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Animal Control Officer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Santa Fe County

Animal Control Officer

Santa Fe, NM ยท On-site

$23.33/hr

... officer trainees. Knowledge/Skills: * Working knowledge of animal control ordinances and regulations; of animal collection and control methods. * Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.

New

Town Of Pecos City

Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX

GENERAL PURPOSE Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both ...

New

Town Of Pecos City

Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX ยท On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

GENERAL PURPOSE Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both ...

City of Minneapolis

Animal Control Officer

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$33.74 - $41.01/hr

Animal Control Officer Print ( Apply ๏ปฟ Animal Control Officer Salary $33.74 - $41.01 Hourly Location Animal Control, 212 - 17th Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN Job Type Full-time Job Number 2026 ...

FLOYD CO ADMINISTRATOR

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Floyd, VA ยท On-site

Full-Time Animal Control Officer Position Summary Floyd County is seeking a dedicated and professional Animal Control Officer to enforce state and local animal control laws, protect public health and ...

Town Of Pecos City

Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX ยท On-site

GENERAL PURPOSE Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both ...

Town Of Pecos City

Animal Control Officer

Pecos, TX ยท On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

GENERAL PURPOSE Animal control officers maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. Working as an animal control officer can be both ...

New

Santa Fe County

Animal Control Officer

Santa Fe, NM ยท On-site

$42K - $48K/yr

... officer trainees. Knowledge/Skills: * Working knowledge of animal control ordinances and regulations; of animal collection and control methods. * Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.

Smith County

Animal Control Officer

Tyler, TX ยท On-site

Animal Control Officer The Animal Control Officer performs a variety of field and shelter duties related to the enforcement of animal control laws, protection of public safety, and promotion of ...

Smith County, TX

Animal Control Officer

Tyler, TX ยท On-site

$40K - $43K/yr

Animal Control Officers work to protect the health and safety of the community while ensuring the humane handling and care of animals in accordance with state law, local ordinances, and accepted ...

Smith County

Animal Control Officer

Tyler, TX

$40K - $43K/yr

Summary/Objective The Animal Control Officer performs a variety of field and shelter duties related to the enforcement of animal control laws, protection of public safety, and promotion of ...

Cameron County

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

San Benito, TX ยท On-site

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER PAY GRADE: 108 - $ 30,998.00 minimum salary SECTION I- SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor and Animal Shelter Supervisor or designee, the Animal ...

City Of Salina

Animal Control Officer

Salina, KS ยท On-site

$43K - $46K/yr

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER City of Salina, Kansas Parks & Recreation / Animal Services The Animal Control Officer role offers meaningful, hands-on work for individuals seeking a long-term municipal ...

Cameron County

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

San Benito, TX ยท On-site

$30K/yr

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER PAY GRADE: 108 - $ 30,998.00 minimum salary SECTION I- SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor and Animal Shelter Supervisor or designee, the Animal ...

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All JobsAnimal Control Officer Trainee Jobs

Animal Control Officer Trainee information

See salary details

$28.5K

$47.9K

$70.5K

How much do animal control officer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer trainee in the United States is $47,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $54,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Animal Control Officer Trainee vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectAnimal Control Officer TraineeAnimal Control Officer
Required CertificationsBasic animal handling and safety training, sometimes state-specific certificationsSame as trainee, plus experience and additional certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused, fieldwork with animals and public interactionsIndependent fieldwork, enforcement, and animal rescue activities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in animal control departments, shelters, or municipal agenciesFull-time role with more responsibilities, often after completing trainee period

Animal Control Officer Trainee is an entry-level position designed to provide training and experience, while Animal Control Officer is a fully qualified role with greater responsibilities. Trainees typically work under supervision, gaining skills needed for the officer position. Both roles are essential in animal control services, with the trainee position serving as a stepping stone to becoming an officer.

What are Animal Control Officer Trainees?

Animal Control Officer Trainees are entry-level professionals who learn how to enforce animal-related laws and regulations, respond to animal emergencies, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. They work under the supervision of experienced officers to gain hands-on experience with animal handling, investigation, and safety procedures. Their training prepares them for a full Animal Control Officer role, where they will protect both the community and animals from harm or neglect.

What are some common challenges faced by Animal Control Officer Trainees during their initial training period?

Animal Control Officer Trainees often encounter challenges such as becoming comfortable handling a wide variety of animals, some of which may be aggressive or frightened. Trainees must quickly learn local animal control laws, safe capture techniques, and proper use of equipment. Additionally, adapting to emotionally charged situations, like dealing with distressed pet owners or cases of animal cruelty, can be demanding. However, trainees are typically supported by experienced officers and receive on-the-job training to help them build confidence and competence in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Control Officer Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Control Officer Trainee, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, safety procedures, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, incident reporting systems, and sometimes completion of relevant training or certification programs is beneficial. Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills help in interacting with the public and handling stressful situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring public safety, humane animal treatment, and effective enforcement of animal regulations.
What cities are hiring for Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control Officer jobs? The most popular types of Animal Control Officer jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs include:
Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,913 per year, or $23 per hour.
Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

Santa Fe County

Santa Fe, NM โ€ข On-site

$23.33/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Salary : $42,182.40 - $48,526.40 Annually
Location : Santa Fe, NM
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600238
Department: Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 07/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME 1782
Department Contact Information: Rosa Vigil (505) 986-2428
Union Eligibility: Position is Union eligible after completion of one (1) year probationary period.
Budget Amount: Position is budgeted up to $23.33 hourly, commensurate with related education and experience.
Primary Purpose
Enforces State laws and regulations and County animal control ordinances; investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; and performs other duties related to humane animal protection and control.
Essential Job Functions
  • Patrols assigned area to enforce animal control ordinances; responds to citizens' complaints concerning animal care and control problems; issues warnings and citations to violators; captures and impounds stray domestic and exotic animals.
  • When possible, researches vaccination information to locate owner; explains ordinances and discusses violations with pet owners; investigates animal bite and attack cases and arranges for proper care, quarantine, and/or observation of the animal; removes dead animals/rodents and transports to state agencies for testing of diseases if needed.
  • Responds to emergency calls for sick and injured animals and obtains veterinarian care if required; performs field inspections of proper animal care for commercial and private owners.
  • Maintains records and prepares reports related to animal control activities; appears in court to testify regarding violations; maintains animal control vehicles, issued equipment, and kennels.
  • Assists external agencies and private owners with the capturing and rescuing of animals; relocates wildlife to non-populated areas; assists with the retrieval of animals during protective custody cases; performs educational workshops for area students; and trains animal control officer trainees.
Knowledge/Skills:
  • Working knowledge of animal control ordinances and regulations; of animal collection and control methods.
  • Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques.
  • Skill in training and instruction.
  • Skill in the care and handling of animals without inflicting injury.
  • Skill in records management.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and equipment, including hand radio, catch-all pole, lead rope, and humane traps.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public.
  • Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs.
  • Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and to present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain ACO 1 and ACO 2 certifications within three (3) months of hire.

Supplemental Information
Working Conditions:
Work is performed occasionally in an office environment and frequently outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens. Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. Work requires the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk or hear. Ability to lift over 100 lbs. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Evening, holiday, and weekend work is required. Overnight travel is required.
Conditions of Employment:
Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver's License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.
Santa Fe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Santa Fe County to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, age, physical or mental handicap, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, serious medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or political affiliation.
Santa Fe County is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time and part-time employees who work 20 hours per week. You will receive plan booklets, which give you more detailed information about each of these programs.
BENEFITS OFFERED
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Gym Membership
To learn more details, visit our website:
01
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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