Animal Cruelty Specialist

About the Department

Under general direction, is responsible for the investigation of cruelty complaints and enforcement of the City's ordinances and State's laws concerning cruelty to animals and other criminal activities related to Animal Care and Services. Working conditions are primarily outside with frequent exposure to temperature extremes. May be exposed to dangerous persons, firearms, and bodily fluids. May exercise functional supervision over assigned staff. 

Work Location
Animal Care Services Department - 4710 State Hwy. 151, San Antonio, TX 78227

Work Hours

• Work hours vary
• Schedule will be assigned based on the needs of the department. 
• Must be willing to have weekday, weekend and holiday availability.

Position Duties

• Responds to and investigates complaints of animal cruelty and neglect to any animal.
• Obtains search and seizure warrants; works with local law enforcement in the execution of warrants.
• Provides information and educates the general public of the City's and State's Animal Cruelty statutes.
• Maintains accurate logs, records and case files of complaints responded to and disposition; accurately and thoroughly enters animal information into software management system for each call responded to. 
• Prepares cases by organizing and gathering evidence for civil and criminal cases. Including but not limited to documentation of animals, conducting interviews of witnesses and owner, obtaining photographic or video evidence, audio recordings, veterinarian's medical reports, maintain and document chain of custody and the transportation of animals impounded or seized as evidence in alleged cruelty to animal complaints for trial; testifies in court. 
• Develops and maintains positive communications and working relationships with City Departments, outside agencies and organizations and law enforcement personnel; assists in training new personnel. 
• Enforces ordinances and laws pertaining to animals and cruelty to and neglect of animals.
• Researches property and utility records to obtain accurate ownership identification.
• Issues citations to animal owners for municipal code violations; verifies ownership identification by researching and utilizing a variety of databases to confirm accuracy. 
• Investigates complaints for properties containing a large-scale collection of animals, notifying Adult Protective Services, and Code Compliance of related violations.
• Inspects all animal-selling facilities to ensure City license requirements are met.
• Informs the general public of all Pet Codes and City Ordinances pertaining to animal care and handling.
• Lifts and carries animals weighing up to 50 pounds to secure in cages, transportation vehicles or place on examination tables, and assists with team lifts for animals weighing over 50 pounds.
• Handles abused animals, investigates/inspects through a variety of means; may require reaching, walking, running, twisting, and/or kneeling.
• Communicates with dispatch and/or supervisor through the use of two- way radio and office equipment to provide or receive instructions and directions.
• Performs related duties and fulfil responsibilities as required. 

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
• Three (3) years of experience in a field related to animal control or law enforcement.
• One (1) year of experience conducting investigations.
• Applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.
• Valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License.
• Must obtain National Cruelty Investigation Certification within three (3) years of employment.
• Must possess the Texas Department of State Health Services Basic Animal Control Officer Certification or obtain within six (6) months of employment. Must maintain Continuing Education Credits of 30 hours over each three (3) year period.

Preferred Qualifications
Prior Knowledge or Experience with:

• City and State animal control ordinances, regulations, and laws. 
• City and State laws and codes pertaining to animal cruelty and neglect. 
• Geography of the City. 
• Vehicle operation safety procedures. 
• Safety procedures and methods used to humanely handle neglected and fractious animals. 
• Methods, practices, and techniques of animal control. 
• Procedures and policies for issuing City citations and submitting criminal cases to court.
• Humanely handling and controlling animals under all types of situations and circumstances. 
• Adhering to disease management safety protocols. 
• Usage of tools used to capture, restrain, and transport. 

Applicant Information

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of all aspects of the City Ordinances and codes pertaining to animal care and handling procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices related to confrontation control and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques.
• Knowledge of law enforcement procedures, practices, methods, and techniques.
• Skill in operating radio dispatch equipment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions during crisis situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to establish effective working relationship with City Staff and the general public.
• Ability to operate laptop computer, digital camera, video camera and audio recording devices.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position with or without accommodations.

Benefits

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:

Note: 

• 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  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.

Supplemental Questions