Animal Services Officer

Salary: $39,024.00 - $44,245.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600102
Department: PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION
Division: ANIMAL SERVICES
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: 105


Description


This position enforces City ordinances governing the care and keeping of domestic animals and livestock in an effort to maintain public safety and welfare; and performs related work as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, lifting, climbing, pushing or raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, animals/wildlife, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, heights, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, violence; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.
Essential Job Functions

• Patrols areas of the City on foot or in assigned vehicles to detect violations of city and state laws and ordinances pertaining to animal control;
• Investigates complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances and takes appropriate action;
• Investigates reports of animal abuse; files charges as appropriate; prepares cases for prosecution and provides court testimony;
• Responds to calls regarding stray, vicious and/or diseased animals; responds to calls regarding animal bites; performs preliminary investigations;
• Captures and transports stray, sick, injured or potentially rabid animals to the shelter for appropriate processing, care and treatment, and quarantine as necessary;
• Assists law enforcement personnel in situations involving animals as requested;
• Issues warnings and citations for violations of City ordinances governing the care and keeping of animals;
• Works with other Animal Control staff to ensure that the animals at the shelter are properly maintained and cared for; assists with animal shelter operations and maintenance as scheduled;
• Performs euthanasia of animals as necessary;
• Enforces pet licensing for dogs and cats that belong to City residents;
• Assesses, collects, receipts and records various fines and fees;
• Provides public education regarding animal control; explains ordinances related to the care and keeping of animals;
• Assists in coordinating department activities with the Department of Health and Environmental Control and other agencies as appropriate;
• Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment;
• Maintains records of daily work activities;
• Performs routine clerical duties as required, including but not limited to greeting and assisting customers, preparing forms, reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, copying and filing documents, etc.;
• Attends training, meetings, workshops, etc., as necessary to maintain job knowledge, skills and required certifications; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Two (2) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License;
• S.C. Humane Euthanasia certification.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:
01


Do you have a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

02


Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• Some high school, did not graduate
• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Some college
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

03


How many years of relevant experience do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• Over 1 year but less than 2 years of experience
• Over 2 years but less than 3 years of experience
• Over 3 years but less than 5 years of experience
• Over 5 years of experience

04


Do you have a S.C. Humane Euthanasia certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question