About the Department
Schedule: Four - 10 hours
Interviews will be conducted July 7, 2026
HIRING INCENTIVEHiring Incentive – paid in first paycheck | $1,500 |
Personal Leave credit in first paycheck | 40 hours |
Upon completion of probationary period and meets expectations on performance evaluation | $1,500 |
Upon completion of 3 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation | $2,000 |
Upon completion of 4 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation | $3,000 |
Upon completion of 5 years and meets expectations on performance evaluation | $4,000 |
TOTAL | $12,000 |
DEFINITION:
Under direct or general supervision, enforces state and local laws, codes, and ordinancesregarding stray, dangerous, nuisance, and improperly kept domestic, wild, livestock, and exotic animals; investigates complaints and patrols assigned areas; ensures public safety by capturing and caring for animals; and performs related work as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct or general supervision from the Supervising Animal Control Officer. The Animal Control Officer I and II positions exercises no direct supervision over staff. The Senior Animal Control Officer may exercise direct or general supervision over Animal Control Officer staff in the absence of the Director or Supervising Animal Control Officer.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Animal Control Officer I: The Animal Control Officer I position is the entry-level position in the series. This individual performs a variety of skilled and unskilled duties in the general maintenance of the Animal Shelter. Conducts field investigations concerning animal control laws of the State of California and Tuolumne County. This position involves considerable personal contact with the general public in sensitive matters relating to the care, control, maintenance and treatment of animals. Primary duties involve responding to citizen complaints or requests for service, in matters relating to the care and maintenance of animals. Provides satisfactory explanations or resolutions to problems. As needed, this position may also perform in the position of Animal Care Technician at the Animal Shelter. The Level I classification has less experience and knowledge and works under immediate supervision. This position is subject to overtime, holiday, standby and callback assignments, and performs related duties as assigned.
Position Duties
(Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Animal Control Officer I
- With supervision patrols assigned areas of the County to monitor and enforce compliance with state and local laws, codes, and ordinances related to the care and control of domestic, livestock, and wild animals; issues citations for violations of applicable regulations.
- Investigates complaints from the public and other agencies regarding nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild, or diseased animals.
- Captures and impounds unlicensed, stray, domestic, and uncontrolled animals using proper equipment, tools, and techniques in a safe and effective manner; transports animals to shelter, veterinary facilities, and/or owners; arranges for proper containment and humane care.
- Picks up dead or injured animals; provides aid to injured animals; euthanizes injured animals in the field as necessary.
- Establishes and maintains positive community relations through programs, demonstrations, and public assistance regarding shelter and humane animal services, including wildlife issues, adoption procedures, and enforcement of animal laws, codes, and ordinances; and answers specific and general questions.
- Follows up on investigations on previously issued notices, citations, service requests, public nuisance animals, abandoned animals, and habitual violators.
- Answers questions regarding the enforcement of animal services, regulations, adoption, and licensing policies and procedures.
- Prepares reports and maintains records, logs, and files of activities; photographs and logs evidence; prepares and submits criminal complaints to the District Attorney; testifies in court.
- Provides care to impounded animals by providing food, water, baths, and comfort; observes animal behavior and health; isolates sick, quarantined, or injured animals; notifies supervisor or other staff members if an animal needs immediate veterinary care.
- Performs general office support work as required.
- Inspects, cleans, and performs preventive maintenance on vehicle.
- Assists other County departments with animal related issues.
- Attends training, meetings, and workshops as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Animal Control Officer I
Knowledge of:
- Basic species and breed identification of a variety of domestic and common wild animals.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
- English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Ability to:
- Capture, handle, and control animals in a humane and compassionate manner.
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12th) grade. No experience. On the job training provided.
Licenses and Certificates
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.
- Ability to obtain a euthanasia certificate within six (6) months of employment.
- Ability to obtain certification of training in powers of arrest and search and seizure procedures per California Penal Code Section 832 within six (6) months of employment.
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