Animal Control Officer I/II

Job Description:

Animal Control Officer I/II

Description

Position Information

Under immediate (Animal Control Officer I) or general (Animal Control Officer II) supervision, performs a variety of duties involved in the enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; responds to calls and complaints from citizens for animal services and takes appropriate action; establishes and maintains positive community relations; and performs related duties as assigned.

Job Description

Animal Control Officer I: This is the entry-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine animal control duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Animal Control Officer II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Animal Control Officer II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Animal Control Officer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Animal Control Officer I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Animal Control Officer class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Animal Control Officer II level are normally filled by advancement from the Animal Control Officer I level; progression to the Animal Control Officer II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Animal Control Officer II level.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Positions at the Animal Control Officer I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Patrols areas within the City and enforces animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; investigates reports of animal abuse; issues citations; takes other appropriate actions.
• Captures and impounds unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; transports animals to shelter; arranges for proper storage and humane care.
• Picks up dead or injured animals; provides aid to injured animals; transports animals to veterinarian for treatment or euthanasia.
• Responds to calls from citizens for animal services; investigates complaints involving animals; investigates reports of dogs, cats, or other animals creating nuisances.
• Determines whether calls meet the criteria for emergency response and call out and how quarantines should be handled; evaluates and authorizes immediate care of euthanasia for sick and injured animals, emergency seizure of animals, and owner relinquishments in the field; determines whether a criminal complaint and/or dangerous/vicious animal investigation should be initiated.
• Establishes and maintains positive community relations through public assistance regarding humane animal services and enforcement of animal regulations, and answers specific and general questions.
• Identifies and investigates animal-related crimes; interviews witnesses, collects evidence, drafts reports, and testifies in court.
• Investigates reports of animal bites; completes state mandated quarantines, as necessary.
• Provides counter assistance at the Chico Animal Shelter; answers phones; assists staff with adoption or surrender paperwork.
• Answers questions regarding the enforcement of animal services, regulations, adoption, and licensing policies and procedures.
• Prepares reports and cases; maintains records, logs, and files of activities.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Positions at the Animal Control Officer I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of handling, collection, impoundment, and registration of a variety of wild and domestic animals in various conditions.
• Identification of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
• Principles of animal behavior and care.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of code violation investigation and compliance.
• Operational characteristics of equipment and materials used to capture and subdue animals.
• Practices for documenting inspections, correcting violations, and carrying through on enforcement actions.
• Methods and techniques of investigating a diverse range of animal control problems and issues.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Occupational hazards and standards in the area of animal services.
• Principles of record keeping and reporting.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Effectively respond to calls for services.
• Recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior and act accordingly.
• Handle potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner.
• Identify dogs, cats, and other domestic animals and their characteristics.
• Medicate or euthanize animals, after completion of the appropriate training.
• Interpret and follow applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to animal services.
• Prepare, maintain, and update accurate and detailed documentation of inspection findings and other written materials, records, logs, and reports.
• Operate and maintain a variety of animal control equipment.
• Maintain accurate records and files of work performed.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Independently organize own work, set priorities, meet critical time deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education :

• Animal Control Officer I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12 th ) grade.

Experience:

• Animal Control Officer I: Knowledge of basic practices and techniques for impounding and caring for a variety of animals.
• Animal Control Officer II: Two (2) years of experience in the enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations, and the humane care and handling of animals.

Licenses and Certifications:

Animal Control Officer I:

• Successfully complete the Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy (Basic) prior to the conclusion of probation.

Animal Control Officer I/II:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Animal Control Officer II:

• Possession of a California PC832 Certificate, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a Euthanasia by Injection Certification, to be maintained throughout employment.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle to patrol service areas; and to walk on uneven terrain; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a field classification with frequent standing and walking between work areas required. Wrist flexion and lateral rotation are necessary in combination with grasping to handle a snare and leash. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment and above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Environmental CONDITIONS

Employees primarily work outside and may be exposed to inclement weather conditions and potentially hazardous physical substances. The principal duties of the class involve exposure to dangerous, diseased, or injured animals. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: City of Chico - Employee Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 2/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$44,075.20 - $65,624.00 Annually