Animal Control Officer

Job Description:

Animal Control Officer

Description

The Job

UP TO $2,000 IN HIRING BONUS!

UP TO $2,000 IN BONUS WHEN ASSIGNED TO WORK IN HIGH DESERT, BIG BEAR OR YUCCA VALLEY!

The Animal Care Division within the Department of Public Health (DPH) is recruiting for Animal Control Officers who work in shelters and in the field to ensure compliance with State and County animal regulations. During training, Animal Control Officers serve under close supervision while acquiring skills and experience to prepare for the job. Positions may be assigned to both shelter and field at various locations throughout the County.

Duties assigned to a field Animal Control Officer include, but are not limited to:

• Patrolling an assigned geographic area and enforcing State and County regulations concerning the care, treatment, impounding, and quarantine of animals.
• Locating, capturing, and impounding stray, sick, injured, unwanted, abandoned, and diseased animals; removing and properly disposing of deceased animals.
• Issue warnings, notices, and citations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; perform humane euthanasia of animals that are sick, injured, or unadoptable.
• Conduct preliminary investigations into reports of animal cruelty or neglect; prepare documentation and provide testimony in court proceedings when required.

Duties assigned to a shelter Animal Control Officer include, but are not limited to:

• Intake and processing of incoming animals, maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Responsible for ensuring all animals have adequate food, water, and a clean environment, maintain cleanliness of kennels, cages, and shelter areas.
• Assisting a veterinary team with vaccinations, microchipping, basic medical care, identifying signs of illness, injury, or stress in shelter animals.
• Assist citizens with reclaiming lost pets or adopting a new pet.
• Provide education on licensing, spay and neuter, and responsible pet ownership.
• Safely handle aggressive, frightened, or injured animals.
• Restock supplies and report inventory needs.
• Dispose of waste following biohazard protocols.
• Following all shelter policies and animal welfare laws.
• Issue warnings, notices, and citations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; perform humane euthanasia of animals that are sick, injured, or unadoptable.

The list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current assignments in the High Desert region ( Hesperia, Apple Valley, Victorville)) and San Bernardino. Applicants will be asked to indicate their availability on the supplemental questionnaire.

For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Control Officer job description.


Excellent Benefits Package!

Health Benefits
Medical and Dental: family coverageVision: employee coveragePremium subsidies to offset health costsFlexible spending account (FSA) pre-tax account for qualified healthcare expenses
Paid Time Off
Up to 4 weeks accruable vacation with cash-out option11 days accruable sick leave15 paid holidaysPerfect attendance leave
Retirement
Generous PensionRetirement reciprocity may be available457(b) deferred compensation planRetirement Medical Trust Fund
Benefits By Occupational Unit: Technical & Inspection


Recruitment and Retention Bonus: Bonus payment up to $2,000 in total compensation may be available for newly hired employees from this recruitment.

Remote Assignment Bonus: Bonus payment up to $2,000 in total compensation may be available for newly hired employees assigned to a remote area from this recruitment.

Please refer to the Teamster Local 1932 MOU to review eligibility criteria for these bonuses.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Animal Euthanasia: Applicants must be able to perform euthanasia of sick, injured, or unadopted impounded animals.
• Travel/License: Travel throughout the County is required. A valid California Class C driver license and proof of automobile liability insurance are required and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Availability: Must be available to work on weekends and on-call/call-back duty. Applicants must indicate availability on the Application or will be disqualified.
• PC 832 Training: Employees must complete a training course in arrest and firearms, which also includes a physical agility test component within eighteen (18) months of hire or be terminated. Note: Some criminal convictions may preclude applicants from completing the Penal Code 832 course.
• Uniforms: Employees must purchase their own uniforms; those in regular positions will receive an annual uniform allowance.
• Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must pass a background investigation which includes verification of employment history and education, fingerprinting, physical exam, and drug screening.
• Physical: Must be able to lift and restrain small to very large animals, both domestic and wild, which may weigh up to 100 pounds.
• Weather: Applicants must be able to perform duties in inclement weather.
• Visa Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet one (1) of the following options:

Option A: Six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience interpreting, explaining, and enforcing rules and regulations for a public agency.

-OR-

Option B: Six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience in animal handling/care working in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or kennel operation.

-OR-

Option C: Possession of a Registered Veterinary Technician Certificate issued by the State of California. If applying under this option, indicate certificate number on the Supplemental Questionnaire, or include a list of completed coursework required to be eligible for the certificate.

Selection Process

There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the application and supplemental questionnaire. It is to your advantage to be explicit in your responses on the application and supplemental questionnaire.

Application Procedure : Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire for consideration before the posted deadline. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.

To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.

If you need technical assistance, follow this link to review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for allemployees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation:
If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form (Download PDF) within one week of the recruitmentfiling deadline.

Veterans' Preference:
Eligible veterans, their spouses, or widows/widowers who are not current County employees mayreceive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request thesepoints, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Information (Download PDF) .

For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process .

Technical & Inspection Unit

The County of San Bernardino offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.

For a summary of benefits,* please click here .

Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the Benefits website for more detailed information at hr.sbcounty.gov/employee-benefits/ .

*Retirement benefits subject to change.

Closing Date/Time: 9/5/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$49,712.00 - $68,369.60 Annually