Animal Protection Officer

Salary : $47,736.00 - $49,067.20 Annually
Location : Albuquerque, NM
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2501499
Department: Animal Welfare
Division: AW-Field Operations
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/13/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Bargaining Unit: JS


Position Summary


Enforce City ordinances pertaining to the care, treatment, impound, handling and quarantine of wild and domestic animals; investigate reports of animal cruelty, abandonment and nuisances; perform euthanasia; and perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Patrol all assigned area of City, search for stray, domestic, exotic, wild animals and deceased or diseased animals; take appropriate action.
2. Investigate and respond to reports of animal bites, nuisance complaints, physical abuse, cruelty and abandonment; enforce pertinent city ordinances.
3. Conduct inspections of premises including but not limited to pet stores, pet service providers and boarding kennels for compliance of pertinent city ordinances.
4. Issue various citations or warnings as necessary; receive summons and appear and testify in court.
5. Conduct animal rescues utilizing appropriate equipment.
6. Operate and maintain a variety of animal handling equipment; place animals in quarantine as required by law to prevent spread of disease.
7. Maintain a variety of services animal control logs and files; prepare forms and reports; enter and retrieve information on electronic equipment.
8. Respond to and resolve difficult citizen inquiries and complaints regarding animals.
9. Perform euthanasia on wild (non-domestic) rabies carriers such as: skunk, bat, raccoon, badger, squirrel, porcupine, rat, mice, possum, rabbit, ground hog, badger, beaver and prairie dog, in order to prevent suffering of an animal, disease and public safety issues.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Conduct lectures or training on Animal Services issues and behavior at public schools, neighborhood associations and businesses, etc.
2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

High School Diploma or GED; and

Three (3) years of animal care or security experience.

Experience in enforcing ordinances preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.
Possession of a valid Euthanasia Technician License issued by the State of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department within one (1) year from date of hire.

Working Conditions

Environmental:
Field and animal shelter environments; exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, animal body fluids, waste and other infectious materials and inclement weather conditions.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy or moderate lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling or walking for prolonged periods of time; and operating motorized vehicles.
Total Rewards. Total You.

The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state's public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee's contribution. That's higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!

Paid holidays? Check

Paid parental leave? Check

Paid birthdays off? Check

Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1? Check and check

Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.
01


600001-P (1) Do you possess experience in enforcing ordinances?

• Yes
• No

02


**(Drivers License) Do you possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or have the ability to obtain by date of hire (attach a copy of your Driver's License)?

• Yes
• No

03


100030-R (1) *(Education) Select the highest level of successfully completed related education as identified by the minimum requirements (if applicable, attach supporting degree or transcripts).

• No High School Diploma
• High School Diploma or GED
• Non/degree accredited
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters
• Juris Doctorate
• Doctorate

04


**(Experience) Select the number of years of work experience you possess which relates to the minimum requirements, if applicable, add verifiable time in a temporary upgrade status and/or volunteer experience when selecting number of years.

• No experience
• 1 to less than 6 months
• 6 to less than 12 months
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 8 years to less than 9 years
• 9 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years to less than 11 years
• 11 years to less than 12 years
• 12 years to less than 13 years
• 13 or more years

Required Question