Animal Control Officer I-II

City of Long Beach - Animal Care Services Bureau; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Long Beach - Animal Care Services Bureau is seeking a full-time Animal Control Officer to protect public safety by enforcing animal-related regulations and providing humane care to animals within the community.

Responsibilities include education on humane treatment, investigating violations, issuing citations, impounding animals, and performing routine welfare checks under veterinary direction.

Qualifications

• Candidates must meet one of the following options, A, B, or C.
• Option A requires 1 year of paid, full-time equivalent experience in providing and/or performing direct care to animals in a licensed animal care facility.
• Option B requires completion of twelve semester units or eighteen quarter units in Animal Science, Animal Management, Veterinary Technician or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Enforces animal ordinances and state laws to maintain public safety.
• Educates citizens on humane treatment of animals and available resources.
• Investigates violations of local and state laws pertaining to animal control; files citations as needed.
• Impasses healthy, injured, sick, dangerous and deceased animals; provides care and euthanasia under veterinary direction.

Education

Option A: One 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).

Job description

Application Deadline: October 28, 2026 (Apply early!!)

In 2019, the City of Long Beach implemented the Compassion Saves model of shelter operations which ensures that all healthy and treatable animals are saved. The mission of the Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau is to ensure “Compassion Saves” by supporting the people and animals of our community through outreach, education, guidance, and support services. We protect shelter animals by creating an environment of care through enrichment and innovative programs, and by providing public safety and the humane treatment of animals to nearly 600,000 residents in five cities. With a staff of over 50 employees, and an annual operating budget of over $7.8 million, the Bureau cared for more than 5,000 live animals in 2026.

The Animal Care Services Bureau, is seeking qualified candidates interested in applying for a full‑time Animal Control Officer position. There is currently one (1) full‑time opening.

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;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Candidates must meet one of the following options, A, B, or C:

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 from outside the United States must attach proof of educational equivalency at the time of filing.