Animal Control Officer I

Salary : $54,798.84 - $66,898.08 Annually
Location : Eric Rood Government Center (Western County), 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202400526
Department: Sheriff Animal Control
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
Closing Date: 10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Definition and Class Characteristics
INTERVIEWS FOR QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 28, 2026

**UP TO $3,000.00 HIRING BONUS**

Why Choose This Career?

At the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, we believe in providing a voice for some of our most vulnerable customers - the pets and wildlife of our community. As an Animal Control Officer, you will play a crucial role in protecting and advocating for these animals. This position is ideal for someone who is motivated by making a difference and enjoys working outdoors in a team environment. We offer an encouraging environment where you can share knowledge, motivate each other, and achieve your best every day. This position provides training opportunities for growth and promotion.
Recruitment incentives are paid over a 1-year. The recruitment incentive is paid half upon hire and the remainder upon completion of a 12-month probation period.
As an Animal Control Officer, you will:

• Enforce animal control laws and ordinances to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and the community.
• Respond to calls regarding stray, injured, or dangerous animals and take appropriate action.
• Investigate cases of animal cruelty or neglect and take necessary measures to protect the animals.
• Capture and transport animals to shelters or veterinary facilities as needed.
• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership and promote community awareness.
• Maintain detailed records of all activities and incidents.
• Collaborate with local agencies and rescue organizations to provide the best care for animals.
• Participate in hands-on training and mentoring programs to improve your skills and knowledge.

To be a successful Animal Control Officer, you must have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent experience will be considered.
• A valid driver's license.
• The ability to handle animals safely and humanely.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• A passion for protecting animals and serving the community.
• Physical stamina to handle the demands of the job, including lifting and handling animals.
• The willingness to complete certification in Basic Animal Law Enforcement from the Humane Society or National Animal Control Society within the first 12 months of employment.

Qualified applicants will be subject to a background investigation before a conditional offer of employment.

Health & Wellness Benefits:
This full-time position comes with an extensive benefits package including, but not limited to, CalPERS retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance. We also offer optional flexible spending accounts (FSA and Dependent Care), 457 Deferred Compensation Accounts, and a variety of other benefits. Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the program through the Department of Education.


Why Join Our Team?
When you join the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, you are joining a dedicated team that values creativity, efficiency, and growth. We provide personal and professional growth opportunities to all our employees, ensuring that you can build your career with us. Our encouraging supervisors lead by example, sharing their ethics, values, and extensive knowledge to help you succeed. We are committed to building leaders at all levels and providing the technical skills and education necessary for your success.


You can learn more about the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and our mission by visiting our website.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Read the full for more information.
Education and Experience Required
Minimum Qualification:

Level I:
Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade and certification of training in Basic Animal Law Enforcement from the Humane Society or National Animal Control Society within one year of employment.


Level II (in addition to the above):
Two years of experience at a level equivalent to the class of Nevada County Animal Control Officer I, and certification of training in Basic Animal Law Enforcement from the Humane Society or National Animal Control Society.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid driver's license within 30 days of hire. A valid Class C driver's license must be maintained throughout employment in this class to perform the essential functions of the position.


Compliance with all relevant pre- and post-employment training requirements of Penal Code sections 830 through 832 and section 6035, including:


Animal Control Officer I: firearms, arrest and seizure certification within six months of employment

Animal Control Officer II: firearms, arrest and seizure certification prior to employment.

Physical demands and working conditions:

-Working in exposure to animal dander, waste, animal bites, and various cleaning and disinfecting chemicals.

-Working outside in extreme temperature and weather conditions under difficult or hazardous situations.
-Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts, on-call, weekends and holidays

-Some accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodations.
County-paid training requirements after hire:

Within 12-months of employment:


-Certification of training in Basic Animal Law Enforcement from the Humane Society or National Animal Control Society.


Within 6-months of employment:

-Certification to Euthanize by Injection.

-Compliance with all relevant pre and post-employment training requirements of Penal Code sections 830 through 832 and section 6035, including firearms, arrest and seizure certification.
Other Requirements:
-Must be a U.S. citizen or have applied for citizenship at least one year prior to application.
-Must reside within a reasonable distance from the work site, as specified by the Supervising Animal Control Officer.
-Must submit to and pass a psychological evaluation, medical examination, drug and alcohol screening, and a background investigation.
-May have to submit to a voice stress test.
Benefits Guide

The is a comprehensive document for employees of the County of Nevada. Information contained in this summary of benefits is not a binding document. Refer to specific unit for additional benefit information.
Health Insurance
The County sponsored plan is the PERS Gold PPO, but you can also choose plans from providers such as Anthem, Blue Shield, and PORAC (if you are a member) to suit your needs.

