Lead Animal Care Officer

Lead Animal Care Officer

Salary

$23.31 - $28.67 Hourly

Location

4710 STATE HWY 151 SAN ANTONIO, 78227, TX

Job Type

4A Full-Time

Job Number

2026-01171

Department

Animal Care Services

Opening Date

07/22/2026

Closing Date

8/5/2026 11:59 PM Central

Grant Funded

No

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

Under general direction, is responsible for participating in and supervising the activities of Animal Care Officers ensuring Animal Care policy adherence related to apprehending stray, diseased, or dangerous animals, equipment readiness, education, prevention services and situational support to Animal Care Officers in the field. Working conditions are in an indoor and outdoor environment with exposure to temperature variations, infectious diseases, and hostile animals. Exercises functional supervision over assigned staff.

Click here to learn about the role, responsibilities, and mission of our Animal Care Officer position with the Animal Care Services Department!

Work Location

Animal Care Services; 4710 State Highway 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 night, weekend, and Holiday availability.

Essential Job Functions

• Act as Field Training Officer for new or remediating Officers through documentation of readiness and remediation evaluations for assigned Animal Care Officers, to include field mentorship and hands-on training.
• Execute assigned periods of instruction during the Animal Care Officer Academy as required for training and retraining of field personnel.
• Conduct process compliance inspections for equipment and personnel, to ensure operational readiness is maintained and professional appearance is consistent.
• Capable of acting as Animal Care Services Site Commander for inter- agency warrants, seizures and coordinated operations as required.
• Operate in an investigative capacity including, but not limited to obtaining/executing warrants, maintaining Dangerous and Serious Bodily Injury (SBI) case files, investigation and submission of criminal Attack by Dog cases, follow up on cases responded to by first responders and conducting annual inspections for Dangerous/Aggressive cases.
• 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.
• Investigates 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.)
• Issues citations for violations; ensures complete and accurate information is documented.
• Testifies in court.
• 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.
• Performs related duties and fulfill responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
• Two (2) years of animal control or animal handling experience.
• Valid Class "C" Texas Drivers License.
• 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 thirty (30) hours over each three (3) year period.

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Knowledge of City and State animal control ordinances, regulations and laws.
• Knowledge of geography of the city.
• 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 a two-way radio.
• 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 physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.

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

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 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.

01

Are you a current regular full time or part time CoSA employee?

• Yes - I am a Full Time City Employee.
• Yes - I am a Part Time City Employee.
• No - I am not a Full Time or Part Time City Employee.

02

Are you a San Antonio Ready to Work Program (SAR2W) or Train for Jobs San Antonio Program (TfJSA) participant?

• Yes - SA Ready to Work Program
• Yes - Train for Jobs SA Program
• Yes - Both Programs
• No

03

Are you a veteran or active member of the armed forces?

• Yes
• No

04

What best describes your highest level of education at the end of the current semester?

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or GED recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency
• 30+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• 60+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• Associates Degree from an accredited college or university
• 90+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• 120+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university
• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university
• PhD, JD, or other Post Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university
• None of the above

05

Do you have a valid Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

06

How many years of verifiable animal control or animal handling experience do you have?

• Less than one year
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years
• 6 years
• 7 years
• 8 years
• 9 years
• 10 years or more

07

Do you possess the Texas Department of Healths Basic Animal Control Officer Certification?

• Yes
• No

08

I understand for this position if I do not possess the Texas Department of State Health Services Basic Animal Control Officer Certification, I must obtain within 6 months of employment and must maintain continuing education credits of 30 hours over each 3 year period. I have the ability to fulfill this requirement.

• Agree
• Disagree

09

From which of the following did you get your animal handling experience?

• Animal Facilities/Shelters
• Farming/Ranching Business
• Animal Trainer
• Groomer
• None of the above

10

How many years of experience do you have as a certified Animal Control Officer in the State of Texas?

• None
• Less than one year
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 years or more

11

Please explain your interest in becoming a Lead Animal Care Officer for the City of San Antonio, and what qualities you possess that will make you an excellent Lead Officer.

12

Please detail your animal handling experience as a paid employee or volunteer. Please include dates worked, organization name, and job functions. Do not include personal pets. If you do not have experience, please answer "n/a".

13

Of the City of San Antonios core values, which one do you feel is most important and why?

14

I understand that this position is considered to be a primary driving position and I will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing as defined in AD 4.3, Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing and AD 4.8, Driver Safety Program. I further understand that the City of San Antonio has a zero-tolerance policy for which termination of employment will result for positive drug or alcohol test results.

• I agree
• I disagree

15

I understand that if I have a need for a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment and interview process, I can contact the Human Resources Department at AskHR@sanantonio.gov or 210-207-8705. I further understand that if an accommodation is necessary to perform the position for which I have applied, I can contact HR after an offer has been extended.

• I acknowledge.

Required Question

Employer City of San Antonio

Address Human Resources Department

San Antonio, Texas, 78205

Phone 210-207-8705

Website http://www.sanantonio.gov/HR/CareerCenter.aspx