Animal Protection Officer
About The Position
Animal Protection Officers (APO) impact the lives of more than 40,000 animals each year by patrolling designated areas to enforce state laws and local ordinances and ensure humane treatment of animals. APOs hold primary responsibility for animal control type job duties, including rabies control, dangerous dog investigation, nuisance complaints, off leash enforcement, initiating cruelty in progress investigations, and general welfare concern response. This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections.
Requirements
- Requires a High School Degree or equivalent.
- One (1) year of paid, full-time experience working in an animal control agency or humane society, veterinary or kennel/boarding facility, ranch or zoo handling, controlling and caring for animals required; OR Six (6) months of experience as an Animal Control Officer.
- Must have a valid CA driver’s license and be approved by SDHS insurance carrier to drive a company or personal vehicle for work purposes.
- Candidates must pass a full background check post offer.
- Additionally, you must be able to pass a medical exam and drug screening.
Nice To Haves
- Working experience in customer services strongly preferred.
- Bilingual skills a plus, Bilingual-Spanish preferred.
- Genuine interest in animals and their well-being with strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Responsibilities
- Holds primary responsibility for animal control type job duties, including rabies control, dangerous dog investigation, nuisance complaints, off leash enforcement, initiating cruelty in progress investigations, kennel inspections, and general welfare concern response
- Comprehend and enforce CA state laws and local animal control municipal codes
- Humanely handle, capture, restrain, confine and transport domestic animals and livestock using proper humane equipment, methods and techniques
- Educates the public regarding proper animal care
- Issue citations; may prepare and execute search warrants and arrest warrants, and assist in preparing cases for filing criminal charges
- Conduct accurate and thorough investigations including submitting written reports
- Emergency Response Team – All officers receive training and equipment for responding to animal related emergencies related to a variety of incidents including wildfires
Benefits
- Competitive pay and paid time-off (including your Birthday Day Off!)
- Comprehensive benefits package, training and well-being programs
- 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year
- Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines and spay/neuter services
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
