Animal Control Officer

SUMMARY

At Pasadena Humane, we are more than an animal shelter. We are a community-supported animal resource center providing compassion and care for all animals. Animal Control Officers (ACO) will provide residents in the community with support to ensure responsible ownership and care of pets. ACOs hold the primary responsibility for calls for service, educating the public, enforcing animal-related laws and animal rescue.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership, animal-related laws, Pasadena Humane programs, and resources, while promoting positive community relations and helping keep animals safely in homes when appropriate.

• Patrol assigned areas to enforce animal-related laws and ordinances; investigate animal cruelty, neglect, and public safety concerns; issue warnings and citations; and assist with the rescue, impoundment, and transportation of stray, injured, deceased, or at-risk animals.

• Humanely handle, restrain, transport, and care for animals using approved equipment, techniques, and safety procedures. Identify animal behavior, medical, or welfare concerns and accurately document and communicate findings.

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, provide community-oriented service, address complaints professionally, and perform dispatch/radio communication duties as assigned.

• Prepare and maintain accurate reports, records, citations, and investigative documentation; testify in court proceedings as required.

• Assist with proactive community programs, special projects, disaster and emergency response operations, and large-scale animal incidents, including wildfire and evacuation support.

• Maintain and properly use Pasadena Humane-issued equipment, vehicles, radios, and specialized animal control tools, including chemical immobilization equipment if trained and assigned.

• Collaborate with internal departments, outside agencies, contractors, and community partners; represent Pasadena Humane at meetings, public events, and presentations as needed.

• Support Pasadena Humane’s mission, safety initiatives, organizational policies, and culture of teamwork and philanthropy.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• Graduation from high school (or GED or Proficiency Certificate).

• One (1) year of paid, full-time experience working in an animal control agency or humane society, veterinary or kennel/boarding facility, ranch or zoo handling, controlling and caring for animals required; OR Six (6) months of experience as an Animal Control Officer.

• Certified Animal Control Officer designation preferred

• A conviction of any felony offense is cause for disqualification from employment. Certain misdemeanors or other than an honorable military discharge may be cause for disqualification. If hired, must successfully complete a California POST Certified P.C. 832 Level- 3 Course as a condition of continued employment.

• Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver’s License and insurable to drive company vehicles, maintained during the course of employment an possess the ability and skills to operate a large Animal Control motor vehicle.

• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions, department policies, rules, laws and regulations

• Strong interpersonal communication (both written and verbal), customer service, and the ability to write/edit clear and accurate reports in a timely manner.

• Bilingual a plus.

• Proficient in computer applications, including the shelter systems, Microsoft Suite and email.

• Strong sense of professional judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality

• Must interact positively with supervisors, management, coworkers, volunteers, and the public to promote a team effort and maintain a positive and professional approach.

• Must come to work regularly and on time, follow directions, take criticism, get along with coworkers and supervisors, treat coworkers, supervisory staff, members and guests with respect, courtesy, and refrain from abusive, insubordinate and/or violent behavior.

• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Must be willing to attend trainings as assigned.