Animal Control Officer

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a dedicated and professional Animal Control Officer to respond to calls for service involving public safety, animal welfare, animal ordinances, and quality-of-life concerns throughout the Des Moines community. This role supports the health and safety of both people and animals while helping promote responsible pet ownership. This is a great opportunity for someone with animal handling, public safety, law enforcement, security, customer service, animal welfare, veterinary, or community service experience who enjoys working independently, solving problems, and making a direct impact in the field.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record required.
• Ability to operate larger vehicles required.
• Ability to pass a police background check required.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and legally sound in stressful or emotional situations.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply city and state animal codes, procedures, and materials.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports, citations, activity logs, emails, and related documentation.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with peers, supervisors, law enforcement partners, and the public.
• Basic math skills and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Animal handling, public safety, law enforcement, security, customer service, animal welfare, veterinary, or related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls involving public safety, animal welfare, injured or sick animals, ordinance violations, and domestic animal concerns.
• Investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, bites, and ordinance violations.
• Patrol Des Moines streets and initiate contact with citizens and animals to support compliance with animal ordinances.
• Educate community members on responsible pet ownership, city procedures, and applicable animal ordinances.
• Issue warnings and citations for violations in collaboration with the City of Des Moines Police Department.
• Safely operate Animal Services vehicles and equipment while responding to calls for service.
• Maintain accurate reports, activity logs, citations, emails, and required documentation.
• Work professionally with ARL staff, Animal Services Officers, police officers, command staff, and members of the public.
• Resolve conflict with professionalism while balancing enforcement, education, and compassion.
• Perform humane euthanasia when required and in accordance with established protocols.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Supplemental insurances, including short-term disability, supplemental life insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
• Veterinary benefits
• Work-life balance through our expansive holiday and paid time off policies

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED