Animal Control Officer Trainee

General Overview

Join Pasco Police Department as an Animal Control Officer Trainee, responsible for enforcing county and state laws relating to animal control, cruelty prevention, and public safety. This entry-level position is vital in safeguarding both community members and animal welfare through the humane management and control of animals. Working hours may vary, including nights and weekends as part of regular shifts.

Key Duties

• Communicate animal control policies to the public and educate citizens on responsible pet ownership.
• Respond to and investigate incidents involving injured, nuisance, or wild animals that may threaten public health and safety.
• Set and manage animal traps; retrieve animals caught by county or citizen traps; rescue trapped animals from locations such as culverts and roadways.
• Conduct investigations into animal cruelty complaints, enforce ordinances, seize animals as needed, transport them for veterinary care, and provide legal notices to owners.
• Gather information on animal bite incidents, prepare reports, maintain thorough documentation, and appear in court to support citations and prosecutions.
• Complete various written records, logs, and departmental forms regularly.
• Be available for on-call duties and flexible work scheduling, including evenings and weekends.
• Issue citations for animal control violations.
• After certification, may perform euthanasia procedures humanely.
• Assist shelter and veterinary staff with animal handling, vaccinations, intake procedures, microchipping, and medical triage as necessary.
• Manage control of large, active, or aggressive animals safely using appropriate equipment.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, including legibility and clarity.
• Reading comprehension to understand laws and procedures.
• Quick learning aptitude to retain ordinance and policy details.
• Firm and impartial enforcement of laws.
• Accurate report writing and record maintenance.
• Ability to establish effective, professional working relationships with the public and colleagues.
• Independent work capability with mature judgment.
• Competent conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency in using animal capture devices and equipment.
• Familiarity with county geography, especially roads.
• Understanding of animal care, including disease recognition and nutritional needs.
• Ability to follow directions and work autonomously.
• Knowledge of legal and court processes.
• Capacity to handle job-related stress effectively.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must physically control large, possibly aggressive animals weighing over 80 pounds using proper tools.
• Ability to sit, stoop, squat, walk and stand frequently, with capacity to work outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years of experience interacting with the public.
• Working familiarity with computer use.
• Practical experience with dogs and cats in a professional environment.
• Valid Florida Driver's License mandatory.
• Complete Humane Animal Euthanasia and Animal Control Officer Certification within one year of hire.
• Mandatory completion of a Florida Department of Children and Families animal protection training course.
• Maintain an active personal phone within 30 days of employment for emergency recall.

Additional Information

Pasco County is a drug-free workplace adhering to federal and state laws. Employees are expected to participate in emergency response duties that may extend beyond normal job responsibilities and schedules. Veterans receive appointment preference under relevant Florida statutes. Accommodations will be provided as required for applicants with disabilities in line with the ADA. Pasco County was recognized as a top workplace nationally in 2021.