Animal Control Officer Trainee

Oakland County•Pontiac, MI

About The Position

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire General Summary $46,603- $46,603 Interested in starting a meaningful career protecting animals and serving your community? As an Animal Control Officer Trainee with the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, you’ll gain hands-on experience and formal training that prepares you for a career in animal control. This role is designed to build your knowledge of Michigan animal laws, shelter operations, animal care, and law enforcement procedures setting you up for long-term success as a certified Animal Control Officer.

Requirements

Must be at least twenty – one (21) years old and be a United States Citizen. (In compliance with Michigan Compiled Laws 28.426).
Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Education Development (G.E.D.) Test.
Have no felony convictions. Misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine qualifying status. (Criminal Law generally includes all offenses except traffic laws, conservation law and liquor law. In general, conviction for a violation of criminal law is automatically disqualifying).
Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license. Out of Country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date.
Pass the complete examination, including the employment physical required for this classification.
Successfully complete the six month probationary period.
Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur’s license.
Ability to remain in a seated position for extended periods of time due to being a passenger in a vehicle.
Ability to assist staff walk, lift, restrain and position animals into vehicles, pens, or other examination rooms.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the geographical area of Oakland County.
Reasonable agile, dexterous physical condition.
Reasonable ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Reasonable ability in preparing and presenting oral and written routine reports of daily activities to supervisors.
Reasonable ability to make decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Reasonable ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees, and the public.
Reasonable knowledge of State animal laws and regulations.
Some previous experience in the care and handling of livestock, dogs, or other animals.
Some knowledge of procedural aspects of criminal courts.
Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

Responsibilities

Study Michigan animal-related laws, regulations, ordinances, and relevant court cases
Job shadow shelter staff to learn daily shelter operations and animal intake processes
Work alongside shelter veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians to learn about: o Shelter animal health and behavior o Humane euthanasia and sedation o Basic shelter medicine and animal care practices
Job shadow Animal Control Officers responding to citizen calls, including: o Handling stray and owner-surrendered animals o Conducting shelter and vehicle biosecurity o Following up on dog and kennel licensing o Issuing citations and enforcing ordinances
Observe and learn law enforcement procedures by spending time with: o Local law enforcement agencies o Local prosecutors o Court processes, warrants, evidence handling, and case preparation
Shadows staff to learn the basic duties and responsibilities and the laws and regulations pertaining to an Oakland County Animal Control Officer.
Accompanies Oakland County Animal Control Officers as they respond to citizen calls, perform shelter and vehicle biosecurity, follow up on dog and kennel licenses, issue citations and take in owner surrendered animals and strays running at large.
Interacts with shelter veterinarians and licensed veterinarian technicians, to learn about shelter animal concerns and care, shelter, medicine, humane euthanasia, sedation, and other issues related to animal care.
Updates and maintains daily work logs and records.
Applies for and obtains a Certificate from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) indicating a successful completion of the mandated 100 hours of training approved by that organization.
Completes the paperwork required by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office to initiate the prescribed background check for an Animal Control Officer.
Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.