Job Title: Animal Shelter Specialist / Animal Control OfficerJob Purpose
The Animal Shelter Worker / Animal Control Officer performs both in-shelter animal care and field-based animal control duties. This position is responsible for responding to public safety concerns, safely capturing and transporting animals, and supporting shelter operations including intake, care, and adoptions. The role ensures compliance with applicable laws while maintaining humane treatment and public safety standards.
Job Duties
Animal Care & Shelter Operations
- Perform all duties associated with Animal Shelter Specialist role, including feeding, cleaning, monitoring health, and maintaining sanitary conditions
- Assist with intake, housing, and daily care of animals
- Support adoption processes, including customer interaction, application processing, and animal placement
- Maintain accurate records for all animals in custody
Animal Intake & Public Services
- Receive animals from the public and field operations; complete intake documentation and identification procedures
- Provide guidance to the public regarding animal surrenders, stray animals, and shelter policies
- Process adoptions, reclaims, and transfers in accordance with shelter procedures
- Handle electronic payments and complete required documentation accurately
Animal Control & Field Response
- Respond to calls for service including stray animals, dangerous or aggressive animals, injured animals, neglect, and nuisance complaints
- Safely capture and restrain animals using appropriate equipment (e.g., control poles, traps, nets)
- Transport animals to and from the shelter, veterinary clinics, or other facilities
Ordinance Enforcement & Investigations
- Prepare detailed incident reports and maintain accurate case documentation
- Testify in court or administrative hearings as required
Public Safety & Community Interaction
- Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, local ordinances, and animal welfare practices
- De-escalate potentially volatile situations involving the public and animals
- Maintain professionalism when interacting with citizens in high-stress or enforcement situations
Sanitation & Disease Control
- Follow established biosecurity and sanitation protocols in both shelter and field settings
- Use proper PPE and handling procedures to prevent disease transmission
- Clean and disinfect vehicles, equipment, and equipment after use
Equipment & Vehicle Use
- Operate animal control vehicles safely and maintain cleanliness and readiness
- Use and maintain capture equipment, radios, and other field tools
- Report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns
Skills & Qualifications
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Previous experience in animal care, law enforcement, or animal control preferred
Licenses & Certifications
- Valid driver’s license required
- Euthanasia certification (not required upon hire, but willing to obtain)
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of animal behavior, humane capture techniques, and safe handling practices
- Understanding of local animal control ordinances and enforcement procedures
- Ability to complete reports, citations, and case documentation accurately
- Basic computer and record management
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds
- Ability to safely restrain animals of various sizes and temperaments
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks including walking, bending, lifting, and prolonged standing
Core Competencies
- Sound judgment and decision-making in high-risk or unpredictable situations
- Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
- Attention to detail in legal documentation and reporting
- Emotional resilience in handling cruelty cases, injured animals, and euthanasia situations
- Ability to work independently in the field and collaboratively within the shelter
Work Environment
- Combination of indoor shelter environment and outdoor field work
- Exposure to aggressive or unpredictable animals and potentially confrontational individuals
- Exposure to extreme weather conditions, hazardous environments, and zoonotic diseases
- Work includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs
Additional Expectations
- Must maintain confidentiality and professionalism in enforcement actions and investigations
- Must comply with all departmental policies, safety procedures, and legal requirements
- Represents the shelter and municipality in both enforcement and public service capacities
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Animal care: 1 year (Preferred)
Location:
- Livingston, LA 70754 (Required)
Work Location: In person
