Description

We're building a pool of qualified candidates for anticipated vacancies over the next six months. Apply now to be first in line when positions become available!

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Future Salary Increases 
** June 26, 2026 - 4.57% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + 1.07% Market Increase)
** June 25, 2027 - 4.07% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the-Board + 1.07% Market Increase)

In addition to the base salary, employees receive:

• $850 annual uniform allowance (paid within 30 days of start date)
• $300 boot allowance/reimbursement for the hard toe shoes
• Overtime pay for working County-observed holidays
• 4/10 schedules
• 37 paid days off annually
   

ABOUT THE POSITION:

As an Animal Control Officer, you will enforce state and local laws that protect the public from dangerous animals and protect animals from abuse and neglect. Animal Control Officers are responsible for investigating animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect, investigating reports of aggressive and/or dangerous animals, enforcing state felony and misdemeanor laws, and local animal-related regulatory ordinances, writing detailed investigatory reports, and providing expert testimony in court cases and administrative hearings. Animal Control Officers should expect to interact frequently with members of the public and other law enforcement agencies, may encounter dangerous situations with unfamiliar and unpredictable animals, offer education to the public regarding animal welfare and animal-related laws, and may issue citations and warnings to individuals suspected of violating either state law or local animal-related ordinances.  

Animal Control Officers are responsible for transporting sick and/or injured animals found in the field. They may perform euthanasia on animals too sick or injured to transport.  In the case of a disaster, an Animal Control Officer is expected to participate in the evacuation, sheltering, and reunification of animals impacted by the disaster. Animal Control Officers are headquartered out of the Bonita and Carlsbad County shelter locations.

UPCOMING for Spring 2026: A new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Santee serving the East and South Counties. It will provide a safe environment for animals and the public. Landscape enhancements will be made along the Riverview Parkway front, including a secured and open courtyard, an outdoor livestock area, activity yards, a secured staff parking lot, and a public parking lot. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate must have compassion towards animals, be able to work independently and make sound judgments regarding field activities demonstrated through critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  The ideal candidate will also be able to calmly interact with highly emotional individuals and build relationships with community partners. Potential candidates will need to have the ability to learn quickly and retain information about various animal-related laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills. Candidates should adapt easily to changing demands as working hours can be irregular (nights, weekends, holidays, and standby shifts).  

Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Twelve (12) months of relevant experience within the last three (3) years handling and caring for domestic animals in a kennel facility, veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or explaining rules and regulations to the public in an animal-related environment or public service capacity; OR,
• Twelve (12) months of relevant experience within the last three (3) years as a humane officer or animal control officer at a humane society or animal control agency; OR,
• Twelve (12) months as an Animal Care Attendant with the County of San Diego, and have successfully passed the probationary period for said position; OR,
• Possession of Registration as a Veterinary Technician with the State of California; OR,
• Completion of at least thirty (30) semester college units from an accredited college or university with at least twelve (12) units related to animal control, criminal justice, or law enforcement.

Note: Candidates must complete a certified Penal Code 832 course in arrest and firearms within 6 months of appointment.