Animal Control Officer

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical / Dental / Vision / Life / FSA

Retirement plan & employer matching

Employee discounts and vaccines

Job summary

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is hiring an Animal Control Officer in San Mateo, CA. The role covers response to stray animals, humane animal rescues, and enforcement of local laws.

The candidate must meet CA licensing requirements, complete 832 PC training within a year, and maintain professional public interaction. The position is full-time, non-exempt, with a competitive benefits package and union representation.

Qualifications

• Background check required upon hire.
• Must be 18+ and have a valid CA driver’s license.
• Must complete 832 PC law enforcement course within 1 year.
• Must be able to perform euthanasia certification per CA rules.
• Excellent communication skills and professional conduct.

Responsibilities

• Respond to stray animals, reunite with owners or arrange care.
• Humane rescue of wildlife and field euthanasia as directed.
• Conduct animal welfare investigations and issue warnings or citations.
• Prepare reports and maintain daily activity logs.
• Assist law enforcement and participate in hearings as required.
• Educate the public on animal welfare and shelter policies.

Skills

Customer service

Conflict resolution

Familiar with county or neighborhoods

Public interaction

Microsoft Office

Data entry

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Animal Control Officer

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt-Union – Full Time

Salary: $25 - $30 per hour, depending on experience

Excellent Benefits Package Available

Who We Are

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is a local, private, non‑profit charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare. Its mission is to build healthy relationships between people and animals. PHS/SPCA is a truly open‑admission shelter, accepting many pet animals that might be refused at other shelters, and caring for injured and orphaned native wildlife from San Francisco through San Mateo and the northern half of Santa Clara County. Our work saves 5,000 lives each year.

Who You Are

• Firm believer in humane care and kind treatment of animals.
• Familiar with San Mateo County and its neighborhoods.
• Knowledgeable of animal welfare issues, state and local ordinances, quarantines, adoptions, and other animal related issues.
• Skilled in customer service and conflict resolution.
• Well‑rounded animal lover.

This position is represented by Union Local 856.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to stray domestic animals that may be sick, injured, aggressive, loose, confined, or in traffic. Ensure the animal is returned to its owner, transported to the shelter, or taken to receive medical attention as appropriate.
• Humanely capture sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Transport wildlife to the PHS/SPCA Wildlife Department or provide euthanasia in the field as directed by policy.
• Perform basic and more advanced technical rescues of animals in distress.
• Utilize tact, self‑restraint, judgement, and strategy in dealing with a wide variety of people; analyze situations and apply established procedures and good judgement to address challenges.
• Investigate complaints of local municipal code or state law violations and follow up as needed by documenting the complaint, issuing warnings, and/or making enforcements such as citations.
• Investigate complaints of Dangerous or Vicious Animals or Dangerous Animal Permit violations received by phone, e‑mail, in person, or by other means; collect statements and other evidence surrounding these incidents.
• Prepare and execute warrants pertaining to Dangerous or Vicious Animal violations as appropriate. Work with a City Attorney or District Attorney as necessary.
• Write clear and concise reports.
• Photograph and assist with veterinary exams and necropsies.
• Follow up with Animal Bite Reports by placing animals in and out of a rabies observation quarantine. Deliver specimens to the San Mateo County Public Health Laboratory for rabies testing when applicable.
• Remove deceased animals in a professional and compassionate manner.
• Educate and answer public inquiries regarding animal welfare issues and animal related concerns in a manner reflective of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s policies and standards.
• Assist law enforcement agencies and fire departments as necessary; this may include assisting in the execution of search warrants, impounding owned animals if the owner is unable to care for them due to hospitalization or arrest, or assisting in the assessment of or capture of animals that could pose a threat to public safety.
• Attend scheduled administrative hearings and court dates to provide testimony as required.
• Prepare and maintain detailed and accurate daily reports including but not limited to Chameleon memos and investigative or supplemental reports.
• Operate and receive calls via a two‑way radio using proper radio codes and etiquette.
• Abide by all traffic laws and use safe driving practices while maintaining a PHS/SPCA vehicle in a clean and fully stocked manner.
• Maintain a daily activity report.
• Participate in educational or community outreach events as required.
• Provide humane care for all animals in the Society's care.
• Work closely with other PHS/SPCA departments as needed.

Qualifications

• Upon hire, must pass a background check.
• High School graduate (or equivalent) and at least 18 years of age.
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record to be insured with PHS/SPCA insurance.
• Must successfully complete a course in 832 PC (law enforcement course) within one year of employment as an Animal Control Officer.
• Must become certified to perform euthanasia by injection according to California state regulations and trained in decapitation for required rabies testing.
• Must possess the ability to manage the emotional aspect of end‑of‑life services and humane euthanasia, and support staff in high‑emotion circumstances.
• Must have previous customer service experience.
• Prior animal working experience (volunteering or professional) is highly desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work well and communicate effectively with the public, fellow employees, and volunteers.
• Must have a flexible schedule and the ability to work irregular hours including nights, weekends, holidays and standby as needed.
• Must be highly motivated toward the welfare and humane treatment of all animals.
• Must perform the job in a professional manner and work effectively under pressure.
• Able to work effectively without close supervision.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs from ground to waist.
• Basic or advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, computer keyboarding skills and data entry.

Benefits

• Medical /Dental /Vision /Life /Flex Spending
• Sick, Vacation and Holiday pay
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Retirement plan & employer matching
• Free vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, and two pet adoptions for employees with pets
• Discounted euthanasia services/cremation, bloodwork, urinalysis, prescription food, and discounts at our retail stores.

For more information about our available job opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website at www.phs-spca.org/careers.

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO