Deputy Dog Warden 2
Cincinnati Animal CARE
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC) is seeking a Deputy Dog Warden 2 to enforce animal control laws, investigate cases, and ensure safe handling and transport of animals in Hamilton County. You will educate the public and support CAC’s mission with a focus on animal welfare and community safety.
The role involves on-call availability, field investigations, and collaboration with law enforcement. A valid Ohio driver's license and ability to lift 50+ lbs are essential requirements.
Qualifications
- Graduation from a standard high school or the equivalency.
- Must be 21 years or older.
- Must be able to lift 50+ lbs.
Responsibilities
- Enforce Ohio Revised Code Chapters 955 and 959 as needed, and applicable animal control regulations within Hamilton County.
- Respond to animal-related calls for service and public complaints.
- Investigate reports involving stray, lost, injured, dangerous, nuisance, neglected, or abused animals.
- Patrol assigned areas to locate, capture, return, or impound stray or at-large animals.
- Conduct dog license compliance checks and issue citations, notices of violation, and criminal complaints when appropriate.
- Appear in court and provide testimony related to investigations and enforcement actions.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Reports to Chief Dog Warden
Join the Team at Cincinnati Animal CARE
At Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC), we do work that matters.
Every day, our team protects animals, supports our community, and helps save thousands of lives each year through compassionate care, advocacy, and education.
This work is meaningful, fast-paced, and can be challenging, but for the right person, it’s incredibly rewarding.
We are a team built for impact, made up of people who care deeply, work hard, support one another, and show up every day committed to making a difference.
If you are passionate about animals, thrive in a mission-driven environment, and want your work to have purpose, we’d love to have you join us.
We are looking for a Deputy Dog Warden 2 to join our team and play an important role in supporting CAC’s mission.
In this position, you will:
- Enforce Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 955, conduct field investigations, issue citations, prepare reports and court documentation, handle and transport animals safely, maintain required records, and assist during emergency situations.
- Respond to animal related complaints, capture and impound stray animals, investigate dog bites and nuisance animal cases
- Educate the public on responsible pet ownership.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful work, takes pride in helping others, and wants to contribute to a growing organization making a real impact in the community.
Deputy Dog Warden 1: carries firearms, more time dedicated to ORC 959 pertaining to animal cruelty and neglect investigations.
Deputy Dog Warden 2: does not carry firearms; more time dedicated to ORC 955 pertaining to stray dogs and dog bites.
Your day-to-day may include:
- Enforce Ohio Revised Code Chapters 955, and 959 as needed, and applicable animal control regulations within Hamilton County.
- Respond to animal-related calls for service and public complaints.
- Investigate reports involving stray, lost, injured, dangerous, nuisance, neglected, or abused animals.
- Patrol assigned areas to locate, capture, return, or impound stray, unlicensed, or at-large animals.
- Conduct dog license compliance checks and issue citations, notices of violation, and criminal complaints when appropriate.
- Appear in court and provide testimony related to investigations and enforcement actions.
- Safely capture, handle, transport, and impound animals using approved equipment and methods.
- Provide basic animal care and first aid as directed by the CAC Medical Director.
- Set and monitor live traps when necessary to safely confine animals running at large.
- Communicate clearly with shelter staff to determine disposition and transfer of animals with behavior or medical concerns.
- Maintain accurate records for impounded animals and related case activity.
- Conduct thorough investigations of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, dog bite, and other animal-related incidents.
- Collect, preserve, and document evidence for administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings.
- Complete required reports, forms, case files, and statistical records in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
- Maintain records required for animal quarantines and public health compliance.
- Educate the public on animal control laws, responsible pet ownership, animal safety, and available resources.
- Respond to public inquiries and assist in resolving animal-related disputes and concerns.
- Participate in community outreach and educational programs as assigned.
- Assist during emergencies, disasters, and incidents requiring animal control intervention.
- Coordinate with law enforcement, public safety agencies, veterinarians, and community partners as needed.
- Maintain and clean assigned vehicles, equipment, and animal handling tools.
- Perform other duties and special assignments as directed
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is passionate about CAC’s mission and animal welfare
- Brings a positive, team-first attitude
- Communicates openly and professionally
- Takes ownership and solves problems proactively
- Thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
- Can balance compassion with accountability
- Is dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn
- Graduation from a standard high school or the equivalency
- Must be 21 years or older
- Resident of Hamilton County or within 15 mile radius of the Northside shelter (3949 Colerain Ave, 45223) for emergency response purposes preferred, but not required
- Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle, including a large van
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
- Report writing and documentation
- Conflict resolution and mediation.
- Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions necessary for the safe performance of assigned duties
- Thorough knowledge of animal control ordinances
- Knowledge of local and state laws and regulations
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Adherence to the applicable provisions of the Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society’s policy guidelines
- Must have personal integrity and remain free of felony convictions and most misdemeanor offenses.
- Must maintain confidentiality and follow due process in prosecution cases
- Must be able to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (rotating schedule)
- Must be bondable
- Must be able to lift 50+ lbs
- Law enforcement experience preferred
- Within 6 months of employment, successful completion of NACA Level I and II Animal Control Officer Course.
- Possession of a proper current State of Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license for type of equipment operated.
- Ability to obtain weapons, O/C chemical spray, Baton, Taser and Defensive Tactics certifications within the first six months of employment.
- Potential for rotating shifts based on training level and organizational needs
- 8 or 10 hour shifts
- 2 shifts to cover 16 hours; first shift 6am-2:30pm, second shift 1:30-10pm
- On-call availability between 10pm-6am, as assigned
- Holiday availability
- Weekend availability
At CAC, you’ll be part of more than just a workplace. You’ll join a team of people doing meaningful work together.
- The opportunity to make a real difference every day
- A mission-driven, supportive team culture
- Growth and development opportunities
- Competitive benefits package
- A workplace where your work directly impacts animals and the community
- Pay: From $23.44/hour minimum after training period; $20.51 during training period
- Retirement plan with employer match
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Development Assistance
- Life Insurance
- Danger from moving traffic
- Exposure to aggressive and sick animals
- Exposure to zoonotic diseases and parasites
- Temperature level will vary from extreme cold to extreme heat
- Moisture level will vary from extreme dry to rain, snow, and ice conditions and may require immersion in water
- May require evening, weekend, and holiday work.
- On-call availability for emergency situations.
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