Animal Control Supervisor

City of Davenport, IA; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Plan

Health benefits package

Job summary

The City of Davenport, IA is seeking a capable supervisor for its animal control program. The role involves leading Code Enforcement Officers in field operations, conducting investigations into animal neglect and cruelty, and coordinating with law enforcement to enforce animal care ordinances.

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma or GED, two years in animal care or enforcement, and NACA ACO I certification with a plan to obtain ACO II within six months.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED with two years of work in animal care or enforcement.
• Must possess a National Animal Care and Control (NACA) ACO I certification and obtain ACO II within six months.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and trains Code Enforcement Officers in animal control field activities.
• Investigates animal abuse and violations of ordinances related to animal care or behavior.
• Collaborates with law enforcement to respond to animal cruelty and neglect incidents.
• Handles animals for investigations and for transport or impoundment when required.
• Picks up deceased animals and coordinates with Public Works for same.
• Patrols assigned areas seeking stray or diseased animals and issues warnings or citations as needed.

Skills

Animal handling

Leadership

Verbal & written communication

Record keeping

Public cooperation

Legal compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

NACA ACO I/II

Job description

This posting is also an internal, promotional opportunity for which current employees are considered first under state law. Current employees must apply under the promotional job posting by the applicable deadline. Those applying under this external posting will not be considered for the promotional position.

Under general direction assigns, supervises and assists Code Enforcement Officers in animal control field activities; enforces laws concerning the care and treatment of animals, handles animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment or for control of abandoned, dangerous or unattended animals and maintains public health standards.

The City of Davenport offers a comprehensive benefit package. The cost for a family plan for medical, dental, vision and prescription is only $98.61 per month for 2026 and starts on first day of employment.

The City also offers the following benefits (subject to change):

• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation – The City will contribute 5% of the employee’s income to his/her 457 account if the employee contributes at least 1% (applicable to non-bargaining, management exempt employees)
• 13 paid holidays
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Schedules and supervises employees engaged in animal control field activities.

Investigates alleged animal abuse, violations of ordinances related to animal care or behavior (such as animal nuisance or biting complaints), or reports of injured, stray, sick or dangerous animals; interviews individuals having contact with the animal, such as the owners.

Collaborates with law enforcement to respond to animal cruelty and neglect incidents.

Takes possession of animals that show signs of neglect, inhumane treatment, disease or malnutrition.

Patrols assigned areas in City vehicle, seeking animals that are stray, sick, injured or deceased; impounds animals in violation of ordinances; picks up deceased animals or works with Public Works for same.

Transports animals to designated facility while attempts to locate owners are made and/or when the animal needs to be impounded or investigated for diseases such as rabies.

Inspects animal and residential enclosures and facilities to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Issues warnings and/or citations for failure to comply with ordinances related to animal care or behavior.

Testifies at legal proceedings as a witness to animal control violations.

Completes records and forms and prepares reports concerning daily activities, citations given, and investigations made.

Creates and presents educational programs relating to the City’s animal control ordinances and the care and treatment of animals.

Performs other municipal enforcement and compliance duties in relation to parking, environmental codes (debris) and temporary signs as assigned.

Will be required to perform stand‑by duty and respond to emergency calls at night, on weekends and holidays.

Performs other duties as required.

High School diploma or GED equivalent; two (2) years of work experience in the handling and care of domestic or wild animals or two (2) years of experience in the enforcement of government laws and regulations, including one (1) year in a supervisory or management position; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the required work in this position.

Must possess a National Animal Care and Control (NACA) ACO I certification and obtain a NACA ACO II certification within six (6) months of appointment and maintain throughout duration of employment. Equivalent certifications may be accepted as approved by the Department Director or designee.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain throughout duration of employment.

Must pass a physical examination and background check as prescribed by the city.

Must reside in Iowa or Illinois within two (2) years of hire and maintain residency throughout the duration of employment.

Employee is strongly encouraged to receive pre‑exposure rabies vaccinations.

Working Knowledge in:

• City ordinances and state laws regarding animal care and control.
• Various animal species and behaviors.
• Understanding of animal control procedures.
• Geography of the City.

Working Skill in:

• Supervising, training, evaluating and leading the work of others.
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, external partners, and members of the public.
• Animal care and handling; ability to handle animals in various forms of distress in a safe and humane manner.
• Verbal and written communication; maintaining written and electronic records; preparing written warnings and citations, reports and records.
• Communicating effectively with the public to obtain their cooperation and compliance.
• Reading, comprehending and explaining state and local laws, regulations and ordinances as they pertain to animal control.
• Interpreting and enforcing codes and regulations with firmness, tact and impartiality.
• Recognizing normal and abnormal animal conditions and behavior and restraining animals properly for treatment or transport; learning and recognizing signs of rabies and other common animal illnesses.
• Safety practices related to animal control.