Salary : $39,255.84 AnnuallyLocation : Big Spring, TXJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 2024-00085Department: Animal ControlDivision: Police DepartmentOpening Date: 10/25/2024Performs all aspects of humane animal care duties to ensure animal safety and well-being, and provides quality customer service by providing the public with assistance and accurate information regarding Animal Control's policies, programs and procedures.Essential duties and functions may include the following:
- Receive, handle, and kennel animals of all species, including stray, abandoned, sick, injured and/or dangerous animals from Animal Control Officers.
- Assist in the euthanasia of animals with understanding and compassion for the animal.
- Feed, water, bathe, dip and exercise animals.
- Clean, disinfect and maintain animal handling areas on a daily basis.
- Maintain facility and grounds in a clean, neat and organized manner.
- Assists in unloading trucks, stocking shelter areas and storing materials.
- Check for current rabies vaccinations and assist pet registration program.
- Prepares reports concerning animal bites and quarantines animals for rabies observation.
- Monitor the physical condition of animals and advise supervisors of ill or injured animals.
- Maintain records of impounded animals; accurately enter data on a computer and answer the telephone.
- Testifies in court regarding ordinance violations.
- Assists in identifying potentially adoptable animals.
- Counsel adopters, review applications and approve/deny applications.
- Performs receiving, reclaim, animal care and adoption duties.
- Provides information, education and assistance to the public regarding local ordinances.
- Attend training and maintain certifications.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- High School diploma or GED.
- Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
- Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
- Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
- A polygraph exam will be conducted on all applicants under final consideration for this position.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in planning and organizing.
- Skill in dealing with the public.
- Knowledge of relevant state laws and city codes and ordinances.
- Knowledge of city roads and geography.
- Knowledge of the procedures involved in the capture and euthanization of animals.
- Knowledge of animal breeds and their characteristics.
- Adhere to disease management and safety protocols.
- Skill in animal care.
There are a wide variety of benefits available to City of Big Spring employees. These benefits include health, dental, life and disability insurance, optional life insurance plans, flexible spending account for health expenses, an Employee Assistance Program, and a Tuition Reimbursement Program.The City of Big Spring provides the following benefits to all regular, full-time employees:
Texas Municipal Retirement System Deferred Compensation (Retirement) Health Insurance Dental Insurance Life and Long Term Disability Insurance Cafeteria Plan Workman's Compensation Longevity Pay for years of service Paid Uniforms Stand By Pay Paid Vacation and Sick Leave Paid Holidays Recreation Privileges Wellness Program Tuition Reimbursement ProgramTexas Municipal Retirement SystemThe City of Big Spring is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Employee/employer supported retirement begins at the date of employment. An employee contributes seven percent of their monthly wages to TMRS. The City then matches the employee contribution two to 1 upon retirement. Employees are eligible to retire after 20 years of service. Retirement becomes vested after five years of participation in TMRS.
- Applicants with prior or current military could receive up to 60 months towards their retirement for TMRS.
