Animal Control Officer

SeaacaDowney, CA
Onsite

About The Position

A Limited Law Enforcement Officer, under the direct supervision of Corporal and Sr. Animal Control Officers. Performs tasks related to enforcing city and state ordinances regarding the care and treatment of all types of animals, wild and domestic, dead or alive. Educates the community about stray or vicious animals and related diseases; captures, impounds, relocates, and when necessary, disposes of animals; and maintains records. Investigates animal bite cases and animal complaints; issue citations. Prepares reports as applicable. Testify in court as directed.

Requirements

  • High School Graduation, G.E.D., or a combination of education and related experience with a total of twelve years.
  • Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
  • Demonstrates a competent work history and attendance record in good standing.
  • Unacceptable moving violations include suspended or revoked license; three or more moving violations in the past 36 months; driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) within the past 36 months; at fault in a fatal accident within the past five years; leaving the scene of an accident within the past 36 months; reckless driving within the past 12 months.
  • Ability to pass a specified written test with a minimum score of 70%.
  • Ability to complete and pass P.O.S.T. PC 832 Arrest Training Course.
  • Ability to complete and pass California State Euthanasia Certification class.
  • Ability to deal tactfully with and establish and maintain effective, cooperative relations with City Officials, the public, and fellow employees.
  • Ability to handle monetary transactions accurately.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to think clearly and act quickly in emergencies.
  • Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.
  • Ability to work various hours including after-hour callouts, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, spelling, and a good command of the English language.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn standard public safety radio code systems.
  • Knowledge of public service activity and methods of local government; knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures.
  • Knowledge of computer technology and equipment.
  • Knowledge of geography for SEAACA jurisdiction and surrounding areas.
  • Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately.
  • Skill in operating a variety of communications equipment effectively.
  • Skill in multi-tasking, and coordinating simultaneous mental, manual, and visual activities.
  • Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries.
  • Arduous physical activity daily.
  • Sound physical condition, strength, and agility are essential in this position.
  • Physical agility is sufficient to pursue, apprehend and control animals that are evading capture.
  • Ability to hear and determine the direction of the sound, distinguish colors, and maintain balance.
  • Extensive direct handling, carrying, and restraining of animals, both large and small.
  • Extensive stooping, crawling, bending, twisting, and carrying.
  • Employees must be able to maintain the physical condition necessary to perform job functions.
  • Communicate effectively and diplomatically when dealing with citizens, staff, and city contacts in person and by telephone.
  • Compose, prepare, and read typewritten or handwritten documents.
  • Manual dexterity is sufficient for handwritten records and communications and computer entry.
  • Work out of doors in all types of weather.
  • Works outside in all types of weather and unsanitary environments.
  • Incumbents must be able to work around animal fur and dander; deal with emotionally distressed and confrontational people and aggressive animals.
  • Incumbents are exposed to and/or in contact with chemicals used to perform euthanasia.
  • Ability to lift 75 pounds as demonstrated by a challenge test.
  • Incumbent must be able to regularly lift, carry, restrain, and capture animals between 60-70 lbs.; occasionally up to 100 pounds.
  • Incumbents may be required to walk, run, stand, or climb on slippery, even or uneven, and paved or unpaved surfaces as well as bend, stoop squat, and crawl in small, low, and/or confined areas.
  • Learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; communicate effectively orally and in writing; maintain self-control and a positive attitude when confronted with irate persons and be able to reasonably handle aggravated situations created by uncooperative individuals or groups; follow verbal and written instruction; possess report writing skills and can independently execute written and verbal directives.
  • Satisfactory completion of a physical examination; drug screening, Live Scan background check, and verification of identity and right to work in the United States.
  • Passing a background check before a formal offer can be extended.
  • Perform shift work as assigned, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and standby duty.

Nice To Haves

  • Minimum age requirement: 18 years of age.

Responsibilities

  • Impounds of dogs at large and in violation of City ordinances.
  • Impounds domestic and wild animals in response to citizen and government agency requests for service.
  • Investigates citizen complaints and requests from government agencies regarding violations of city and state ordinances regarding the proper care and control of animals.
  • Issues verbal warnings, written warnings, or citations for ordinance violations, when appropriate.
  • Responds to emergency complaints such as animal bites, animal cruelty, control of poisonous or dangerous animals, and other incidents.
  • Prepares reports of incidents including animal bites, animal cruelty, vicious dogs, and other incidents, often to be used in court prosecution.
  • Assists law enforcement or other agencies upon request with animal problems.
  • Maintains an accurate daily log of activities performed.
  • Prepares to impound records for each animal impounded.
  • Performs animal license record verifications to contact and locate owners of animals with identification.
  • Educates the public on responsible pet ownership and the ordinances regarding animals.
  • Transports injured or sick animals for needed veterinary treatment as appropriate.
  • Maintains a sanitized and appropriately stocked vehicle for the performance of duties.
  • Maintains certification for and performs euthanasia as necessary.
  • Processes monetary transactions for provided services.
  • Delivers correspondence and citations to city halls and courts.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

  • 14% agency contribution to retirement.
  • Generous benefits package
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service