Animal Care Officer

Salary : $38,958.40 - $44,803.20 Annually
Location : Public Safety Center, 301 N. Church St., Winston-Salem, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 027-26
Department: Sheriff
Opening Date: 10/16/2026
Closing Date: 10/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


General Statement of Duties


Opportunity to work for the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office providing assistance in animal control field activities.

This position works a permanent 12-hour day shift that rotates through the week with every other 3-day weekend off. Hours are 7a-7p.

Distinguishing Features


An employee in this class is responsible for responding to non-public safety calls and civil enforcement of licensing ordinances. Position is a non-sworn position that works in the field and provides support services in the shelter. Work is performed under general supervision and is evaluated through conferences and by inspection. Work hours vary.

Minimum Education and Experience


Graduation from high school or GED and one year of experience working with animals and one year of experience in dealing with the public. Must complete rabies pre-exposure vaccination series and obtain certification as euthanasia technician. A higher education level may be considered as a substitution for all or part of the experience requirement. Valid driver's license is required. As a law enforcement agency, qualified applicants will be subject to an extensive background process.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities


Enforces state and county laws and ordinances related to animal control; explains laws to the general public and issues citations.
Educates pet owners and non-pet owners by explaining various animal control laws and owner responsibilities.
Serves civil papers such as court summons and warrants to individuals who have failed to respond to citations; may include an order to arrest.
Issues Field Order for Preventive Measures.
Answers complaints concerning animals and takes appropriate action; completes appropriate paperwork on each call answered.
Captures suspected rabid and unrestrained vicious animals. Investigates and properly quarantines biting animals.
Removes livestock that have strayed onto streets, returns them to their owners, or transports them to a sheltering facility.
Investigates and takes proper action to prevent inhumane treatment of animals.
Transports sick, injured animals to the shelter; photographs animal for possible identification and for a record.
Seizes and impounds all stray animals.
Performs related work as required; including assisting in receiving, feeding, caring, and euthanizing of impounded animals.
Assists as dispatcher in transmitting calls to other officers.
Inspects vehicles, equipment, and weapons for safety, serviceability, and cleanliness. Requests preventive maintenance and repairs for equipment. Requests equipment and supplies.
Performs related work as required.

Maintaining a specific license such as a driver's license in good standing, without a lapse or loss of a privilege to drive in compliance with North Carolina law, and in compliance with applicable DOT standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers if required to perform the duties assigned to the position.
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01


The following supplemental questions may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided on your application. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during a hiring interview.By completing this supplemental evaluation you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any information you provide may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.

• Yes I understand and agree
• No I do not agree

02


Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you currently possess a valid driver's license or are you able to obtain a North Carolina driver's license within 30 days?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have at least 1 year of customer service experience or professional experience working with the public?

• Yes
• No

05


If you answered "yes" to the previous question, briefly describe your experience. If you answered "no", please put N/A.
06


Do you have at least 1 year of experience working with animals?

• Yes
• No

07


If you answered "yes" to the previous question, briefly describe your experience. If you answered "no", please put N/A.
08


What best describes your level of education?

• Did not finish High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some college
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

09


Are you willing and able to complete a rabies pre-exposure vaccination series?

• Yes
• No

10


Are you willing and able to obtain a certification as a euthanasia technician?

• Yes
• No

11


Are you able to work nights, weekends and holidays where they may fall in your schedule?

• Yes
• No

Required Question