Deferred Compensation (Retirement)The 457b Deferred Compensation plan is provided to City employees in lieu of Social Security. Employees pay 6.7% of their adjusted gross salary. This amount is matched by the City as follows: 5.51% Contributed to the deferred compensation retirement 2.19% Pays for the life and disability insurance package 7.70% Total matched fundsHealth InsuranceThe City of Big Spring pays the cost of employees insurance and supplements the cost of dependent insurance. Dependent health insurance coverage is available at the following rates: Family Coverage $755.06/Monthly $377.53/Bi-Weekly Spouse Coverage $557.72/Monthly $278.86/Bi-Weekly Child Coverage $277.05/Monthly $138.53/Bi-WeeklyPayment for dependent health insurance coverage is deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Pharmacy cards are included in the health insurance package. If dependent insurance coverage is purchased, dependents will also receive the pharmacy card. Dental InsuranceDental insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates: Employee Only $22.08/Monthly $11.04/Bi-Weekly Employee and Spouse $44.78/Monthly $22.39/Bi-Weekly Employee and Children $49.64/Monthly $24.82/Bi-Weekly Employee and Family $72.40/Monthly $36.20/Bi-WeeklyPayments for dental insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Employees enrolled in the dental plan will also be eligible for the discount Vision Access program and receive discounts on vision care services or supplies.Vision InsuranceVision insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates: Employee Only $7.22/Monthly $3.61/Bi-Weekly Employee and Spouse $14.43/Monthly $7.21/Bi-Weekly Employee and Children $13.71/Monthly $6.85/Bi-Weekly Employee and Family $18.40/Monthly $9.20/Bi-WeeklyPayments for vision insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Life and Long Term Disability InsuranceThe City of Big Spring's life insurance policy provides for a death benefit equal to four times the employee's annual salary. In addition to the standard life insurance, employees may purchase optional life insurance. The long term disability package ensures that in the event of a permanent disability , a maximum of 20% of the employee's monthly salary is paid up to a maximum or $3,000.00 per month.Cafeteria Plan (AFLAC)The City provides a program to allow employees to tax shelter day care and certain medical expenses. This insurance provides a tax savings increasing the employee's take home pay.Workman's CompensationThe City of Big Spring meets the standard state requirements for Workman's Compensation. If an employee is injured on the job, he/she report the incident to the department supervisor immediately.Longevity Pay for Years of ServiceCity employees are given longevity pay based on their length of service with the City of Big Spring. After one year of service, City employees receive longevity payments on their bi-weekly paycheck. After two years of service, employees are given the option to continue to receive a bi-weekly payment or they can elect to bank their longevity payments. Employees who bank their longevity payments will receive a lump sum payment once a year, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Years of service Annual Bi-Weekly 1 to 9 $72.00 $2.7710 to 14 $96.00 $3.7015 to 19 $120.00 $4.6220+ years $144.00 $5.54UniformsThe City provides uniforms for employees who are required to wear certain attire to work. Three to five uniforms are furnished to employees, along with other suitable foul weather and safety gear. Police and Fire Department personnel may have different benefits.Stand By PayCity employees in certain positions are eligible for stand-by pay. Stand-by pay is $75 for each week the employee is required to serve on stand-by time. Stand-by time means a period of time outside an employee's regularly scheduled work hours, during which the employee is required to remain available within a specified response time. Each employee on stand-by who is called in to work shall be compensated for the actual hours worked at the appropriate rate of pay.Paid Vacation and Sick LeavePaid vacation days are time off work that the City of Big Spring voluntarily provides its employees as a benefit. The number of paid vacation days is accrued by full-time, permanent employees based on years of service. Vacation time is accrued based on the following schedule:Years of Service1 to 2 5 days per year3 to 4 10 days per year5 to 9 15 days per year10 to 14 17 days per year15 to 19 18 days per year20 to 24 19 days per year20 + 20 days per yearThe City of Big Spring also offers full-time permanent employees paid sick days as part of its comprehensive benefits package. Sick leave is accrued based on the following schedule:Years of Service1 to 2 5 days per year3 to 4 10 days per year5 to 9 12 days per year10 + 15 days per yearPaid Holidays The City of Big Spring recognizes the following public holidays for City employees. Please note that most City employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. As such, when a holiday falls on a non workdaySaturday or Sundaythe holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).New Year's DayMartin Luther King Jr. DayPresidents DayGood FridayMemorial DayIndependence DayLabor DayVeterans DayThanksgiving Day and the day followingChristmas (two days given)Recreation PrivilegesCity employees and their dependents receive free admission to Moss Lake. City employees must present their City identification card.Wellness ProgramIn an effort to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, the City of Big Spring has implemented a Wellness Program for its employees. By joining the Wellness Program, employees receive access to the following benefits:
- Tobacco Cessation Program
- Employee Assistance - counseling for chemical and/or alcohol abuse and mental health screenings
- Reduced cost gym memberships to the YMCA of Big Spring
Tuition Reimbursement ProgramThe City of Big Spring offers its full-time permanent employees a college Tuition Reimbursement Program. This program is designed to support employees with their personal and professional development by increasing their knowledge and skill level. The City reimburses employees for college tuition and books based on grades.