Animal Services Officer

Animal Services Officer The City of Elk Grove is seeking Animal Services Officers to join the Police Department at our state-of-the-art Animal Shelter. The ideal candidate is a compassionate, self‑motivated professional who thrives in a dynamic and community‑oriented environment. They possess exceptional customer service skills, demonstrating patience, empathy, and professionalism while interacting with community members, coworkers, and partner agencies. This individual has a strong sense of personal accountability and can work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment, integrity, and professionalism. They are proactive in resolving issues, adaptable and resilient, remaining calm under pressure and making thoughtful decisions in emotionally challenging or rapidly changing situations. The ideal candidate is comfortable working outdoors in a variety of conditions, safely handling animals of all sizes and temperaments, and responding to situations involving injured, stray, neglected, or aggressive animals. We are looking for someone who values teamwork but is equally confident in taking initiative in the field. They can balance education with enforcement, communicate effectively during difficult conversations, and de‑escalate conflict while maintaining a professional demeanor. They understand that the position requires flexibility to meet operational needs, including working irregular hours, weekends, holidays, overtime, split shifts, and on‑call assignments, as needed. Strong report writing, attention to detail, and the ability to accurately interpret and apply animal control laws, ordinances, and policies are essential. Above all, the ideal candidate is passionate about public service and animal welfare. They are committed to protecting the health and safety of both the community and its animals through compassionate care, education, enforcement, and collaborative problem‑solving. Learn More About the City of Elk Grove’s State‑of‑the‑Art Animal Shelter The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more. Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change) Filing Deadline: August5,2026, by11:59pm Oral Board Interviews: August20,2026 (virtual) Selection Interviews: August25,2026 (in person) Community Profile Elk Grove is a vibrant, family‑friendly community of approximately 178,124 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year. Representative Duties The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Description Operates an animal services vehicle patrolling streets and alleys to capture and confine stray and unlicensed animals; and impounds dead, sick, injured, stray, or trapped domestic and non‑domestic animals. Investigates complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild or diseased animals. Responds to and conducts initial investigation of complaints regarding animal cruelty and abuse. Investigates animal bites, arranging for appropriate identification and quarantine. Enforces applicable animal control codes and licensing ordinances; issues citations for violations of applicable regulations; files criminal complaints with City Attorney or District Attorney; testifies in court or administrative hearings regarding citations and disposition of complaints as necessary. Takes into custody animals turned in by the public including trapped animals; quarantines and disposes of animals as appropriate. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; provides public information and education to citizens and community groups regarding animal services policies and procedures; gives public presentations as necessary; educates the public on laws, codes, ordinances, and policies relating to the care and control of animals. Identifies symptoms of common animal diseases and recommends veterinary medical care, isolation or destruction; may perform and/or assist in the euthanasia of animals. Operates and maintains a variety of animal services tools and equipment including humane traps, mobile radios, and related animal services tools and equipment; keeps equipment and vehicle in clean and healthful condition to accept impounded animals. Examines licenses for validity and issues warning notices and citations to delinquent owners. Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports detailing animal control work performed. Performs related duties as required. Qualifications Knowledge Of Basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic, livestock and common wild animals. Symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common diseases of animals. Behavior and handling of common domestic, livestock or wild animals. Methods and techniques of animal collection and impoundment. Methods and equipment used in the care and control of animals. State and local laws and ordinances pertaining to the proper care and control of animals. Principles and practices of animal care and first aid. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Ability To Perform a variety of animal control activities. Assess animal behavior and make effective decisions regarding handling, capturing, or destroying the animal under stressful or emergency situations. Identify symptoms and behavior associated with rabies and other common domestic animal diseases. Enforce animal control rules and regulations. Maintain accurate records and prepare reports. Use of independent judgment and initiative in accomplishing work assignments. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Deal tactfully, courteously and effectively with the public when providing customer service. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Operate a variety of animal control equipment in a safe and effective manner including instant release control poles, animal grasper, animal traps, raccoon/skunk boxes, animal gauntlets, snappy snares, snake tongs, dog leads, Oplus-XT Rifle/pistol projector tranquilizer equipment, injection equipment for humane euthanasia, and other equipment for control and capture purposes. Operate office equipment including computers. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Work in a team environment and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Education/Training Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. College level coursework in animal health technology, animal husbandry, animal science or closely related field is desirable. Graduation from an accredited animal control academy (such as the National Animal Control Association) is desirable. Experience Experience working in an animal control agency or shelter with responsibilities including the handling of various animal species is preferred. Two years of the experience listed above is highly desirable. License or Certificate Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license. Possession of a certificate of completion of Euthanasia by Injection within six months of hire. Possession of a certificate of completion of Arrest, Search and Seizure (Penal Code 832) within six months of hire. Possession of a certificate of completion of Basic Humane Officer Training Academy prior to completion of the probationary period within six months of hire. Possession of a certificate of completion of Animal Chemical Capture within six months of hire. Retired Annuitants This is a regular full‑time position. Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229. Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement. Employment Sponsorship This position is not eligible for H‑1B visa sponsorship or any other type of employment‑based visa sponsorship. Physical Demands and Work Environment The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Environment Work is performed primarily in a field environment; exposure to a variety of domestic, livestock, and wild animals; exposure to infectious animal diseases, animal wastes, animal bites, allergens, and inclement weather conditions; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Physical Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to travel to various locations to pick up and dispose of animals; exert physical strength when handling animals and livestock; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; to operate assigned equipment and vehicle; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Benefits Summary Annual Leave (vacation/sick) – Hours vary by years of service. Deferred Compensation – 457 plan up to maximum allowed by law; City matches up to 2% or 4% of salary depending on membership status with CalPERS. Health (Medical) Insurance – CalPERS Health Plan (PEMHCA), cafeteria plan with monthly City contribution; rates up to $1,001.61 (single), $2,003.22 (2‑party), $2,735.14 (family); tax‑in‑lieu cash fringe allowance available. Dental Insurance – 100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents when enrolled in the City’s medical plan. Vision Insurance – 100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents when enrolled in the City’s medical plan. Pet Insurance – City employees eligible to purchase pet insurance at a discounted premium rate through MetLife. Retirement Health Savings Account – City‑provided defined contribution program for IRS‑eligible medical expenses upon retirement. Holidays – Employees not assigned to shift work receive eleven paid holidays and sixteen floating holiday hours per fiscal year; shift employees receive 5% holiday pay differential and eight floating holiday hours. Life Insurance – City provides life insurance at 1× base salary, minimum $50,000, maximum $300,000; additional coverage up to $500,000 available. Military Leave – Board pays difference between base salary and military reserve pay for authorized training. Short‑Term/Long‑Term Disability – Coverage at 66.67% of income; maximum benefits specified. Tuition Reimbursement – 80% up to $2,500/year undergraduate, 80% up to $3,500/year graduate. Wellness Program – On‑site wellness coordinator and multiple fitness and wellness classes available. #J-18808-Ljbffr