ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER I-II

City of Long Beach; California; On-site; USD 32,719,000 - 46,991,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Long Beach seeks an Animal Control Officer I-II to enforce animal ordinances and protect public safety. Under supervision, you will impound animals, investigate violations, and provide humane care under veterinary guidance.

Candidates must have one year of direct animal care experience or college coursework in Animal Science, and must obtain required certificates. Bilingual skills are desirable.

Qualifications

• One year of paid, full-time experience in direct care to animals in a licensed facility, preferably public/non-profit.
• Twelve semester units or eighteen quarter units in Animal Science/related field (proof required).
• Registered Veterinary Technician Certificate (proof required).
• Proof of required documents (transcripts/degrees/certificates) with applicant name for filing.

Responsibilities

• Enforce municipal/state animal health and welfare laws.
• Euthanize animals as directed and handle animal care duties.
• Educate the public on humane treatment and resources.
• Investigate violations and issue citations when appropriate.

Skills

Animal care

Public safety

Ethical handling

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Appearance standards

Handling animals

Euthanasia

Verbal & written communication

Physical fitness

Irregular hours

Education

College coursework in Animal Science/related

RVN certificate or equivalent

Job description

Salary Information

Grade I - $ 23.751- $ 32.460 Hourly

Grade II - $ 25.014 - $ 34.111 Hourly

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Under general supervision, maintains public safety by enforcing animal ordinances and state laws; provides education on the humane and required treatment of animals; educates citizens on resources available to comply with local and state laws; investigates violations of local and state laws pertaining to animal control; issues citations for violations of the municipal code related to animal care and welfare; files criminal complaints with the City Prosecutor or District Attorney in cooperation with the investigation unit; impounds healthy, injured, sick, dangerous and deceased animals; provides care for and performs euthanasia of animals; performs regular animal health and welfare checks; provides routine and preventative treatment under the direction of a veterinarian adhering to the guidelines included, but not limited to Veterinarian Practice Code, Business & Professional Code and the departmental procedures; and performs other related duties as assigned.

This is not an inclusive list. A complete list of examples of duties are detailed in the Civil Service Commission-approved ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER I-II class specification.

Requirements To File

Option A

One (1) year of paid, full-time equivalent experience in providing and/or performing direct care to animals in a licensed animal care facility, preferably in the public sector and/or non-profit.

Option B

Completion of twelve semester units or eighteen quarter units from an accredited college or university in Animal Science, Animal Management, Veterinary Technician or related fields (proof required).

Option C

Registered Veterinary Technician Certificate (proof required).

• Proof of required documents, such as transcripts, degrees, and/or certificates, must be uploaded to the application at the time of filing. Any proofs submitted must contain either the applicant's name or other identifying characteristic on the form. Degree must indicate the field of study and transcripts must indicate field of study and degree conferred date. Candidates who possess degrees from colleges or universities outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalency at the time of filing.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge in best practices, ordinances, municipal and state laws in relation to animal health and welfare;
• Ability to work effectively and positively with the public in a heightened stress environment;
• Ability to demonstrate ethical competencies, especially in handling sensitive and confidential information and creating other reports;
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence by handling sensitive situations with compassion, tact and confidentiality;
• Ability to meet required appearance standards, including uniform and personal protective equipment;
• Ability to safely and humanely handle animals;
• Ability to perform euthanasia on animals;
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing;
• Physical condition must be at a level commensurate with ability to perform job duties such as: lifting a minimum of 50 pounds chest high without assistance; climbing inclines; working in or around water (ex. wading in shallow water or assist in water rescue); at elevated heights; under reduced visibility; weather conditions; running 50 feet with or without reasonable accommodation;
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including nights, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, callback, standby, split shifts, and working shifts alone.

A valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Candidates must be able to operate an animal control vehicle with limited rear visibility requiring the sole use of side mirrors and backup cameras prior to completion of the probationary period.

Candidates must obtain an Euthanasia Certificate and California POST PC 832- Laws of Arrest prior to completion of the probationary period.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual/Biliterate skills (Spanish, Khmer, or Tagalog) are desired for some positions.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Examination Weights

Application and Supplemental Application......................................................Qualifying

Appraisal Interview…………………………………………………………………..100%

A minimum rating of 70 must be attained in order to pass the examination. Certification by score bands will be considered based on analysis of exam results. The resulting eligible list will remain in effect for at least one year. Screening of applicants will be conducted on the basis of application and required supplemental application submitted. Only those candidates showing the strongest backgrounds on the basis of comparative analysis will be invited to the examination process. Based on the number of applications accepted, the selection procedure may be changed. In the event a revision is necessary, the affected persons will be notified.

In accordance with Civil Service Procedure 3.38, all eligible veterans that successfully qualify on any or all open-competitive examinations shall receive an additional credit of ten (10) points that will be added to their original passing score. Disabled veterans passing the examination shall receive a credit of fifteen (15) points that will be added to their original passing score. (A copy of the veterans DD-214, Member 4 form indicating honorable discharge must be attached to the application at the time of filing.)

This position is eligible for Local Hiring Preferences and Veterans Preference Points. Learn more about available preferences and eligibility criteria here: www.longbeach.gov/jobs/working-for-the-city/hiring-preferences .

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity in our workforce and are committed to creating a workplace where every employee is respected and included. We strive to reflect the diversity of our community at all levels of the organization, promote fair and equitable employment practices, advance equity, and inclusion through our work with staff and community partners, and promote transparency by publishing workforce demographic information, including diversity and pay data by race and gender.

The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act

In support of the City's Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer, and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.

J.O.B. J03AN-27 ACO:PS HR 09/25/2026