Animal Control Supervisor

City of Davenport • Davenport, IA

1d

About The Position

Under general direction, assigns, supervises, and assists Code Enforcement Officers in animal control field activities. Enforces laws concerning animal care and treatment, handles animals during investigations of mistreatment and the control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals, and maintains public health standards. This posting is also an external posting for a role that is first offered to current employees through a separate promotional posting under state law; external applicants will not be considered for the promotional position.

The position investigates alleged animal abuse and ordinance violations, responds to reports of injured, stray, sick, or dangerous animals, and collaborates with law enforcement on animal cruelty and neglect incidents. It also performs other municipal enforcement and compliance duties related to parking, environmental codes, and temporary signs as assigned. Stand-by duty and response to emergency calls at night, on weekends, and holidays are required.

The City of Davenport offers a comprehensive benefits package. For 2026, the stated family-plan cost for medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage is $98.61 per month, with coverage beginning on the first day of employment. Other listed benefits are subject to change.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Two years of work experience handling and caring for domestic or wild animals, or two years of experience enforcing government laws and regulations, including one year in a supervisory or management position; an equivalent combination of training and experience may qualify.
• Possess National Animal Care and Control (NACA) ACO I certification and obtain NACA ACO II certification within six months of appointment, maintaining certification throughout employment. Equivalent certifications may be accepted with approval from the Department Director or designee.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Pass a physical examination and background check as prescribed by the City.
• Reside in Iowa or Illinois within two years of hire and maintain residency throughout employment.
• Knowledge of City ordinances and state laws regarding animal care and control, animal species and behaviors, animal control procedures, and the geography of the City.
• Skill in supervising, training, evaluating, and leading the work of others.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, external partners, and the public.
• Ability to handle animals in various forms of distress safely and humanely.
• Verbal and written communication skills, including maintaining written and electronic records and preparing warnings, citations, reports, and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public to obtain cooperation and compliance.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and explain state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to animal control.
• Ability to interpret and enforce codes and regulations with firmness, tact, and impartiality.
• Ability to recognize normal and abnormal animal conditions and behavior, restrain animals properly for treatment or transport, and recognize signs of rabies and other common animal illnesses.
• Knowledge of safety practices related to animal control.

Nice To Haves

• Employee is strongly encouraged to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and supervise employees engaged in animal control field activities.
• Investigate alleged animal abuse and violations of ordinances related to animal care or behavior, including nuisance and biting complaints, and reports involving injured, stray, sick, or dangerous animals.
• Interview individuals who have had contact with an animal, including its owners.
• Collaborate with law enforcement in responding to animal cruelty and neglect incidents.
• Take possession of animals showing signs of neglect, inhumane treatment, disease, or malnutrition.
• Patrol assigned areas in a City vehicle to locate stray, sick, injured, or deceased animals; impound animals in violation of ordinances; and pick up deceased animals or coordinate with Public Works.
• Transport animals to designated facilities while attempts are made to locate owners or when animals need to be impounded or investigated for diseases such as rabies.
• Inspect animal and residential enclosures and facilities for compliance with safety regulations.
• Issue warnings and/or citations for noncompliance with ordinances related to animal care or behavior.
• Testify at legal proceedings as a witness to animal control violations.
• Complete records and forms and prepare reports on daily activities, citations, and investigations.
• Create and present educational programs about City animal control ordinances and animal care and treatment.
• Perform other municipal enforcement and compliance duties related to parking, environmental codes (debris), and temporary signs as assigned.
• Perform stand-by duty and respond to emergency calls at night, on weekends, and holidays.
• Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription family-plan coverage stated to cost $98.61 per month for 2026 and to begin on the first day of employment.
• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan.
• 457 Deferred Compensation; the City will contribute 5% of the employee’s income if the employee contributes at least 1% (applicable to non-bargaining, management exempt employees).
• 13 paid holidays.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

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