Animal Services Officer

ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICER The City of Elk Grove is seeking an Animal Services Officer to join our Police Department at a state‑of‑the‑art animal shelter. This professional will provide compassionate care, enforce animal control laws, and support community education and outreach. Responsibilities The incumbent will perform a variety of duties involved in the enforcement of city and state animal related ordinances, investigate complaints, transport animals, prepare reports, and provide public information. Operate an animal services vehicle patrolling streets and alleys to capture and confine stray and unlicensed animals; impound dead, sick, injured, stray, or trapped domestic and non‑domestic animals. Investigate complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild or diseased animals. Respond to and conduct initial investigation of complaints regarding animal cruelty and abuse. Investigate animal bites, arranging for appropriate identification and quarantine. Enforce applicable animal control codes and licensing ordinances; issue citations for violations; file criminal complaints; testify in court or administrative hearings. Takes into custody animals turned in by the public, quarantines and disposes of animals as appropriate. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; provide public information and education; give public presentations as necessary. Identify symptoms of common animal diseases and recommend veterinary care or isolation; may assist or perform euthanasia of animals. Operate and maintain a variety of animal services tools and equipment; keep equipment and vehicle clean and in good working order. Examine licenses for validity and issue warning notices and citations to delinquent owners. Prepare and maintain records and reports detailing animal control work performed. Perform related duties as required. Qualifications Strong sense of personal accountability, ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and exercise sound judgment. Excellent customer service skills, patience, empathy, and professionalism in interactions with community members, coworkers, and partner agencies. Ability to remain calm under pressure and make thoughtful decisions in emotionally challenging situations. Physical stamina to work outdoors in a variety of conditions; handle animals of all sizes and temperaments; travel to various locations. Good written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare accurate reports and testify in court. Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret and apply animal control laws, ordinances, and policy. Willingness to work irregular hours, weekends, holidays, overtime, split shifts, and on‑call assignments. Education and Training Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade; college‑level coursework in animal health technology, husbandry, or a 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 that include handling various animal species. Two years of such experience is highly desirable. License or Certificate Valid driver’s license. Certificate of completion of Euthanasia by Injection within six months of hire. Certificate of completion of Arrest, Search and Seizure (Penal Code 832) within six months of hire. Certificate of completion of Basic Humane Officer Training Academy prior to completion of probationary period within six months of hire. 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. Benefits Competitive salary and a generous benefits package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match, and more. Equal Opportunity Employer 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, special accommodations may 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr