Animal Control Officer II - County of Sonoma

The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services is currently recruiting to fill an Animal Control Officer position at either the I or II levels. If you are interested in applying at the I level, you will need to apply to the separate, concurrent recruitment being conducted.

NOTE: California Penal Code 830.9 requires completion of the P.O.S.T. curriculum as well as certification in the use of guns and the exercise of arrest powers. Applicants without this certification will not be considered for this position.

About the Position

The County of Sonoma's Department of Health Services is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join their team as an Animal Control Officer (ACO). This role is essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and residents within our community. Responsibilities include:

• Enforcing local and state animal control laws and ordinances
• Responding to and investigating reports of stray, injured, or dangerous animals
• Capturing and impounding stray or at-large animals, using safe and humane methods
• Conducting animal welfare checks and investigating cases of animal cruelty or neglect
• Collaborating with local law enforcement, veterinary services, and animal shelters
• Preparing detailed reports and maintaining accurate records of incidents and actions taken

The ideal candidate will have a passion for animal welfare, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and care. Additionally, they will possess:

• Significant experience working as an Animal Control Officer for a government agency
• Experience explaining laws and ordinances to the public
• A license as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the Veterinary Medical Board
• Certification in the use of firearms and experience exercising powers of arrest
• Knowledge of animal behavior, care, and safe handling techniques
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Physical ability to perform duties, including lifting and restraining animals of various sizes
• A willingness to mentor and train new officers as needed

The Sonoma County Animal Shelter provides services on a 24-hour/7-day a week basis, and as such, ACOs are expected to be available to work some weekends and holidays. ACOs are also assigned standby coverage several nights a week and are on-call for emergencies. Officers wear a County-provided uniform and all assigned equipment on a duty belt, plus a ballistic vest. The department has a three-month field training program for new officers. 

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief – County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory.

This recruitment is being conducted to fill an Animal Control Officer position at either the I or II level in the Department of Health Services. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.