Animal Protection Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Performs a variety of clerical and operational support duties to assist with the daily functions of the Animal Protection Division. Responsibilities include greeting and assisting shelter visitors, maintaining basic records, dispatching officers, and processing animal intakes, owner surrenders, and reclaims. This role also involves handling animals of various species, implanting microchips, cleaning office and kennel areas, and supporting overall shelter operations as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.
Customer Service and Shelter Diversion

• Supports positive public engagement and promotes responsible pet ownership through direct communication and service coordination.
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
• Dispatches Animal Protection Officers and coordinates with staff to address service needs.
• Facilitates animal intake and return processes, including vaccinations and microchipping.
• Assists with lost/found animal matching and reunification efforts.
• Provides trap rentals and educates the public on pet care and retention resources.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Supports volunteer engagement by assisting with training, recognition, and performance feedback.

Animal Intake and Reclaim Processing

• Ensures safe, humane handling and accurate documentation of animals entering or exiting the shelter.
• Assists with the intake, reclaim, and movement of animals within the facility.
• Scans animals for microchips, documents findings, and contacts owners when applicable.
• Administers and records intake vaccinations; alerts staff to medical concerns.
• Captures and uploads animal photos for identification and recordkeeping.

Clerical and Administrative Support

• Maintains accurate records and supports financial transactions related to shelter operations.
• Prepares and updates animal records and databases, including microchip registrations.
• Enters detailed animal information and documents owner communications.
• Processes payments and reconciles cash, check, and credit transactions.
• Compiles data and generates reports to support operational tracking and compliance.

General Shelter Support

• Contributes to overall shelter operations and service delivery.
• Assists with cleaning, maintenance, and special projects as needed.
• Serves as backup for adoption services and other shelter functions.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission of Animal Services.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of general office experience.
• Experience and comfortability with animals.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) year of experience in handling animals in an animal shelter, boarding, or veterinary setting.
• Previous experience dispatching

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, and the mission of Animal Services, with the ability to apply them in daily operations.
• Knowledge of basic math and cashiering practices for processing payments, issuing refunds, and generating reports.
• Skilled in customer service, with the ability to create a welcoming and compassionate environment for the public, both in and outside the shelter.
• Skilled in communication and collaboration with the public, coworkers, volunteers, outside agencies, and veterinary providers.

• Skilled in computer applications, internet usage, and all office equipment.

• Ability to use sound judgment when handling animals safely and to seek assistance when needed.
• Ability to process incoming, stray, and reclaimed animals accurately and compassionately.
• Ability to work independently, manage shifting priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships and represent the City of San Marcos professionally.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to lift up to 45 pounds occasionally. Subject to vision, hearing and talking constantly; standing, sitting and walking frequently; lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, bending, balancing and foot control occasionally; crawling and twisting rarely.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions involve a standard office environment in and around animal shelter facilities; exposure to animals, noises, chemicals wet surfaces, aggressive animals, disgruntled public. Possible rabies exposure (may be required to obtain a pre-exposure rabies vaccine at City’s expense).

This position requires direct handling of animals daily for receiving and reclaim procedures, adoption interactions, collection of identification information, including aggressive animals; must have or be able to recognize and accommodate animals with various behaviors and temperament; to obtain photos, scan for microchips and identification and other tasks involved with daily procedures.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide

BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
  • Choice Plus PPO Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Wellness Initiatives
  • Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
  • Dental Plan
• Davis Vision Insurance
  • Base Vision Plan
  • Premium Vision Plan
  • Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas MunicipalRetirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

Closing Date/Time: 11/28/2025 11:59 PM Central

• 

• City of San Marcos, TX

• 512-393-8060

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