Animal Control Officer

City of Portales; Portales (NM); On-site; USD 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Portales, New Mexico is seeking an Animal Control Officer in the Community Service Department. This full‑time, non‑exempt position enforces city codes, captures stray animals, maintains the animal pound, issues citations, and supports adoption and shelter duties.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, completion of NACA Animal Control Officer Certification, state euthanasia training, and a valid New Mexico driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Attendance and successful completion of Animal Control Officer Certification Training (NACA) required.
• Attendance and successful completion of State Certified Euthanasia Training Course required.
• Previous experience in the care and control of animals desired but not required.
• Must possess a current, valid New Mexico Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Patrol City streets in a one-man unit enforcing City Codes.
• Respond to reported code violations and contact owner or violator.
• Respond to dispatcher calls in a calm, professional manner.
• Perform humane euthanasia of animals.
• Dispose of animals which have to be destroyed.
• Process suspected rabid animals and send samples to laboratory for analysis.
• Issue citations for violations of ordinances and statutes.
• Feed and water all animals retained in the pound until disposition.
• Maintain animal control log and prepare necessary reports.
• Maintain and clean animal pound.
• Maintain pickup vehicle and clean cages.

Skills

Animal Care

Code Enforcement

Public Safety

Investigation

Driver's License

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

THE CITY OF PORTALES, NEW MEXICO

POSITION POSTING #2026-30

POSITION: ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY SERVICE

STATUS: NON-EXEMPT

REPORTS TO: ANIMAL CONTROL SUPERVISOR

SHIFT: FT REGULAR / 40 HOURS PER WEEK

SALARY: $13.48 HOURLY / $28,038.40 ANNUALLY

**This is a safety sensitive position, subject to random/drug and alcohol testing.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Animal Control Supervisor, this employee is responsible for maintaining Animal Control in accordance with City ordinances and departmental rules and regulations. Employees will be trained and scheduled to handle “Enforcement” duties such as, but not limited to; locating and capturing stray animals, preparation of reports, writing criminal citations, disposal of deceased animals, and testifying in court and ‘Shelter-based” duties such as, but not limited to; maintain the animal pound, feeding and caring for all impounded animals, euthanasia, customer service, and adoption services.

Work involves an element of personal danger due to the unknown condition of stray animals. This position requires a willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends and holidays as necessary. Applicants must be willing to attend and successfully complete certification courses in Animal Control and humane euthanasia of animals.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Patrol City streets in a one-man unit enforcing City Codes.
2. Responding to reported code violations, check out violations and make contact with the property owner or person in violation.
3. Respond to calls from dispatcher and react in a calm, professional manner.
4. Perform humane euthanasia of animals.
5. Dispose of animals which have to be destroyed.
6. Process suspected rabid animals, sending necessary parts to laboratory for analysis.
7. Issue citations for violations of ordinances and statutes.
8. Feed and water all animals retained in pound until appropriate dispositions is made.
9. Maintain animal control log and prepare necessary reports.
10. Maintain and clean animal pound.
11. Maintain pick-up vehicle and clean cages.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. Attendance and successful completion of Animal Control Officer Certification Training provided by the NACA (National Animal Control Association) or similar organization will be required.
3. Attendance and successful completion of a State Certified Euthanasia Training Course to acquire State License.
4. Previous experience in the care and control of animals desired but not required.
5. Ability to act promptly, taking effective action.
6. Current, valid New Mexico Driver’s License required.
7. Must be at least 18 years of age.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds frequently, from ground to waist level, or from ground to shoulder level.
2. Occasionally lift and carry up to seventy-five (75) pounds.
3. Ability to stand and walk during the shift.
4. Ability to crouch and/or kneel.
5. Ability to bend at the waist and twist or rotate if necessary.
6. Ability to push and pull objects in order to place animals into a cage.
7. Frequently flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially at the knees to pick up animals.
8. Frequently rotate upper trunk to the right and left while sitting or standing.
9. Place arms above, at, and below shoulder height.
10. Ability to grasp and manipulate such items as paperwork, telephone, writing utensils, automobile steering wheel, and other items used throughout the workday.
11. Ability to coordinate use of hands, eyes, and one or both feet in operation of automobile.

WORK SCHEDULE

The regular work week is 40 hours with one hour off for lunch, daily. Schedule may vary according to demands of job. Early or late hours may be necessary. Days may vary as required. Schedule will be established by supervisor. Subject to call – back, weekends and holidays are required.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Limited travel – ability to travel for meetings and training may be required.
2. Overnight travel may be required.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must pass a background investigation including work history, criminal records, driving records and other records deemed necessary.
2. Must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screen administered by a City-designated facility.

CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT:

1. Candidates must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and insurability in accordance with the City’s insurance carrier.

The City of Portales is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace.