Animal Control Specialist II

Animal Control Specialist II

Salary

$34,861.00 Annually

Location

1304 South 25th Street, Edinburg, TX

Job Type Regular Full Time

Job Number 2026-03673

Department Hidalgo County - Health Department

Opening Date 09/28/2026

Closing Date Continuous

Work Hours: Monday - Friday / 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

Status: External Advertisement

Open Positions: 1

Advertisement details and/or special instructions: Grade: 6

Description

Benefits

• General Description

• Employee performs complex-level animal control work. Work involves pickup and impounding stray and/or dangerous animals. Investigate reports of animal bites and dangerous or vicious animals. Safely and humanely capture and transport animals, including those who are sick, injured or potentially dangerous. Assist in training Animal Control Specialist I and providing education on animal safety and responsible pet ownership. Perform vector duties. Works under direct supervision with limited latitude for the use of imitative and independent judgment.

• Examples of Work Performed

• Respond to observed or reported emergency situations and investigate animal complaints and violations of county animal control rules and regulations.

• Captures, restrains, and provides appropriate care for stray, abandoned, injured, diseased or aggressive animals.

• Patrols and monitors designated areas for stray animals and violations of county animal control rules and regulations.

• Responds to and coordinates animal carcass pick-ups, ensuring proper handling, documentation, and transport.

• Provides public education on animal safety and responsible pet ownership, and county animal control rules and regulations

• Follows safety procedures and uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Prepares records, reports, files, and notes to support investigations and case preparation.

• Assists with disaster response involving animals as needed.

• Maintains working knowledge of Texas animal control laws, rabies control regulations, and county animal control rules and regulations.

• May investigate animal complaints and violations of county animal control rules and regulations.

• May coordinate with law enforcement, emergency responders, veterinary staff and partner agencies as needed.

• Assist in training Animal Control Specialist I and providing education on animal safety and responsible pet ownership. Employee

• Perform vector detection, prevention and control within Hidalgo County.

• Participate in mandatory on-call schedule to respond to emergency animal control cases.

• Maintains cleanliness and proper care of assigned vehicle and equipment.

• Performs related work as assigned.

• Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Two (2) years of experience in animal control, animal handling, public health, or related fields.

• Bilingual (English and Spanish) is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses and Registration:

• Basic Animal Control Officer Certification required.

• Must have Agricultural Pesticide Applicator License (non-commercial political) within twelve (12) months.

• Must have advanced animal control officer certification within twelve (12) months.

• Must have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license.

• Must be able to be insured by the County’s insurance carrier.

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to safely operate county vehicles, equipment, tools, and materials.

• Ability to safely handle animals, including those with unknown temperament.

• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, partner agencies, and the community.

• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, procedures, and departmental policies.

• Ability to handle stressful situations with sound judgment and professionalism.

• Ability to safely lift, restrain, and transport animals weighing 75 pounds or more.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and support departmental goals.

• Ability to learn and apply laws and regulations.

• The County of Hidalgo offers a full range of employee benefit programs for eligible employees, retirees, and their families. For more information, please Click Here

• Required Question

• Employer

• Hidalgo County

• Address

• 505 S. McColl Rd., Suite A

• Edinburg, Texas, 78539