On-Call Field Animal Control Officer

Calvert County, MD; Prince Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Calvert County Government seeks an Animal Control Officer (ACO) to enforce local/state animal welfare laws through fieldwork and 24/7 coverage. You will respond to stray, injured, dangerous, and neglected animals, write citations, seize animals when needed, and testify in court as required.

The role requires independent judgment, strong communication, and the ability to handle emotionally charged situations while working with public safety partners and health departments.

Qualifications

• Three years of professional animal handling experience.
• One year experience dealing with citizen complaints.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must be qualified to use a 12-gauge shotgun and a 22-caliber rifle.
• Subject to background investigation and call-back in emergencies.
• Operation of County owned vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Enforces regulations and ordinances from County officials, including the health department.
• Interacts with citizens over concerns and enforcement issues and resolves them.
• Communicates orally and in writing with the general public.
• Maintains effective working relationship with police, public officials, veterinarians, and other government agencies.
• Performs daily routine patrols and responds to calls for service.
• Renders emergency animal first aid and transports animals to veterinarians.
• Investigates animal neglect, abuse, and cruelty violations and documents cases.
• Tests in court proceedings as needed.
• Distributes county pet licenses and handles licenses revenue.

Skills

Animal handling

Public communication

Independent work

Enforcement knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Windows 2003

Windows XP

Job description

Calvert County Government seeks an Animal Control Officer (ACO) to enforce local/state animal welfare laws through fieldwork and 24/7 coverage. You will respond to stray, injured, dangerous, and neglected animals, write citations, seize animals when needed, and testify in court as required.

The role requires independent judgment, strong communication, and the ability to handle emotionally charged situations while working with public safety partners and health departments.