Animal Control Officer

Lee County Government • Fort Myers, FL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Lee County is seeking a responsible, confident, and community-minded Animal Control Officer to join our Domestic Animal Services team. This is an active, field-based public-safety role for someone who enjoys problem-solving, investigation, and working with both people and animals. As an Animal Control Officer, you’ll respond to animal-related calls, enforce laws and ordinances, investigate complaints, and help protect the safety of residents and animals. This role requires sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to handle unpredictable situations. If you are comfortable working independently, making decisions under pressure, and safely handling animals in a variety of conditions, this position may be a great fit.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• One (1) year of professional experience in animal control, animal handling, law enforcement, military service, code enforcement, emergency response, or a closely related public-safety field
• Valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to work outdoors in Southwest Florida weather conditions
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating on-call emergency shifts
• Ability to safely handle animals that may be aggressive, frightened, injured, or dangerous

Nice To Haves

• Animal control work
• Public-safety or enforcement roles
• Investigative experience
• Professional animal handling

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls involving stray, injured, aggressive, or dangerous animals
• Investigate animal bites, scratches, and other animal-related incidents
• Enforce Florida Statutes and County and City ordinances
• Issue warnings, citations, and summonses when appropriate
• Patrol assigned areas to identify violations of animal control laws
• Safely capture, restrain, trap, and transport domestic and wild animals
• Communicate professionally with residents, including during stressful situations
• Prepare detailed reports, logs, citations, and investigative documentation
• Maintain accurate records and case information
• Testify in court or at administrative hearings as needed
• Work cooperatively with law enforcement, emergency responders, veterinarians, and shelter staff
• Educate the public about responsible animal ownership and safety

Benefits

• Health and wellness benefits
• Retirement benefits through the State of Florida
• Paid training and professional development
• Opportunities to gain specialized skills in investigation, enforcement, and animal handling

What This Job Offers

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