Animal Protection Investigator, Austin Animal Services (Animal Protection Division)

About This Position

 

The Animal Protection Investigator will report to the Animal Protection Supervisor. This position protects public health and safety by investigating rabies exposures and dangerous or vicious animal incidents. This position enforces local and state animal control laws and ensures compliance with quarantine and dangerous dog requirements.

This position responds to citizen complaints, issues citations, prepares detailed reports, maintains animal records, and testifies in court as needed. This position also establishes and monitors animal quarantines, maintains the public list of declared Dangerous Dogs, and humanely euthanizes animals when necessary. The person in this role will operate a radio to dispatch calls for service, process public information requests, provide community education, and maintain the required certifications.

 

Job Description:

Animal Protection Investigator

Purpose:

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

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• 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.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of experience in a field related to Animal Protection or Control.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) or more years of progressive experience in an animal shelter, animal welfare organization, animal control agency, animal protection, code enforcement, or a related professional field.

• Demonstrated experience conducting complex animal-related investigations,