Animal Control Officer

The Animal Control Officer (SO) performs general law enforcement work to ensure compliance with county ordinances and state statutes relating to the welfare and control of animals. Provides conflict resolution and medication services to citizens regarding both animal and people issues. Completes investigations of alleged animal cruelty and neglect, ownership of dangerous animals, and biting incidents. Educates and informs citizens of domestic and wildlife related issues at public functions and special events. Demonstrates public and officer safety, humane animal capture and containment. Job Posting Closes at 11:59 PM on 07/20/26 Division Sheriff Patrol Division Management Level Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement. Salary Ranges $26.70 to $40.05 per hour 100% Drug Free Workforce Equal Opportunity Employer Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The County affirms the rights of all employees and applicants for employment to be protected from discrimination, intimidation, physical harm, and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, hairstyle associated with racial identity, or any other status protected by Federal or State law. Responsibilities Respond to complaint calls such as leash law violations, aggressive and nuisance behavior, and barking; interview witnesses, complainants and suspects and take appropriate enforcement action; attempt to mediate and de‑escalate neighborhood disputes and conflicts. Investigate misdemeanor animal bites, cruelty, and neglect; interview suspects and witnesses, collect evidence, and take appropriate enforcement action; conduct preliminary investigations of felony animal cruelty, fighting or dangerous dog cases. Patrol an assigned area of the county in a marked patrol vehicle with high visibility and initiate proactive contacts with violators; may also patrol on foot, bicycle, or hiking. Respond to requests for service to capture and constrain stray, deceased, sick, injured or nuisance animals including domestic animals, wildlife, and livestock; return animals to owners when identified; perform humane euthanasia on injured, sick, or rabies‑suspect wildlife. Perform administrative tasks such as completing daily activity logs, scanning paperwork, inventorying, maintaining animal control equipment, and providing dispatcher support; process and review applications and verify information for dog licenses or other permits. Maintain a case load of animal cruelty, neglect and dangerous dog cases requiring follow‑up and enforcement of special sanctions imposed by the courts; monitor compliance with applicable rules and regulations and determine when reinvestigation is necessary to ensure ongoing compliance. Assist the patrol division when emergencies and traffic accidents occur and respond to other incidents where additional personnel are requested; utilize emergency equipment and control traffic; support Park Rangers during in‑park emergencies. Participate in emergency preparedness and response; attend FEMA and other emergency‑management trainings; facilitate the evacuation of animals and people during large‑scale incidents and assist other emergency‑management efforts. Issue summonses and write complex investigative reports; collaborate with the District Attorney’s office and collect follow‑up information as requested; assemble and organize statements and evidence for presentation in court; attend court proceedings, present evidence and testimony, and release evidence at conclusion of case. Answer inquiries from the public, providing general information on laws, ordinances, and human and wildlife conflicts; prepare public presentations and attend outreach events; provide technical assistance and facilitate internal education/training for the patrol division, as well as other agencies. Collaborate with mental‑health co‑responders, adult protective services, and other agencies in serving mentally ill or at‑risk citizens; perform crisis intervention as needed. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Minimum 21 years of age by hire date and pass pre‑hire background investigation. Within 12 months of employment: obtain commission as a Bureau of Animal Protection Agent (Peace Officer) and state certification from the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC). Continuing education as prescribed by BAP/AWAC; attend annual sheriff’s office in‑service training. Successfully attend re‑certification in perishable skills (OC, ASP baton, Taser, driving, First Aid, CPR, etc.) on a rotating schedule. Quarterly qualification in chemical capture (tranquilizer) weapons. Preferred Qualifications Prior animal control or law enforcement experience. Education GED, High School Diploma Experience Minimum one year of work experience. Certifications Colorado Law Enforcement Accreditation - Colorado Category Enforcement & Protective Services #J-18808-Ljbffr