Animal Control Officer

County Of San Diego • San Diego, CA

395d • $53,269 - $68,848

About The Position

As an Animal Control Officer for the County of San Diego, you will be responsible for enforcing state and local laws to protect the public from dangerous animals and to safeguard animals from abuse and neglect. This role involves investigating cases of animal cruelty, handling aggressive animals, writing detailed reports, and providing testimony in court. You will also engage with the public to educate them about animal welfare and may be involved in disaster response efforts related to animal care.

Requirements

• Twelve months of relevant experience handling and caring for domestic animals in a kennel facility, veterinary clinic, or animal hospital.
• Twelve months of experience as a humane officer or animal control officer at a humane society or animal control agency.
• Twelve months as an Animal Care Attendant with the County of San Diego, having passed the probationary period.
• Possession of Registration as a Veterinary Technician with the State of California.
• Completion of at least thirty semester college units from an accredited college or university, with twelve units related to animal control, criminal justice, or law enforcement.

Nice To Haves

• Compassion towards animals.
• Ability to work independently and make sound judgments.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing demands and irregular working hours.

Responsibilities

• Enforce state and local laws regarding animal control.
• Investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect.
• Handle aggressive and/or dangerous animals.
• Write detailed investigatory reports.
• Provide expert testimony in court cases and administrative hearings.
• Educate the public on animal welfare and related laws.
• Issue citations and warnings for violations of animal-related ordinances.
• Transport sick and/or injured animals found in the field.
• Perform euthanasia on animals that are too sick or injured to transport.
• Participate in disaster response efforts for animal evacuation and sheltering.

Benefits

• $850 annual uniform allowance.
• Overtime pay for working County-observed holidays.
• 4/10 work schedules after completion of the Animal Control Officer Academy.
• 37 paid days off annually.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 10,001+ employees