ACO - Animal Control Officer

City of Atlantic Beach; Florida; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Atlantic Beach is seeking an Animal Control Officer to enforce local animal control laws, respond to calls, and prepare reports for legal action. The role requires a valid Florida driver’s license and at least one year of experience working with animals.

Responsibilities include patrolling for strays, issuing citations, impounding animals, and assisting with education and community outreach. Outdoor work in varied weather is expected, with opportunities for training and advancement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and at least one year of experience dealing with animals.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and a satisfactory MVR.
• Must obtain certification from Animal Control Association within one year from date of hire.
• Knowledge of pertinent animal control laws, regulations and ordinances.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City.
• Ability to solve problems within the scope of responsibilities.
• Ability to recognize rabies symptoms and handle animals compassionately.

Responsibilities

• Respond to calls and investigate complaints concerning stray, vicious, sick or injured animals.
• Patrol City areas, including the beach, for strays and other animals in violation of animal control laws.
• Issue citations and prepare reports for legal action; maintain records.
• Take into custody and impound stray and mistreated animals and animals held for evidence.
• File dog bite reports and contact owners.
• Prepare animal traps for strays and nuisance wildlife; relocate wildlife.
• Return animals to owners; ensure holding facility cleanliness and care of impounded animals.
• Engage in training of other animal control officers; attend meetings and ongoing education.

Skills

Animal control knowledge

Problem solving

Compassion for animals

Public interaction

Geography knowledge

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

IMPORTANT NOTICE – TEMPORARY HIRING FREEZE

The City of Atlantic Beach is currently under a temporary hiring freeze through November 15, 2026. The City may continue to accept applications, screen candidates, and conduct interviews during this period; however, any hiring decision or offer of employment is contingent upon the City Commission lifting or otherwise authorizing an exception to the hiring freeze. Posting this vacancy does not guarantee that the position will be filled.

This position performs responsible work apprehending and retaining stray and unlicensed dogs, cats, racoons, armadillos, snakes, and other animals. Protects the public by enforcing applicable animal control laws and ordinances. Issues citations and prepares reports on violations. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Police Lieutenant with performance reviewed while in progress and upon completion through discussions, reports, and results obtained.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to calls and investigate complaints concerning stray, vicious, sick or injured animals.
• Conduct routine patrol of City, including the beach, for strays and other animals in violation of applicable animal control laws and ordinances.
• Issue citations to owners in violation of animal control regulations; prepare reports needed for legal action; keep all records.
• Take into custody and impound stray and mistreated animals and animals held for evidence.
• File dog bite reports and contact owners.
• Prepare animal traps for strays and nuisance wildlife.
• Relocate wildlife.
• Return animals to owners.
• Keep animal holding facility clean, feed impounded animals and prepare forms for each time an animal is impounded.
• Responsible for adoption of abandoned animals.
• Responsible for recording and updating lost and found records.
• Clean truck and report necessary maintenance work.
• Respond to emergency calls after hours.
• Responsible for obtaining and disseminating educational information to animal owners and giving slide presentations to interested groups.
• Testify in court and before the Code Enforcement Board on animal control issues and cases.
• May be responsible for training other animal control officers.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Attend continuing education to sharpen job related skills. Maintain on-going knowledge of policies, procedures, laws and ordinances.
• Perform crossing guard duties when required.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

High School Diploma or equivalent and at least one (1) year of experience dealing with animals; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

Valid Florida Driver’s License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). Must have or be able to obtain certification from Animal Control Association within one year from date of hire.

Knowledge of pertinent animal control laws, regulations and ordinances. Knowledge of the geography of the City. Knowledge of work hazards. Knowledge of the control and handling of dogs and other animals. Ability to solve problems within the scope of responsibilities. Ability to recognize rabies symptoms and some knowledge of the methods and procedures to be followed. Ability to care for and have compassion for animals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials and employees and to deal with the public in a courteous and pleasant manner.

The worker can reasonably expect to be subject to outside environmental conditions: often with no effective protection from the weather. The worker may be subject to cold temperatures below 32 degrees for periods of more than one hour in the winter; and extreme heat: temperatures above 95 degrees for periods of more than one hour in the summer. The worker may be subject to hazards: includes a variety of physical conditions, working in tight corridors, confined spaces, and high places or exposed to unpredictable animals.

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.