Animal Control Specialist

Animal Control Officer

Guilford County Government

Salary: $35,170.10 - $40,446.02 Annually

Location: 980 Guilford College Rd., Greensboro, NC 27409, NC

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 04161

Department: Animal Services

Opening Date: 08/10/2026

Closing Date: 8/23/2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Description

General Statement of Duties: Performs specialized work in the enforcement of ordinances and statues related to the control of animals in the county.

Distinguishing Features of the Class: An employee in this class is responsible for enforcing state and local animal control and humane treatment laws. Work includes catching and confining stray, diseased and unlicensed animals, and investigating animal cruelty complaints. Tact and firmness are required in frequent contacts with complainants and animal owners. Independent judgment and initiative must be exercised within a framework of established policies and procedures. The employee is subject to hazards as some risk is involved in handling rabid or vicious animals. Work is performed under the general supervision and is evaluated by review of records and reports, in discussion, and by the public's perception of work.

Examples of Duties

Duties and Responsibilities: Essential Duties and Tasks

• Investigate reports of animal bites and complaints about stray or diseased animals; uses specialized techniques and equipment to capture and confine animals; enforces laws requiring confinement of animals for observation.
• Patrols roads in area of responsibility using specialty equipped truck to search for stray animals and to enforce County animal control laws; takes injured or sick animals to a veterinarian for treatment.
• Enforces regulations on the vaccination and licensing of dogs.
• Investigaes and follows up on animal abuse cases such as poisoning, killing, and cruel treatment incidents.
• Provides information to the public concerning confinement laws, vaccination regulations, and the purposes of animal control program.
• Maintains assigned truck and specialized equipment such as catch poles, tranquilizer rifles or pistols, and traps.
• Performs general duty law enforcement work in emergency situations.
• Performs related work as required.

Recruitment Standards Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of state and local laws relating to animal confinement, animal cruelty, and rabies control.
• Working knowledge of human equipment and techniques for capturing and caring for animals.
• Working knowledge of the signs of rabies.
• Ability to prepare accurate records and reports.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma and a combination of one year of experience in animal care, control, confinement or in a labor intensive work field. Special Requirements: Valid Driver License

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands and Work Conditions: Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform heavy work exerting force up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. Driving is Essential: Driving is an essential requirement of this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy. Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with a physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.

Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.

We are excited about the opportunity of having you as a prospective new employee! You probably already know our county is a wonderful county to live in, but did you know it is also a wonderful place to work?

Below are a few of the reasons why we love working for Guilford County.

We offer Health Insurance (UnitedHealthCare) to all benefitted employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. The shared cost of the premium is based on scheduled/budgeted hours. If you are a full-time employee working 40 hours a week you can expect to pay less than $35 a month for medical coverage, dental coverage for $4 a month and vision coverage for $5 a month. That's less than $45 a month for medical, dental & vision coverage; that's unheard of.

Telehealth UHC Virtual Visits are available to you with no copay or out of pocket expense.

We are excited to inform you Guilford County has an Employee Wellness Center (24/7 access) with strength training equipment, cardio machines and a group exercise room with virtual or in person coaching from our Wellness Specialist!

Employee Assistance Program, 100% funded by the county. A superb benefit for you and your family absolutely free. Confidential help with personal or work-related issues.

13 paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 12 vacation days a year. That's 37 paid days a year, totaling almost 2 months of paid time off.

Employer contributes 5% into your 401(k) - no match required.

Enrollment in the State Retirement Plan by contributing 6%.

Longevity pay beginning at five years of service.

We provide a $10,000 Life and AD&D benefit to eligible employees.

Flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside tax-free dollars for health care and dependent care.

Voluntary Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.