Deputy Dog Warden 1

Job Description

Job Description

Deputy Dog Warden 1

Reports to Chief Dog Warden 

Join the Team at Cincinnati Animal CARE

At Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC), we do work that matters.

Every day, our team protects animals, supports our community, and helps save thousands of lives each year through compassionate care, advocacy, and education.

This work is meaningful, fast-paced, and can be challenging, but for the right person, it’s incredibly rewarding.

We are a team built for impact, made up of people who care deeply, work hard, support one another, and show up every day committed to making a difference.

If you are passionate about animals, thrive in a mission-driven environment, and want your work to have purpose, we’d love to have you join us.

About the Role

We are looking for a Deputy Dog Warden 1  to join our team and play an important role in supporting CAC’s mission.

In this position, you will:

• Enforce Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapters 955 and 959, conduct field investigations, issue citations, prepare reports and court documentation, handle and transport animals safely, collect evidence for legal proceedings, maintain required records, and assist during emergency situations.
• Respond to animal-related complaints, capture and impound stray animals, and  investigate dog bites, cruelty, neglect, and nuisance animal cases
• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meaningful work, takes pride in helping others, and wants to contribute to a growing organization making a real impact in the community.

Dog Warden Levels

Deputy Dog Warden 1: carries firearms, more time dedicated to ORC 959 pertaining to animal cruelty and neglect investigations

Deputy Dog Warden 2: does not carry firearms; more time dedicated to ORC 955 pertaining to stray dogs and dog bites

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Your day-to-day may include:

Law Enforcement and Animal Control

• Enforce Ohio Revised Code Chapters 955 and 959 and applicable animal control regulations within Hamilton County.
• Respond to animal-related calls for service and public complaints.
• Investigate reports involving stray, lost, injured, dangerous, nuisance, neglected, or abused animals.
• Patrol assigned areas to locate, capture, return, or impound stray, unlicensed, or at-large animals.
• Conduct dog license compliance checks and issue citations, notices of violation, and criminal complaints when appropriate.
• Appear in court and provide testimony related to investigations and enforcement actions.

Animal Care and Handling

• Safely capture, handle, transport, and impound animals using approved equipment and methods.
• Provide basic animal care and first aid as directed by the CAC Medical Director.
• Set and monitor live traps when necessary to safely confine animals running at large.
• Communicate clearly with shelter staff to determine disposition and transfer of animals with behavior or medical concerns. 
• Maintain accurate records for impounded animals and related case activity.

Investigations and Documentation

• Conduct thorough investigations of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, dog bite, and other animal-related incidents.
• Collect, preserve, and document evidence for administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings.
• Complete required reports, forms, case files, and statistical records in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Maintain records required for animal quarantines and public health compliance.

Community Engagement

• Educate the public on animal control laws, responsible pet ownership, animal safety, and available resources.
• Respond to public inquiries and assist in resolving animal-related disputes and concerns.
• Participate in community outreach and educational programs as assigned.

Emergency Response and Equipment Maintenance

• Assist during emergencies, disasters, and incidents requiring animal control intervention.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, public safety agencies, veterinarians, and community partners as needed.
• Maintain and clean assigned vehicles, equipment, and animal handling tools.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties and special assignments as directed

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about CAC’s mission and animal welfare 
• Brings a positive, team-first attitude 
• Communicates openly and professionally 
• Takes ownership and solves problems proactively 
• Thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment 
• Can balance compassion with accountability 
• Is dependable, adaptable, and eager to learn 

Qualifications

Preferred/Required:

• Graduation from a standard high school or the equivalency
• Must be 21 years or older
• Resident of Hamilton County or within 15 mile radius of the Northside shelter (3949 Colerain Ave, 45223) for emergency response purposes preferred, but not required
• Professional firearms training and certifications
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle, including a large van
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Report writing and documentation
• Conflict resolution and mediation.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and corresponding safety precautions necessary for the safe performance of assigned duties
• Thorough knowledge of animal control ordinances
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Adherence to the applicable provisions of the Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society’s policy guidelines
• Must have personal integrity and remain free of felony convictions and most misdemeanor offenses.
• Must maintain confidentiality and follow due process in prosecution cases
• Must be able to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (rotating schedule)
• Must be bondable
• Must be able to lift 50+ lbs
• Law enforcement experience preferred

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations (at the time of hire or within the recommended period after employment):

• Within 6 months of employment, successful completion of NACA Level I and II Animal Control Officer Course.
• Possession of a proper current State of Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license for type of equipment operated.
• Ability to obtain weapons, O/C chemical spray, Baton, Taser and Defensive Tactics certifications within the first six months of employment.

Work Specs and Availability:

• Potential for rotating shifts based on training level and organizational needs
• 8 or 10 hour shifts
• 2 shifts to cover 16 hours; first shift 6am-2:30pm, second shift 1:30-10pm
• On-call  availability between 10pm-6am, as assigned
• Holiday availability
• Weekend availability

Why Join CAC?

At CAC, you’ll be part of more than just a workplace. You’ll join a team of people doing meaningful work together.

We offer:

• The opportunity to make a real difference every day 
• A mission-driven, supportive team culture 
• Growth and development opportunities 
• Competitive benefits package 
• A workplace where your work directly impacts animals and the community 

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: From $25.90/hour after successful completion of 90 day training period, $22.40 during training period
• Retirement plan with employer match 
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• Paid Time Off 
• Professional Development Assistance 
• Life Insurance 

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Danger from moving traffic
• Exposure to aggressive and sick animals
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and parasites
• Temperature level will vary from extreme cold to extreme heat
• Moisture level will vary from extreme dry to rain, snow, and ice conditions and may require immersion in water
• May require evening, weekend, and holiday work.
• On-call availability for emergency situations.