What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer position at City of Garden Grove?
The City of Garden Grove is now accepting applications for the position of:
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
Click here to apply online: Join Our Team
The Animal Control Officer catches and impounds domestic and wild animals within the City, picks up deceased animals, processes pet licenses, issues citations, and responds to questions from the public.
The ideal candidate will be able to deal with the general public and potentially dangerous animals; diffuse high conflict situations; communicate effectively, in writing and orally; follow established guidelines with minimal direction and supervision; quickly make independent decisions; and possess extensive knowledge and experience in animal care and services. Employees must be able to work a schedule outside of the normal work week, and must be available to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call duty.
There is currently one (1) full-time Animal Control Officer vacancy.
- Patrol City streets and respond to requests and complaints of loose animals, barking dogs, animal bites, allegations of abuse or neglect, or other animal control related activities;
- Remove deceased animals from roadways and dispose of properly;
- Catch, confine, and/or transport animals to appropriate facilities;
- Quarantine potentially dangerous animals and contact appropriate agencies;
- Ensure the well-being of animals during transport and temporary holding on City property by providing food, water, and other basic essentials;
- Identify injured or sick animals, administer treatment when possible, and transport to appropriate facilities for further treatment;
- Locate, contact, and release animals to owners;
- Clean and maintain animal control vehicles, temporary shelters, cages, and other equipment and areas used to transport and hold animals;
- Participate in animal-related investigations, including gathering, compiling, and presenting evidence, preparing cases, arresting perpetrators, and testifying in court if necessary;
- Process animal licensing requests and maintain records;
- Inspect facilities for compliance and issue permits to animal-related businesses, such as groomers, kennels, pet shops, circuses;
- Issue citations for violations to applicable City, County, or State code regulations;
- Respond to questions and inform residents of proper procedures, laws, and resources regarding animal control, care and services;
- Tranquilize or euthanize animals with appropriate equipment when necessary;
- Enter and maintain animal information in database; and
- Perform other related duties as assigned
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Graduation from an accredited high school, G.E.D. (General Educational Development) exam or equivalent along with one (1) year of experience in the care and handling of animals, and 6 months experience dealing with the public is required. College coursework in Animal Science or a related field is highly desirable.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid Class C California driver license and an acceptable driving record in order to operate a City vehicle. An acceptable driving record is one that has three (3) or fewer DMV points issued within the past five (5) years, and no more than one (1) DUI within the past ten (10) years.
The following trainings and certifications are required within one year of appointment: Penal Code 832, Chemical Immobilization, Euthanasia by Injection, Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy, and a POST certified course in baton training per Penal Code 22295(g).
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Common animal and zoonotic diseases; applicable City, County, and State laws, codes, and regulations; safe and humane methods and techniques of animal collection, impoundment, quarantine, and registration; principles of animal behavior; practices in animal care and treatment; methods and procedures of record-keeping and general office practices; safe work and driving practices; procedures on investigations and report-writing; signs of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect; procedures for proper maintenance and sanitation of equipment and facilities.
ABILITY TO:
Interpret, apply, enforce, and communicate relevant codes laws, regulations, and procedures; operate computer terminal and applicable software; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; quickly exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines and with minimal direction/supervision; deal tactfully with the public and provide good customer service; lift, carry, or move tools, equipment and animals weighing up to 100 lbs; follow oral and written directions; conduct presentations to the community; handle difficult and dangerous individuals, animals, and situations; enter into unsafe, threatening, unsanitary, and/or substandard environments; gather and concisely report information; and be detailed oriented to ensure accurate and concise work products.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification stand, walk, sit, run, push, pull, lift and carry over 100lbs, climb stairs, stoop/bend/lean, turn/twist, bend, crouch/kneel/squat, crawl, reach above and below shoulders, use hands and fingers repetitively; use rapid mental and muscular coordination; hear normal voice conversation, distinguish shades of color; see long distances; see small details; use a telephone; work on a computer; and drive a vehicle.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work inside and outside; are exposed to animal dander, fur, and hair; may be exposed to contagious illnesses or diseases; have direct contact with the public who may be upset; work alone; subject to loud noises, such as barking; are exposed to sharp objects, such as animal teeth or claws; subject to odors, such as animal waste; may be exposed to unsanitary or unsafe conditions; and have access to controlled substances. Employees may work in a 24-hour operating temporary holding shelter. Positions in this classification may be scheduled for shift work outside of the normal workweek, and must be available to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call duty.
HOW TO APPLY
Online applications can be submitted by visiting: www.ggcity.org/hr. Questions regarding this position may be sent via email to lydiatb@ggcity.org. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
Online application packets must include:
- a completed online employment application
- a completed supplemental questionnaire
- applicable certificates or documentation demonstrating completion of training, if applicable
The job application must be completely filled out. Be sure to detail any education, training or other relevant course work that would make you a particularly strong candidate.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process may consist of:- Performance exam – conducted virtually via eSkill April 22 - April 29, 2025
- Oral panel interview - tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Applications will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee continuation in the recruitment process.
CANDIDATES WILL RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL ONLY. Candidates should be diligent in checking their email and spam mail.
Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete and pass a thorough background check through the Garden Grove Police Department.
If there are any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org.
NEPOTISM POLICY
The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of your application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
Salary : $5,688 - $8,403
