Animal Control Officer

Missoula County; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Missoula County seeks a Regular, Full-time Animal Control Officer to enforce city and county ordinances within the Health Department’s Animal Control Division. The role involves responding to public and law enforcement calls, capturing and transporting animals, and supporting shelter operations in Missoula County, Montana.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and about one year of related experience; a valid Montana driver’s license is required, plus vaccination status and related

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of experience in animal control, animal care, handling or law enforcement preferred.
• Requires a valid MT driver’s license and willingness to receive immunizations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Responds to calls for animal control issues from the public and law enforcement.
• Captures and removes stray, uncontrolled or abused animals.
• Drives animal control vehicles to transport animals to the shelter or to veterinarians.
• Investigates violations of animal control and garbage ordinances and issues warnings or citations.
• Patrols designated areas by vehicle, on foot or bicycle.
• Assists with licensing, care, and welfare tasks at the shelter and during impounding.

Skills

Experience in animal control

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Join Missoula County in making a meaningful impact, where your work supports our vibrant community, promotes public service, and contributes to a better future for all. Job Description: RATE OF PAY: $24.74 per hour JOB TYPE - Regular, Full-time DEPARTMENT: Health, Animal Control Division BARGAINING UNIT: MPEA - Local 8512 We will take our first look at the applicant pool on September 4, 2026. We will continue to accept applications until we receive an adequate applicant pool or the position is filled.

DEFINITION

Enforces the city and county animal control and garbage ordinances for the Missoula City-County Health Department to ensure the health and safety of domestic animals and the community.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Responds to calls for assistance regarding animal control issues from the public and law enforcement agencies.
• Captures and removes stray, uncontrolled or abused animals.
• Drives animal control service vehicles to transport animals to and from the shelter, and veterinarian offices.
• Responds to and investigates violations of animal control and garbage ordinances and issues warnings or citations.
• Patrols designated areas in vehicle, on foot and on bicycle.
• Issues temporary licenses.
• Investigates reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviews witnesses, collects evidence, writes reports; makes court appearances to serve as a witness as required.
• Investigates animal bites; captures rabid animals.
• Follows protocol for rabies quarantines.
• Examines animals for injuries, malnutrition or disease.
• Administers first aid and arranges for any necessary medical treatment.
• Educates the public regarding complying with ordinances.
• Prepares and delivers public education presentations on animal control topics.
• Authorizes euthanasia of animals for humane or public safety reasons.
• Communicates with owner of animal.
• Transports animals for euthanasia and disposes of dead animals.
• Assists shelter attendants with dispatching, animal care and feeding, impounding, releasing, kennel cleaning and maintenance, euthanasia, adopting, licensing, medicating and immunizing animals.
• Maintains activity logs and other records.
• Maintains Animal Control vehicle and equipment.
• Participates in quality improvement projects and strategic work plans.
• Works within the incident command structure during emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED required. Requires one year of experience that may include time working with: animal control; animal care, handling or treatment; animal research; or law enforcement.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

New employees will be asked to volunteer vaccination status and communicable disease testing for required vaccines upon hire and will be offered assistance during hiring to receive necessary immunizations. Employees who have not received the vaccines required for their positions or who are unwilling to voluntarily provide vaccination status for required vaccines will receive a reasonable accommodation where such accommodation does not require an undue hardship or endanger the health or safety of any person. Requires a current MT driver’s license.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

Requires driving a county vehicle, riding a bicycle, and patrolling on foot. Requires capturing and transporting animals which may be injured, fearful, or vicious. Requires occasional heavy lifting (up to 100 lbs.), bending, crouching, and crawling in restricted space. Requires travel to private property or residences; requires exposure to hostile people. May involve exposure to animal bites, blood or body fluids; may require defending oneself against physical attack. Requires the use of protective clothing or gear. Requires working weekend and evening hours and occasional work on holidays; or serving in an on‑call capacity. Requires performing work out of doors and may involve exposure to extreme weather and hazardous driving conditions.

Additional Job Description

Complete job description available upon request to the Department of Human Resources.

As a Missoula County employee, you will be a part of a team that is committed to positively impacting the community. Missoula County is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or military status At Missoula County, we are proud to serve as a unified team dedicated to protecting and enhancing the well‑being of the people, communities, and environment of our region. Whether on the road crew in Seeley Lake, processing payroll or benefits, serving in the Detention Facility or Sheriff's Office, supporting emergency operations, or fulfilling one of the many vital roles that keep county government running- each member of our team plays an essential part. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and schedules-full time, part‑time, or intermittent, because every role matters. No matter where you serve or how long you've been with us, you are an important part of the Missoula County team. Together, we strive to build on our strengths and shape a better future for our community. There's no better place to be than Missoula County, Montana.