Animal Control Officer

Broward County • Fort Lauderdale 33312, FL

1d

About The Position

The Animal Control Officer performs specialized animal care, control, welfare, and enforcement duties to protect community and animal health and safety. The role involves independent and collaborative fieldwork responding to animal-related incidents, investigating complaints, enforcing applicable laws and ordinances, educating and assisting the public, and participating in court proceedings. The position requires professionalism, integrity, accountability, and public service.

Officers respond to complaints, patrol assigned areas, capture and transport animals, investigate animal-related concerns, and perform basic animal medical procedures and first aid. They may administer medications, perform euthanasia when permitted and necessary, and use controlled drugs for humane euthanasia, sedation, or chemical capture. The role also includes preparing reports and evidence, issuing civil citations, providing testimony, coordinating with law enforcement and other professionals, and assisting with shelter operations and public events.

This is a safety-sensitive position. Selected candidates must complete pre-employment verifications, including a post-offer physical examination and drug test and clearance of the Department of Children and Families Affidavit of Good Moral Character. Officers must work nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as scheduled, and may work overtime as necessary. County employees may also be called upon to perform emergency service duties during disasters or other emergencies.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience in the professional care and handling of animals.
• A valid Florida Class E Driver's License at appointment and the ability to obtain and maintain authorization to drive on County business.
• Obtain the Animal Care Officer Certification within six months of hire.
• Obtain the Euthanasia Certification within six months of hire.
• Ability to perform euthanasia as required.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as scheduled.
• Ability to work overtime as necessary.
• Ability to walk, run, stand, stoop, stretch, and lift over 50 pounds regularly and recurrently.
• Ability to perform work requiring exceptional dexterity, adeptness, and speed with fingers, hands, or limbs within close tolerances or limits of accuracy.
• Ability to work around routine and frequent exposure to extreme noise, disease or pathogens, extreme heat or cold, and wet or humid conditions, as well as routine exposure to aggressive or dangerous animals.
• Selected candidates must complete required pre-employment verifications, including a post-offer physical examination and drug test and clearance of the Department of Children and Families Affidavit of Good Moral Character.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree or higher in animal sciences, veterinary sciences, law enforcement, or a closely related field.
• NACHO Certification Levels I–III (National Animal Control Association).
• Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Training Certificate.
• Two or more years of experience working as an animal care specialist or in a similar role.
• Knowledge of streets, roads, and locations within Broward County.
• NACA and/or FACA certification.
• Florida euthanasia certification.
• Chemical Immobilization Certification.

Responsibilities

• Respond to animal-related complaint calls, set traps, capture animals, and investigate abuse, neglect, nuisance, and other animal-related problems.
• Patrol an assigned zone, identify and capture stray animals, respond to calls and complaints, and enforce animal care ordinances.
• Safely and humanely apprehend and confine stray, injured, aggressive, dangerous, or nuisance animals.
• Transport animals to sheltering facilities, veterinary clinics, or appropriate veterinary hospitals.
• Perform routine field and intake animal evaluations and procedures, including basic medical triage, first aid, medication administration, and euthanasia when necessary and permitted.
• Maintain and use controlled drugs in accordance with law and policy for humane euthanasia, sedation, or chemical capture.
• Mediate animal-related issues between citizens and educate the public about animal laws, regulations, behavior, care, policies, procedures, and fees.
• Gather and document evidence and information, consult with supervisors about complex or unusual cases, and coordinate with local law enforcement agencies.
• Issue civil citations to responsible parties and provide testimony regarding investigations and findings.
• Prepare written investigative reports that may be introduced as court evidence.
• Answer citizen telephone calls and dispatch calls for service to field staff on a rotational basis as assigned.
• Assist with pet identification and reuniting pets with their owners, adoptions, and resolution of animal care ordinance issues.
• Respond to night emergency calls on a rotating basis and assist fellow specialists as needed.
• Follow safety procedures, use safety equipment, and monitor the work environment for safety.
• Operate a laptop or computer, common office equipment, and issued animal capture, restraint, and transport equipment.
• Participate in public events, communicate with employees and the public, perform clerical tasks, provide backup to other officers and dispatch, and attend meetings or special assignments.
• Assist with shelter cleaning and maintenance, euthanasia, and care of impounded animals when needed.
• Work nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as scheduled, and work overtime as necessary.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as directed.

Benefits

• High Deductible Health Plan with stated bi-weekly premiums and a County-funded Health Savings Account of up to $2,000 annually.
• Consumer Driven Health Plan with stated bi-weekly premiums.
• Florida Retirement System pension or investment plan.
• 457 Deferred Compensation Employee Match.
• Eleven paid holidays each year.
• Two weeks of vacation (paid time off) per year.
• Up to 40 hours of Job Basis Leave for eligible positions.
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,000 annually.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed