Animal Control Officer

Moreno Valley Animal Shelter; Moreno Valley (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Moreno Valley Animal Shelter is seeking an Animal Control Officer to enforce laws related to the care and control of animals within the City. The role requires interaction with the public, handling of domestic and wild animals, and occasional humane euthanasia under approved procedures.

The ideal candidate will have strong customer service skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team while prioritizing community safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and two years of experience with animals.
• Valid California driver's license.
• Ability to obtain California Penal Code Section 832 certification within six months.
• State Humane Academy certification and euthanasia certification.
• Employees are assigned to weekends and holidays and may be called for emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Investigates complaints about nuisance, stray, dangerous, or diseased animals and arranges quarantine.
• Captures, transports, and impounds animals; destroys dangerous animals under emergency conditions when required.
• Explains laws and regulations to the public; issues citations as needed.
• Performs humane euthanasia in the field and shelter following approved methods.
• Prepares investigative and daily activity reports; testifies in court when required.
• Assists other agencies during emergencies and supports enforcement activities.
• Processes impounded animals by scanning for microchips and updating the inventory system.

Skills

Animal handling

Public interaction

Customer service

Problem solving

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microchip scanner

Vehicle operation

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Animal Control Officers are responsible for performing routine to moderately difficult animal control duties. Under general supervision, you will take a full range of action in conformance with state and local laws relating to the safety, health, welfare, and control of both domestic and wild animals. In this role, you will have frequent interactions with the public to explain laws and regulations relating to the care and control of animals and may issue citations and/or notices in connection with violations. Work requires the application of approved methods, techniques, and devices in the pickup and capture of injured, sick, and vicious animals to avoid or minimize personal risk. Incumbents may also humanely destroy animals in accordance with established procedures using approved methods.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a dedicated, passionate individual who embodies exceptional customer service and teamwork. This candidate will thrive in challenging situations, demonstrating proficiency in effectively interacting with individuals who may be difficult, hostile, or distressed. They will possess a deep understanding of and sensitivity to cultural diversity, allowing them to relate well to people from varied backgrounds. This individual will be committed to working collaboratively with teammates and community members to achieve shared goals and objectives. A strong problem-solver, the candidate will approach each situation with empathy and professionalism, ensuring that all animals are treated with care and respect while upholding important community standards. If you have a genuine love for animals, the ability to connect with diverse populations, and a passion for public service, we invite you to join our team and make a positive impact on our community.

MINIMUM AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent; and two years of experience in the care and handling of animals; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license, and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy.
• A California Penal Code Section 832 certification, or the ability to obtain certification within six months from date of hire.

WHO WE ARE

The City of Moreno Valley prides itself on delivering quality service to our residents and businesses efficiently and effectively through Collaboration, Innovation, Customer Service, and Human-Centric Design. Strategically located in Southern California’s Inland Empire, Moreno Valley is the second-largest city in Riverside County and is close to major hubs such as Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. This spacious, thriving, and diverse City has a population of over 200,000 residents and offers a variety of business opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigates complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild or diseased animals; investigates animal bites, arranging for proper identification and quarantine; approves and monitors home quarantine of biting animals in accordance with regulations.
• Investigates complaints regarding animal cruelty and neglect; inspects premises where animals are kept to ensure that animals' food, water, sanitation and housing are adequate.
• Explains to the public laws and regulations relating to the care and control of animals, filing of complaints and the operations and authorities of the animal shelter.
• Issues citations for violations of applicable regulations; testifies in court regarding citations and disposition of complaints.
• Patrols assigned areas in City vehicles; captures wild, stray and unlicensed animals for impounding; transports injured animals; under emergency conditions, destroys dangerous or grossly injured animals in the field or arranges for destruction.
• Performs humane euthanasia in the field and at the shelter under authorized circumstances, using approved methods.
• Prepares and submits investigative reports and daily activity reports; collects evidence on animal-related cases and appears in court when required.
• Assists other agencies and City departments in emergencies.
• OTHER DUTIES Processes impounded animals by scanning for microchips, providing vaccinations and entering data into the animal inventory system.
• Assists other enforcement agencies in emergency and enforcement activities involving animals.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals.
• Symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals.
• Behavior and handling of common domestic and wild animals.
• Proper animal-handling methods, techniques and equipment including methods for the capture of sick, injured or vicious animals.
• Approved euthanasia methods and procedures, including the use of controlled substances.
• State and local laws and regulations pertaining to the proper care and control of animals.
• Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work.
• Ability to:Handle, capture and control animals humanely and effectively under stressful or emergency conditions.
• Assess animal behavior and make effective decisions regarding handling, capturing or destroying the animal.
• Identify symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies, distemper, parvo, upper respiratory infections, parasites and other common domestic and wild animal diseases.
• Operate and maintain a wide variety of animal control tools and equipment.
• Safely operate assigned vehicles.
• Learn the street layout and topography of the City of Moreno Valley.
• Administer euthanasia in a humane and gentle manner.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Estimate necessary materials and equipment to complete assignments.
• Exercise independent judgment and initiative without close supervision.
• Prepare basic records and reports.
• Read and interpret laws, regulations, manuals and other materials.
• Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with animal owners, the public and others encountered in the course of the work.

EDUCATION, TRAINING EXPERIENCE:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent; and two years of experience in the care and handling of animals; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

Possession of a valid California driver's license, and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy.

A California Penal Code Section 832 certification, or the ability to obtain certification within six months from date of hire.

Ability to obtain a State Humane Academy certification and certification in euthanasia administration.

Employees are assigned to work on weekends and holidays and are subject to emergency call-outs.