Animal Control - Watonga

Listing Title:
Animal Control 

Listing Description
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER – JOB DESCRIPTION
Department: Police Department / Animal Control
Reports To: Chief of Police
Employment Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: $15.50 per hour
POSITION SUMMARY
The Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcing City of Watonga ordinances and applicable Oklahoma laws relating to animal licensing, animal control, animal welfare, seizure, and impoundment. The position responds to animal-related complaints, investigates violations, captures and impounds animals when authorized, and assists in protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The Animal Control Officer reports to the Chief of Police and works with the Police Department, City Manager, City Prosecutor, animal shelters, veterinarians, and other agencies as necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•Enforce City ordinances and applicable state laws relating to animals, licensing, control, seizure, and impoundment.
•Respond to complaints involving stray, at-large, abandoned, neglected, injured, dangerous, or vicious animals.
•Investigate animal-related complaints and violations and prepare accurate reports and documentation.
•Capture, restrain, seize, and impound animals as authorized by law and City ordinance.
•Transport impounded animals to the City’s designated shelter, kennel, or authorized location.
•Investigate animal bites and reports involving potentially dangerous or vicious animals.
•Assist with enforcement of animal licensing requirements and identify animal owners when possible.
•Issue citations when permitted by Oklahoma law and authorized by the City Manager.
•Prepare citations, notices, affidavits, reports, and other required documents.
•Appear in court and provide testimony regarding animal control investigations and enforcement actions.
•Assist law enforcement officers with animal-related incidents when requested.
•Handle and transport animals in a safe, humane, and professional manner.
•Maintain accurate records of complaints, investigations, citations, impoundments, releases, and dispositions.
•Maintain assigned vehicles, equipment, traps, cages, and supplies in safe and usable condition.
•Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police or designee.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of City ordinances and applicable Oklahoma animal control laws; ability to safely handle and restrain animals; ability to recognize aggressive, dangerous, or vicious animal behavior; ability to investigate complaints and prepare written reports; ability to communicate effectively with the public and City personnel; ability to exercise sound judgment in stressful situations; ability to work independently; and ability to safely operate a City vehicle and animal control equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Valid Oklahoma driver’s license required. Must successfully complete any background check required by the City. Previous animal handling, animal control, law enforcement, public safety, or veterinary experience preferred. Must obtain any training or certification required by the City or applicable law.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, or on-call hours. Position requires walking, standing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and handling animals of varying sizes. Employee may encounter aggressive, injured, or unpredictable animals, animal waste, odors, and other potentially hazardous conditions and must follow all applicable safety procedures.
AUTHORITY
The Animal Control Officer shall perform all duties in accordance with Oklahoma law, City of Watonga ordinances, and City policies and procedures. Authority to issue citations shall be limited to circumstances permitted by state law and authorized by the City Manager. Nothing in this job description grants authority beyond that provided by applicable law or City ordinance. 

(Job) Location:
Watonga Oklahoma 

Website Address (please do not delete the http://):
http://www.watongaok.gov/

Contact Information -

Company/Municipality Name:
City of Watonga 

Street Address
410 West Main 

City
Watonga 

State
Oklahoma 

Zip Code
73772 

Phone Number
5806234669 

Contact Job Title:
Chief Of Police 

First Name
Briston 

Last Name
Lowry 

Email Address
blowry@watongaok.gov

Listing Expiration Date:
09/01/2026