Animal Control Officer Trainee

Role Overview

Pasco Police Department is hiring an entry-level Animal Control Officer Trainee in Land O' Lakes, FL. In this role, you will help enforce county animal control rules, state laws, and animal cruelty, nuisance, and rabies regulations while supporting public safety and animal welfare. The position includes responding to stray, trapped, injured, nuisance, and potentially dangerous animal situations, along with other related duties.

The schedule is subject to departmental needs and may include night and weekend shifts as a regular part of the job. The role also requires being on call and working evenings and weekends when needed.

Key Duties

• Educate the public on animal control rules and responsible pet ownership in a clear and humane manner.
• Answer service calls and investigate complaints involving domestic or wild animals that may affect safety or health.
• Deploy, bait, load, and remove animal traps; capture stray animals; and rescue animals trapped in places such as culverts and roadways.
• Look into cruelty complaints, assess compliance with ordinances and statutes, seize animals when required, transport animals for veterinary care, issue impoundment notices, and take animals to the shelter until court proceedings.
• Gather details for bite incidents and legal matters, attend court when required, and prepare related paperwork.
• Interview citizens, complete bite reports, maintain field notes, and prepare case files and supporting documentation for court and citations.
• Prepare daily and periodic reports, departmental forms, and logs.
• Issue citations for violations of animal control ordinances and statutes.
• Assist shelter and veterinary staff with handling animals, vaccinations, microchipping, intake, and basic medical triage when needed.
• Be capable of physically controlling active or aggressive animals, including those weighing more than 80 pounds, using the available equipment.
• Perform other assigned duties related to the role.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including legible handwriting and clear oral communication.
• Ability to read and understand instructions, rules, and procedures.
• Capacity to learn animal control policies, procedures, and ordinances quickly and retain the information.
• Fair, firm, and impartial enforcement of laws.
• Accuracy in preparing and maintaining reports and documents.
• Ability to build professional working relationships with the public and coworkers.
• Independence in field work and sound judgment in day-to-day decisions.
• Professional conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to use animal capture equipment.
• Working knowledge of the Pasco County road network.
• Knowledge of disinfecting practices, animal handling, disease signs, and animal nutrition.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks without close supervision.
• Understanding of legal and court procedures.
• Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have a high school diploma or an acceptable equivalent. Two years of experience working with the public is required, along with working knowledge of computers and hands-on professional experience with dogs and cats.

A valid Florida driver’s license is required. The selected candidate must complete Humane Animal Euthanasia and Animal Control Officer certification through the Florida Animal Control Association or another approved certifying body within one year of hire. The role also requires completion of the 1-hour training course developed by the Department of Children and Families under Florida law.

Work Conditions and Physical Demands

This job requires the ability to sit, stoop, squat, walk, and stand frequently, and to work outdoors in all weather conditions for long periods. Effective verbal, written, and visual communication is essential. The position may involve handling highly active or aggressive animals safely and physically, including animals over 80 pounds.

Special Conditions

The employee must maintain an active home or cell phone within 30 days of the employment start date because of emergency recall requirements.

Compliance and Workplace Policies

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The county operates as a drug-free workplace in accordance with federal and Florida law. All employees may be required to work before, during, or after emergencies, and may temporarily be assigned duties outside their usual role, location, or schedule based on county needs.

Veterans Preference

Preference-eligible veterans will receive hiring preference in accordance with Section 295.07, Florida Statutes, and Chapter SSA-7 as applicable.

Recognition

Pasco County was recognized as one of the nation’s top workplaces for 2021.