Animal Control Officer

City of Mission Viejo Invites Applications for  

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

$29.06 - $42.28

 APPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025

The City of Mission Viejo seeks qualified candidates to serve as our next Animal Control Officer to provide enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; ensure public safety by capturing and caring for wild, vicious, and/or injured animals; and to provide public education on living with and caring for domestic and wild animals. 

There is one (1) full-time vacancy that requires working a 4/10 schedule with a typical shift of Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; or 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. including weekend, holiday, and on-call for after-hour emergency calls from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.  Days off are according to schedule rotation of 4/10 work week.  This is an FLSA non-exempt position and is entitled to overtime. Animal Control Officers are assigned to the Field Services division and may be assigned to one or more of the following programs, Patrol, Investigations, Commercial Enforcement, Public Education and/or Licensing Enforcement.

The first round of Zoom interviews is scheduled for May 19, 2025.  Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend.  The City will not accommodate applicant scheduling requests for alternative dates and it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly.

The eligibility list established for this position may be used to fill future full-time or part-time Animal Control Officer or HST-Reserve Animal Control Officer vacancies.   

YOUR IMPACT

• Patrol areas within the city of Mission Viejo and all contract cities to enforce animal services codes, ordinances and regulations; investigate reports of animal abuse; issue citations; collect fees; take other appropriate actions;
• Capture and impound unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; transport animals to shelter; arrange for proper storage and humane care;
• Pick up dead or injured animals; provide aid to injured animals; transport animals to veterinarian for treatment or euthanasia; medicate and vaccinate animals to be adopted;
• Respond to calls from citizens for animal services; investigate complaints involving animals; investigate reports of dogs, cats, or other animals creating nuisances;
• Determine whether calls meet the criteria for emergency response and call out; how quarantines should be handled; evaluate and authorize immediate care of euthanasia for sick and injured animals, emergency seizure of animals., owner relinquishments in the field; determine whether a criminal complaint and/or dangerous/vicious dog investigation should be initiated;
• Register animals; follow up on registration violations including the collection of fees; provide public education regarding humane animal services, including wildlife issues, adoption procedures, and enforcement of animal regulations;
• Identify and investigate animal related crimes, interview witnesses, collect evidence, write reports, and testify in court;
• Investigate reports of animal bites, complete state mandated quarantines as necessary;
• Answer questions regarding the enforcement of animal services, regulations, adoption and licensing policies and procedures;
• Participate in public education events relating to living with and caring for domestic and wild animals;
• Give public presentations on multiple animal related topics such as dog bite prevention, shelter services, animal services laws and regulations and wildlife safety;
• Prepare reports and maintain records, log, and file of activities; prepare cases and complaints for court action; testify in court.

Applicants are encouraged to review the entire Animal Control Officer job description by visiting the City’s website at http://cityofmissionviejo.org.

YOUR TEAM

The members of the Mission Viejo Animal Services Department are passionate and dedicated to making a difference every day for the domestic animals and wildlife living in the communities they serve. They are looking for someone with the same strong work ethic and passion to join them. 

The Department provides services for Mission Viejo and four surrounding cities which include: City of Aliso Viejo, City of Laguna Hills, City of Laguna Niguel and City of Rancho Santa Margarita. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is a pro-humane facility that provides an array of services including animal licensing, rabies control, pet adoption, community outreach presentations, patrol of public streets and parks, picking up injured wildlife, impounding stray dogs/cats, issuing citations, and providing a shelter for homeless animals. The facility has dogs, cats and rabbits available for adoption year-round.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Strong work experience demonstrating the use of independent judgment, tact, discretion, and conflict resolution skills;
• Someone who can effectively deal with outside agencies, the public, and City staff, in person and over the telephone by providing a high level of customer service;
• Ability to educate the public in animal laws and regulations;
• Possess strong animal handling skills for a variety of wild and domestic animals in various conditions;
• Ability to evaluate animal behavior, evaluate animal health and determine adoptability;
• Flexible self-starter who is enthusiastic, eager to learn, and works independently with minimal supervision;
• Knowledge of computer applications such Word, Excel, Outlook, Chameleon and has the ability to learn new programs; and
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college level course work in animal health care. One (1) year of experience in the enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations and the humane care and handling of animals. Experience with a public agency is highly desirable.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.  Must reside either within Orange County or within 45 driving miles of the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. This is necessary in order to report for emergency and on-call assignments.  Newly-hired employees, or employees promoted into the job classifications identified above, shall be required to meet residency requirements as a condition of successfully completing their probation period.  Must possess the ability to obtain a P.C. 832 certificate within one (1) year of appointment.