Adoption Coordinator

Salary : $42,573.44 Annually

Location : Big Spring, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2023-00025

Department: Animal Control

Division: Police Department

Opening Date: 06/15/2023

This position is responsible for coordinating all social media networking and public adoption events and activities related to the city animal shelter including, but not limited to, shelter operations, shelter adoptions, and volunteer program management to maintain smooth and efficient operation of the shelter through facilitation of open kennels by rescue/adoption.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and priorities for animal adoption/rescue services.
• Ensure prompt response to and resolution of resident inquiries in relation to adoption or rescues.
• Receives monies for payment of various fees including pet redemption, pet adoption, and pet tags/licenses.
• Maintains web site for the Animal Control department.
• Balances a cash drawer; prepares bank deposits as necessary.
• Types and files various correspondence and reports.
• Assist in the monitor of maintenance of records for Animal Control activities including, but not limited to, the number and type of animals picked up, and the preparation of statistical reports.
• Prepares and promotes information for Animal Control programs to the public, social media, and news media; speaks to civic groups and other organizations.
• Promotes communication between the City of Big Spring, rescue organizations, and the general public while maintaining confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Promotes communication and participation with animal shelter volunteers.
• Prepares or oversees volunteers’ schedules and participation with the Animal Control department.
• Counsel/educate citizens and provide information and assistance regarding responsible animal ownership/ordinance requirements (leash law, registration, animal behavior, etc.).
• Prepares written communication and special projects such as adoption events.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or two (2) years of supervisory experience in animal control and/or animal health, in the public or private sector, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 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 having had a similar position for a minimum of two years.
• Completion of a computer skills test PRIOR to submitting application. Applicants must submit results of skills testing with application for employment.
• Possession of a valid Class C Driver’s License issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Must obtain Animal Control Officer certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Essential knowledge and experience in the use of various social media platforms.
• Essential knowledge of state retention laws pertaining to governmental social media platforms.
• A polygraph exam will be conducted on all applicants under final consideration for this position.
• Credit checks will be conducted on all applicants under final consideration for this position.

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state statutes, city ordinances, and city, department and safety policies and procedures.
• Skill in data entry.
• Skill in maintaining records.
• Skill in file management and basic bookkeeping.
• Skill in operating various office equipment including a computer using police software, calculator, copier, facsimile machine, and a two-way radio.
• Excellent public relation and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of animal breeds and species.
• Knowledge of animal disease management and safety protocols.
• Knowledge of city roads and geography.
• Skill in animal care.
• Skill in safely handling animals, including those with unknown temperament.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures to include intake of fees and associated accounting procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Police Chief assigns work in terms of general instructions. The work is reviewed for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include relevant state laws, city ordinances and departmental policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of related clerical duties and related animal shelter duties which contribute to the complexity of the work. Inclement weather, animal dispositions, numerous interruptions and public emotions contribute to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of this position is to promote and facilitate the rescue and/or adoption of animals at the shelter, educate the public regarding responsible pet ownership, and maintain efficient shelter operations. Successful performance in this position contributes to the safety of the community.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, animal owners, and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are typically to exchange information and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is typically performed while standing, walking, running, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee must occasionally lift heavy objects and be able to drive a vehicle to and from various work sites. Ability to lift bags of materials such as dog food or animals. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to noise, infectious or contagious diseases, hazardous chemicals, odors, inclement weather, and dangerous animals.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:

None

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.

Texas Municipal Retirement System

• Employees contribute 7% of their gross salary; the City contributes 14% for a total contribution of 21% of the employee’s gross salary.
• Employees can retire with full retirement benefits after twenty (20) years of service or at age sixty (60) and above, with a minimum of five years of service. Individual retirement benefits vary based on annual salary and tenure.
• There is a Supplemental Death Benefit with TMRS that is equal to one year’s annual salary. TMRS is a tax-sheltered program.

457(b) Deferred Compensation (In lieu of Social Security)

• Employees pay 6.7 percent of their adjusted gross salary; the City matches 5.51% into the retirement plan and 2.19% for a life and disability insurance package for a total matched funds 7.70%. The Deferred Compensation is a tax-sheltered program.

Life Insurance & Disability Package

• The life insurance package pays the beneficiary four times the employee’s annual salary with a maximum payout of $200.000.00 with additional life insurance options available. The disability package ensures that in the event of a permanent disability, a maximum of 60% of the employee’s monthly salary is paid, up to a maximum of $3,000.00 per month.

Longevity (Pay for years of Service)

• After one year of service, longevity pay is paid bi-weekly. After the one (1) year anniversary, employees may choose to bank longevity payments to begin in January of the following year. Employees who bank longevity payments receive a lump sum payment in November of each year.

Uniforms

• For qualified employees, three to five uniforms are furnished by the City, along with other suitable foul weather and safety gear. Police and Fire Department personnel have different uniform benefits.

Flexible Spending Plan

• The Flexible Spending Plan allows employees to tax shelter eligible medical expenses. This program provides a tax savings, increasing the employee’s take home pay.

Health Insurance

• The City of Big Spring pays 100% of the cost of employee’s health insurance and supplements the cost of dependent insurance. Health insurance coverage is effective on the first day of the month following the date of hire. The in-network office co-pay is $30.00.
  
• Pharmacy benefits are included in the health insurance package. The pharmacy plan provides benefits for retail and mail order prescriptions. Navitus in-network pharmacies offer a thirty (30) day generic prescription for a $0 co-pay.

Dental & Vision Insurance

• Dental & Vision insurance is available to City employees at a semi-monthly cost.

Workman’s Compensation

• The City meets the standard state requirements for Workers’ Compensation.

Paid Holidays

City of Big Spring employees receive twelve (12) paid holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran’s Day
• Thanksgiving Day and the day following
• Two (2) days at Christmas.

Standby Pay

• Standby pay is paid to employees who are required to maintain contact with the City to provide essential emergency services after normal business hours. Employees are paid $75.00 per full week of standby duty.

Vacation

Full-time permanent employees earn vacation time based on the following schedule:

• 1-2 years – 5 days/year
• 3-4 years – 10 days/year
• 5-9 years – 15 days/year
• 10-14 years – 17 days/year
• 15-19 years – 18 days/year
• 20-24 years – 19 days/year
• 25+ years – 20 days/year

Sick Time
Full-time permanent employees shall earn sick time based on the following schedule:

• 1-2 years – 5 days/year
• 3-4 years – 10 days/year
• 5-9 years – 12 days/year
• 10+ years – 15 days/year

Vacation Buy Back

• Eligible employees can sell back to the City, for cash, up to 68 hours of their accumulated vacation leave.

Recreation Privileges

• City employees have no entry fee into Moss Lake and are eligible for discounted fees at the Comanche Trail Golf Course.

Tuition Reimbursement Program

• An employee may take college courses which are either related to their job duties or designated in their degree plan and the City will reimburse the employee for those courses according to the City’s reimbursment schedule.

Employee Wellness Program

• Discounted membership fees at the Big Spring YMCA.
• Co pay reimbursement for annual wellness physicals.
• Employee Assistance Program to provide counseling.
• Tobacco Cessation Program