ANIMAL CARE TRAINEE

Under general direction, is responsible for developing a working knowledge of apprehending stray, diseased, or dangerous animals. Responsible for learning the skills necessary to perform property investigations to ensure compliance with animal control ordinances and laws, pet/property owner education of violations and issuances of warning notices or citations for violations. Exercises no supervision.

Work Location
4710 State HWY 151 San Antonio, TX

Work Hours
Tuesday - Friday
Academy Schedule: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Day Shift: 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Night Shift: 1:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

• Safely and humanely captures and transports animals including those that are sick, injured, or potentially dangerous.
• Lifts and carries animals weighing up to 50 pounds to secure in cages or place on examination tables and assists with team lifts for animals weighing over 50 pounds.
• Immediately responds to calls for animal assistance from law enforcement agency staff standing by.
• Responds to observed or reported emergency situations and animal law violations.
• Operates a light-duty truck to perform field investigations for reports of animal bites and dangerous or vicious animals.
• Documents field notes from investigation of pet/property owner and maintains accurate, thorough Daily Activity Log. Submits Log daily to supervisor.
• Writes reports and records data on appropriate log/forms.
• Counsels/educates citizens regarding responsible animal ownership/ordinance/law requirements (leash law, restraint, registration, animal behavior, etc.)
• May assist in the creation and issuance of citations for violations; ensures complete and accurate information is documented.
• Accurately and thoroughly enters animal information into software management system for each call responded to.
• Properly cleans and maintains assigned equipment and tools to assure proper working order.
• May attend, assist, and present at scheduled events, educational seminars, and workshops as required.
• Performs related duties and fulfill responsibilities as required.

ACS Apprentice Candidates

• 
  High School diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
• Completion of the ACS Apprentice program.
• Three (3) months of animal control or animal handling experience.

• High School diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
• Six (6) months of animal control, animal handling, or law enforcement experience.

• Spanish Language Skills (reading, writing, speaking).
• Valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.
• Texas Department of State Health Services Basic Animal Control Officer Certification or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment and ability to maintain continuing education credits of 30 hours over each 3-year period.

• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.

• Knowledge of City and State animal control ordinances, regulations, and laws
• Knowledge of San Antonio streets, roads, etc.
• Knowledge of vehicle operation safety procedures.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and methods used to humanely handle vicious animals.
• Knowledge of methods, practices, and techniques of animal control.
• Knowledge of procedures and policies for issuing City citations.
• Skill in safely handling animals including those with unknown temperament.
• Skill in the use of tools used to capture, restrain, and transport animals.
• Skill in dealing with the public including irate citizens.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer, associated software programs, and basic office equipment.
• Ability to humanely handle and control animals under all types of situations and circumstances.
• Ability to adhere to disease management safety protocols.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City staff and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to perform all the essential functions of the position, with or without accommodations.
• Working conditions are in an indoor and outdoor environment with exposure to temperature variations, infectious diseases, and hostile animals.

Benefits Information
The City of San Antonio (CoSA) strives to provide a competitive compensation and benefit package to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce. To accomplish this, CoSA offers subsidized health care benefits for active and retired employees, paid disability benefits, paid life insurance, as well as automatic participation in a pension program which is currently matched two to one.

For more detailed information, please click on the following link to view Benefits offered by the City of San Antonio:
http://www.sanantonio.gov/hr/employee_information/benefits/index.asp

• Part-Time, Temporary, and non-City positions are not eligible for CoSA Benefits.
• Holiday and Leave benefits for Pre-K 4 SA positions may be different than what is listed at the above link.

Additional Information
The City Of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. This means that the City does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex (gender), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation. All individuals are encouraged to apply and compete for jobs with the City of San Antonio.

If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources Department so that accommodations may be made to meet your needs. Our telephone number is 210-207-8705 and our fax number is 210-207-2285.