations, rabies control and licensing requirements.
• Patrols Town and impounds stray, unlicensed, or injured animals.
• Euthanizes, in a humane manner, any animal which poses an imminent danger to a person or property; or is injured, sick or diseased beyond recovery or otherwise determined necessary by management.
• Enforces Town Animal Control ordinances as well as State and Federal laws regarding animals and cruelty to animals.
• Removes deceased animals from roadways.
• Operates, inspects, cleans and reports any problems with department vehicles.
• Assists in the disposal of deceased animals.
• Investigates animal complaints and reports of animal bites.
• Maintains accurate records of Animal Control activities.
• Issues citations or files complaints on violations.
• Responds to court requests and testifies in court as necessary.
• Processes head shipments for rabies testing.
• Assists with the cleaning and maintaining of animal habitats.
• Ensures federally scheduled drugs are administered properly and kept secured.
• Assists with animal adoptions and special events.
• Assists with locating lost pets.
• Educates the public on animal care and control.
• Recommends programs, policies and procedures as necessary.
• Ensures correct preparation and maintenance of reports and records.
• Informs supervisor of all work-related activities.
• Adheres to the personnel, safety, department policies and procedures and Administrative Orders.
• Requires shift work including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Requires after hour emergency response on a rotating basis.
• Attends and documents all required training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK
Education and Experience:
 

• Possession of a High School Diploma/GED required.
• One year of verifiable work experience as an Animal Control Officer, Shelter or Kennel Attendant, or Veterinary Technician is preferred but not required.

 
Licenses or Certificates:
 

• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Must obtain Basic Animal Control Certificate within 12 months if not currently held.
• Must obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification from the Texas Department of Health within 24 months if not currently held.

           
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
 

• Ability to read, write and speak English fluently.
• Ability to establish and meet deadlines.
• Ability to motivate self to maintain and improve performance.
• Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with supervisors and other personnel.
• Knowledge of and skilled in the use of a computer.
• Ability to deal effectively, efficiently and in a pleasant manner with distraught and irate citizens.
• Ability to make competent decisions under stress.
• Ability to follow oral and written directives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work in person, in writing, and by telephone.

 
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift, push, pull, and drag equipment and animals in excess of 100 lbs. several times daily; dispose of animals; work indoors, outdoors, in confined spaces, on level, slippery, sloping, unstable and muddy terrain; work in adverse environmental conditions to include inclement weather, fume, dust/mist, noxious odors, chemical, solid waste substances, animal feces, urine, saliva, and the sight of blood; must be able to be exposed to insects, noxious plants, and snakes, assorted wildlife and vicious animals, and handle livestock; read, write, see, talk, hear, climb, crawl, kneel, run, sit, squat, bend, stand, stoop; and to walk up to 10 miles per day while pursuing animals and carrying equipment. Able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
 
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT       
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
 

• Routine work indoors 80% of the job.
• Routine work outdoors 20% of the job.

 
 
 
E.O.E.  The Town of Little Elm does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or military service in employment or the provision of services.