Health Insurance Plans

• Anthem Blue Cross Select HMO
• Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO
• Blue Shield CalPERS Access+ HMO
• Blue Shield Trio HMO
• Kaiser HMO
• PERS Gold PPO (County sponsored plan)
• PERS Platinum PPO
• PORAC (Available to PORAC members only)

Flexible Spending Accounts
The County offers employees the option to contribute to a pre-tax medical FSA and dependent Care FSA.
Life Insurance
Voya is the County's life insurance provider. We offer the following products through Voya:

• Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Basic Term Life
• Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans
• Optional Dependent Term Life
• Optional Term Life

Dental & Vision Insurance
Nevada County employees can opt to receive dental and vision insurance without opting for health insurance coverage as well. This will give employees more flexibility to match their choice of insurance plans to their specific needs. Ameritas Dental is the dental provider offered through Nevada County and Ameritas VSP Vision Care is our vision care provider.
Retirement
The County is a member of the CalPERS retirement system and also provides the opportunity for voluntary contributions to a 457 deferred compensation account through Nationwide by way of pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions.

CalPERS Miscellaneous Tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employee originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 2.7% @ 55 Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 12/14/12-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6 months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 2%@60 Tier 3 (Hired by first CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13 or having a break in service of more than six months between another CalPERS employer and Nevada County) 2%@62


CalPERS Safety tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employees originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 3% @ 50. Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 7/2411-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6-months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 3% @ 55. Tier 3 (Hired by any CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13) 2.7% @ 57. We encourage you to visit the CalPERS home page, , to search related information about the retirement plans noted here so that you fully understand what your retirement formula means to you.


NEVADA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or documents and links are subject to change without notice.

Nevada County Human Resources Department

950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 View phone number on click.appcast.io option 2

View email address on click.appcast.io

01


Which of the following choices best describes your level of education? Please attach a copy of your college level transcripts (unofficial are accepted).

• Did not graduate High School or GED
• High School or GED
• Some college: 0-59 units
• Some college: 60-89 units
• Some college: 90-119 units
• Associates Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

02


Although not required, do you have specialized college level education or licenses or certificates of training in the field of animals, animal care, Animal Control, or related? Example: Certification of training in Basic Animal Law Enforcement from the Humane Society or National Animal Control Society. Please attach documentation to your application if you answer yes.

• No, I don't have any.
• Yes, I do have specialized college level education/licenses/certificates of training and have attached documents to my application.

03


The Animal Control Officer is one who genuinely cares about people; is concerned about their work and non-work problems; is available and ready to help; is sympathetic to the plight of others not as fortunate; demonstrates real empathy with the joys and pains of others. As the Animal Control Officer for the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, tell us about how you would show compassion and demonstrate how you would get along with someone you found to be a very difficult person.
04


The Animal Control Officer is one who adheres to an appropriate (for the setting) and effective set of core values and beliefs during both good and bad times; acts in line with those values; rewards the right values and disapproves of others; practices what he/she preaches. Please tell us how you would approach a situation where you were asked to do something you thought was unethical.
05


The Animal Control Officer is one who is widely trusted; is seen as a direct, truthful individual; can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent him/herself for personal gain. As the Animal Control Officer for the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, please tell us how you would demonstrate your integrity and trust in a situation requiring you to publicly admit to a mistake or failure.
06


Describe your ideal supervisor. Tell me about a time when you worked for someone like this. What qualities do you prefer in a boss?
07


Describe the work environment or culture in which you are most productive and happy.
08


The Animal Control Officer I will be working in the field with a variety of species and many different breeds of domestic and wild animals. Please tell us what your experience is with basic species and breed identification of domestic and wild animals.

• I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.
• I have had education or training in how to perform this task but have not yet performed it on the job.
• I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
• I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
• I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in doing this task because of my expertise.

09


How would co-workers describe the role that you play on a team?
10


The Animal Control Officer I works with individuals in the community and the public on certain matters involving animal control. Please let us know if you have previous experience handling criticism from citizens with tact and good judgement.

• I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.
• I have had education or training in how to perform this task but have not yet performed it on the job.
• I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
• I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
• I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in doing this task because of my expertise.

11


Tell us about your existing experience, if any, in basic techniques and procedures for the safe, humane, and efficient handling of animals.

• I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.
• I have had education or training in how to perform this task but have not yet performed it on the job.
• I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
• I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
• I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in doing this task because of my expertise.

Required Question