Animal Services Officer

City of Laguna Beach; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking a dedicated Animal Services Officer to help protect residents and animals. Under the Police Department, you will patrol, respond to animal-related calls, and enforce state and local laws, while educating the public on responsible ownership.

Responsibilities include licensing enforcement, investigations, and testimony in court, with opportunities to support the animal shelter and engage with the community in educational outreach.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Experience: Considerable public contact experience and experience in handling domestic and other animals.
• License/Certificate: Valid California Driver's license and acceptable driving record; must obtain POST P.C. 832 and Euthanasia by Injection within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Patrol neighborhoods, parks, beaches to respond to animal-related calls and enforce laws.
• Capture, transport, and safely handle stray or injured animals with proper care.
• Investigate animal complaints; issue warnings and citations as appropriate.
• Respond to emergencies, including after-hours calls.
• Educate residents on pet ownership, licensing, vaccinations, and regulations.
• Canvass neighborhoods to verify vaccinations and enforce licensing.
• Prepare reports, citations, and court documents; testify when needed.
• Maintain records of impounded animals and investigations.
• Assist with daily Animal Shelter operations and kennel duties.
• Maintain vehicles, equipment, and tools for safe field operations.

Skills

Public contact experience

Animal handling

Community outreach

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking a dedicated and compassionate

Description

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Animal Services Officer to help protect the health and safety of both residents and animals. Under general supervision of Police administrative staff, this position provides information to the public and enforces laws pertaining to the possession, ownership and control of animals within the Cities of Laguna Beach and Laguna Woods.

Reports to/Supervises: Reports to the Police Civilian Supervisor and/or Watch Commander

What You’ll Do

• Patrol neighborhoods, parks, beaches, and open spaces to respond to animal-related calls and enforce local and state animal control laws.
• Capture, transport, and safely handle stray, injured, sick, aggressive, or wild animals, ensuring appropriate care and shelter placement.
• Investigate animal complaints, bites, neglect, cruelty, and other animal-related incidents; issue warnings and citations as appropriate.
• Respond to emergencies, including after-hours calls, and assist with public safety incidents when needed.
• Educate residents on responsible pet ownership, licensing, vaccinations, and animal regulations through community outreach and presentations.
• Conduct licensing compliance efforts by canvassing neighborhoods, verifying vaccinations, and enforcing licensing requirements.
• Prepare reports, case files, citations, and court documents; testify in court and support legal proceedings involving animal control violations.
• Maintain accurate records of impounded animals, investigations, and enforcement activities.
• Assist with daily operations at the Animal Shelter, including animal care and kennel support as needed.
• Maintain assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools to ensure safe and effective field operations.

Examples of Duties

The normal duties for the positions can be found in the job descriptions Animal Services Officer. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Experience: Considerable public contact experience and experience in handling domestic and other animals is required. Must have at least one year experience in an animal shelter facility, animal control, code enforcement, veterinary hospital or equivalent.
License/Certificate Requirements: Due to the performance of some field duties, which requires the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid California Driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required. In order to successfully pass probation, the employee must possess the following certifications within 12 months of hire: 1) P.O.S.T. P.C. 832 Certificate; and 2) Euthanasia by Injection Certificate from Cal Animals or a similar California animal welfare organization.

Supplemental Information

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications.

Application/Selection Process

Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City.

Pre-employment Process

Selected candidates must successfully pass a Police background investigation, a thorough reference check/employment verification, and a pre-employment medical exam including a drug test.

Why work for Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, retirement plans, and paid time off. The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA.

LBPEA Benefits

01

What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Less than a High School Diploma
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate

02

Do you possess public contact experience and experience in handling domestic and other animals?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please describe this experience. If you answered "no," please write "N/A."

04

How many years of experience do you possess in an animal shelter facility, animal control, code enforcement, veterinary hospital or equivalent?

• Less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, but less than five years
• Five years, or more

05

How many years of experience do you possess in a government or municipal setting?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three