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Animal Control Officer Trainee Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

... animal owners, livestock dealers and producers of proper sanitation and disease control methods. \r\n \r\n Reviews, evaluates and analyzes existing, proposed and newly enacted animal health ...

Animal Control Officer Trainee information

See Delaware salary details

$28.5K

$48K

$70.6K

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

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal control officer trainee in Delaware is $47,955.00, 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.
Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,955 per year, or $23.1 per hour.
Assistant Veterinarian Medical Officer

Assistant Veterinarian Medical Officer

State of Delaware

Dover, DE • On-site

$105K - $175K/yr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


State Of Delaware rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated states


Job description

Summary Statement
The Department of Agriculture is currently seeking an Assistant Veterinarian Medical Officer to join the Poultry & Animal Health section. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing statewide animal and poultry health programs. Performing disease investigations and necropsies within the framework of population health to determine cause of illness or cause of death so that appropriate control measures may be taken. This position also works closely with the Divisions of Public Health and Fish & Wildlife on cross-agency disease issues, overseeing and developing policy for reports of livestock welfare violations, working with emergency response personnel on poultry and livestock foreign animal disease incidents and supervision of animal health staff.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Enforces compliance with State and Federal codes dealing with contagious diseases and health certification.
  • Performs necropsies to determine cause of death and diagnose diseases.
  • Ensures completion of field inspections, diagnostic tests, laboratory procedures, and reports to ensure goals/objectives are met.
  • Determines need for and enforces quarantines of a premise, region, county or the state to protect human and animal health.
  • Advises animal owners, livestock dealers and producers of proper sanitation and disease control methods.
  • Reviews, evaluates and analyzes existing, proposed and newly enacted animal health regulations and advises supervisor on feasibility of implementation and impact on current policies, procedures, regulations, programs and operations.
  • Reviews and evaluates operations and establishes new/revised policies, procedures and methods of operation to ensure uniform interpretation and accurate application of regulations, instructions, standards and specifications.
  • Represents the State before public and private groups and individuals on a state, regional, national and international level.
  • Develops reports containing medical and technical information.
  • Prepares and presents lectures and demonstrations.
  • Plans, directs, reviews and evaluates the work of subordinates including contractuals.

Job Requirements
JOB REQUIREMENTS for Assistant Veterinarian Medical Officer
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
  1. Possession of an active Delaware Veterinarian license OR Possession of an active Veterinarian license in another jurisdiction (state, the District of Columbia or U.S. territory).
  2. Six months experience in practicing veterinarian medicine which includes diagnosing and controlling diseases.
  3. Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
  4. Knowledge of program administration such as overseeing and directing the development, implementation and evaluation of programs and services; planning and establishing short and long range program goals and objectives. Providing advice to other agency organizational units through consultation.
  5. Knowledge of using epidemiological methods to identify, study and control the incidence and distribution of communicable, chronic or environmental diseases or other public health problems.
  6. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.

Conditions of Hire
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.
As a condition of hire, if the applicant does not possess an active Delaware Veterinarian License, the applicant must agree as a requirement of employment to obtain an active Delaware License within 90 days of employment.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
Benefits
To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
Selection Process
The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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