Animal Services Officer

Salary : $59,316.00 - $79,491.00 Annually
Location : 9150 Union Park Way, Elk Grove, CA 95624, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 07152026TG
Department: Police
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Description/Special Instructions
The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of

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.

Successful candidates understand that this role requires equal parts compassion, enforcement, and problem-solving, and they are comfortable making difficult decisions while treating both people and animals with dignity and respect.

Learn more about the City of Elk Grove's state-of-the-art Animal Shelter.
Tentative Recruitment Timeline (subject to change)
Filing Deadline: August 5, 2026, by 11:59 pm
Oral Board Interviews: August 20, 2026 (virtual)
Selection Interviews: August 25, 2026 (in person)
The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more. Why work for the City of Elk Grove?


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: The incumbent will perform a variety of duties involved in the enforcement of various City and state animal related ordinances, regulations, and laws governing the care and keeping of livestock and domestic animals in the City; investigate complaints regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous or diseased animals and issue appropriate citations; transport animals to City designated shelter; prepare written reports for prosecution of local ordinances and state law; provide public information and education to citizens and community groups regarding animal services; and perform other duties related to humane animal protection and control.

1. 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.
2. Investigates complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild or diseased animals.
3. Responds to and conducts initial investigation of complaints regarding animal cruelty and abuse.
4. Investigates animal bites, arranging for appropriate identification and quarantine.
5. 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.
6. Takes into custody animals turned in by the public including trapped animals; quarantines and disposes of animals as appropriate.
7. 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.
8. Identifies symptoms of common animal diseases and recommends veterinary medical care, isolation or destruction; may perform and/or assist in the euthanasia of animals.
9. 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.
10. Examines licenses for validity and issues warning notices and citations to delinquent owners.
11. Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports detailing animal control work performed.
12. Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
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 the completion of the twelfth grade. College level course work 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.
• (2) 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. City of Elk Grove participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
CITY OF ELK GROVE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY
Elk Grove Police Officers Association (EGPOA) - Non Sworn

Annual Leave (vacation/sick)
0-4 years of service 176 hours 6.77 hours per pay period
5-9 years of service 216 hours 8.31 hours per pay period
10-14 years of service 232 hours 8.92 per pay period
15-19 years of service 256 hours 9.85 hours per pay period
20+ years of service 272 hours 10.46 hours per pay period
Deferred Compensation
Employee may participate in a 457 deferred compensation plan up to maximum allowed by law.
Deferred Compensation - City Match
The City will match up to 2% or 4% of employee's salary depending on the membership status with CalPERS.
Employee Assistance Program

Available to employees and immediate family.


Flexible Spending Account
Covers IRS approved medical and/or approved dependent care expenses to be paid on a pre-tax basis.

• Medical spending up to $3,400 annually.
• Dependent care up to $7,500 annually.
• Adoption Assistance FSA up to $16,810 annually.

Health (Medical) Insurance

The City participates in the CalPERS Health Plan (PEMHCA) and offers a "cafeteria plan," which includes a monthly City contribution that an employee may apply toward premiums for medical insurance.


The City's Contribution rates for the 2026 plan year are as follows:

Single: up to $1,001.61 per month
2-Party: up to $2,003.22 per month
Family: up to $2,735.14 per month

Employees who show evidence of other group health insurance coverage and waive enrollment in a CalPERS health plan shall receive a taxable in lieu cash fringe allowance of $300 per month.
Dental Insurance
100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

Vision Insurance
100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

Pet Insurance
City employees are 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 who are not assigned by the Police Chief to work shifts shall receive eleven (11) paid holidays per year and sixteen (16) hours of floating holiday every fiscal year.


Employees assigned by the Police Chief to work shifts shall receive a 5% holiday pay differential in lieu of paid holidays and eight (8) hours of floating holiday every fiscal year.
Life Insurance

City provides Life insurance at 1X base salary with a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $300,000. Additional life insurance may be purchased by employee up to a maximum of $500,000.


Military Leave

The City will pay qualified employees any difference between his/her base salary and the amount received in military reserve pay for regularly scheduled annual training that requires the employee to take military leave from his/her regular work week.


Retirement (CalPERS)
Your CalPERS Pension formula will be dependent upon your hire date with the City of Elk Grove and/or your status with any Public Retirement System.

• 2.7% at 55 if hired before 8/12/12.
• 2% at 55 if hired after 8/12/12 and a current Classic member of CalPERS.
• 2% at 62 if hired after 1/1/13 and not a Classic member of CalPERS.

Internal applicants will remain in their current retirement formula unless they are moving from a safety to miscellaneous classification.
Short Term/Long Term Disability

• The City provides Short-Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $2,300 per week and Long-Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $15,000 per month.
• The City also provides Paid Family Leave coverage @ 60-70% of weekly earnings up to a maximum of $,1,750 per week.

City employees DO NOT contribute to the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program.
Social Security

City employees do not currently participate in the Social Security program. City offers an IRS qualifying retirement plan.

Tuition Reimbursement

80% up to $2,500/year for undergraduate studies
80% up to $3,500/year for graduate studies
Wellness Program
Amazing on-site Wellness Coordinator and multiple fitness and wellness classes such as yoga and pilates available throughout the week!
01


Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, stating "see resume" or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you possess the equivalent of the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have college level coursework in animal health technology, animal science, or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

04


If you answered "Yes" to Question #3, please describe your college-level coursework in animal health technology, animal science, or a closely related field, including the name of the institution, relevant courses completed, and any certificates or degrees earned.
05


Did you graduate from an accredited animal control academy (such as the National Animal Control Association)?

• Yes
• No

06


If you answered "Yes" to Question # 5, please describe your graduation from an accredited animal control academy, including the name of the academy, the date of completion, and any certifications earned.
07


Please indicate how many years of full-time experience you have providing in-person customer service.

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• More than 2 - 3 years
• More than 3 - 5 years
• More than 5 years

08


Please indicate how many years of experience you have working with animals in a professional or voluntary capacity? Experience may include working on a farm, with an animal control agency, a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or a similar setting.

• No experience
• Volunteer experience only
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year - 3 years
• 3 years - 5 years
• More than 5 years of experience

09


As a follow up to your response for questions #7 and #8, please briefly describe your experience below.
10


Do you possess any of the following? Select all that apply.

• Certificate of completion of Euthanasia by Injection
• Certificate of completion of Basic Humane Officer Training Academy
• Certificate of completion of Advanced Human Officer Training Academy
• Certificate of Animal Control Officer Accreditation
• Certificate of completion of Animal Chemical Capture

11


Retired CalPERS members may apply only if they are planning to voluntarily reinstate from retirement. Do you understand that this is a regular full-time position, and that Retired Annuitants are not eligible for appointment to this position under Government Code Sections 7522.56, 21224, 21227, and 21229?

• Yes
• No

12


Do you require sponsorship for employment in the United States now or in the future (e.g., H-1B or other employment-based visas)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question