Animal Control Officer

Town Of Scarborough; Scarborough (ME); On-site; USD 48,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Supplemental benefits

Job summary

The Town of Scarborough seeks a full-time Animal Control Officer to enforce animal-related ordinances and Maine laws. The role works with the Police Department, veterinarians, and the community to protect animals and public welfare.

Ideal candidates have strong communication and problem-solving skills, are 21+, hold a valid driver’s license, and must obtain ACO certification through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Applications due Sept 27, 2026.

Qualifications

• 21+ years of age and valid driver's license.
• Must obtain ACO certification through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with care, handling, and regulation of animals or wildlife.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, safe handling, and welfare practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and report-writing skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and stay calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to work with public, Police Dept, veterinarians and community organizations.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Enforce municipal ordinances and Maine laws relating to animal regulation, care and licensing.
• Collaborate with Police Department, animal owners, veterinary professionals and community groups.
• Maintain records and prepare reports related to animal control activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Judgment under stress

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Animal Control Officer certification (Maine CJ Academy)

Job description

Position Salary Range: $47,777 - $72,924

Expected Salary Range: $50,856 - $58,302 DOE/DOQ

The Town of Scarborough is seeking a full time, dedicated and compassionate Animal Control Officer (ACO) to join our team. The Animal Control Officer performs specialized work enforcing municipal ordinances and State of Maine laws relating to the regulation, control, licensing, care, and protection of domestic animals and wildlife.

This is an un-sworn, civilian position that works closely with members of the Police Department, community members, animal owners, veterinary professionals, animal-care organizations, and local businesses.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in animal welfare, excellent communication and problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to safely and humanely handle a variety of domestic animals and wildlife.

Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and hold a valid driver's license. Must possess or obtain official Animal Control Officer certification through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Must have a high school diploma or GED. Prior experience involving the care, handling, and regulation of domestic animals and/or wildlife. Knowledge of animal behavior, safe animal handling techniques, and animal welfare practices is highly desirable. Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and report-writing skills. Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm and professional in challenging or potentially stressful situations. Ability to work effectively with the public, Police Department personnel, animal owners, veterinary professionals, and community organizations. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Applications must be received by Sunday, September 27, 2026.

The Town of Scarborough offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement, paid time off, dental, vision and other supplemental benefits. For additional information call [phone] or email [e-mail].

• Equal Opportunity Employer-

Scarborough is a diverse community with a commitment to the quality of life and the environment. Scarborough offers lovely sandy beaches and the rocky coastline made famous by a local artist, Winslow Homer. The largest saltwater marsh in Maine is located within our boundaries along with Rachel Carson Wildlife lands. We have a balance with our commercial businesses and also offer open spaces, parks, and recreational areas for our residents and visitors.

Scarborough is conveniently located in Cumberland County in southern Maine, approximately 7 miles south of the City of Portland. It is just a short drive to Portland and the Maine Mall with easy access to the Maine Turnpike, Portland Jetport and now passenger rail service to Boston and points south. The Scarborough Town Hall is located at 259 U.S. Route 1, just south of the junction of Rt. 1 and Black Point Road/Gorham Road.