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Animal Control Officer Trainee Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Liberty County BOC

Animal Control Officer

Hinesville, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Serve your community as a full-time Animal Control Officer with Liberty County Animal Services. In this role, you'll help protect residents and animals by enforcing local and state animal care laws ...

Barrow County, GA

Animal Control Officer

Winder, GA · On-site

$49K - $79K/yr

Animal Control - Field Officer Opening Date: 07/07/2026 This position is responsible for the enforcement of local and state laws concerning the care and treatment of animals. This job is a safety ...

AUGUSTA , Ga.

Animal Control Officer I

Augusta, GA · On-site

Animal Control Officer The purpose of this classification is to enforce animal control codes and ordinances, protect human life and property, and to assist with care of animals housed in the Richmond ...

Hall County

Animal Control Officer

Gainesville, GA · On-site

$38K - $48K/yr

... Animal Control ordinances of the State, County and local municipalities. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Provide assistance as needed in the field to other officers/agencies. Investigates ...

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Animal Enforcement Officer

Macon, GA · On-site

$38K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Animal Control Opening Date: 11/19/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Summary The Animal Enforcement Officer is responsible for performing enforcement work relating to ordinance and laws controlling ...

Cobb County, GA

Animal Services Officer I

Marietta, GA · On-site

$17.86/hr

  • PTO

Operations Animal Control Opening Date: 06/29/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Grade Code: 101 ... The Animal Services Officer makes a difference in our community by performing the following (for a ...

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Animal Control Officer Trainee information

How hard is it to get into animal control officer trainee?

Getting into an animal control officer trainee position typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and sometimes a background check. Relevant skills include good communication, physical fitness, and knowledge of animal handling; some agencies may also require or prefer certification in animal control or related fields. Competition can vary based on location and available openings, but meeting basic requirements is usually straightforward for qualified candidates.

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 is an animal control officer trainee?

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 common challenges faced by animal control officer trainees during training?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal control officer trainee?

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 in Georgia are hiring for Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings:

Animal Control Officer Trainee jobs near you

Animal Control Officer

Liberty County Sheriff's Office

Hinesville, GA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Animal Control Officer

Serve your community as a full-time Animal Control Officer with Liberty County Animal Services. In this role, you'll help protect residents and animals by enforcing local and state animal care laws, responding to sick, injured, or aggressive animals, and supporting daily operations within the division. The Liberty County Board of Commissioners is seeking qualified applicants who are committed to community safety and animal welfare.

Major Duties
  1. Answers telephone calls and records complaints related to animal welfare.
  2. Retrieves animals that are sick, injured, vicious, or non-restrained.
  3. Provides care to animals in distress.
  4. Investigates complaints of neglected animals and/or cruelty to animals in accordance with code of ordinances and Georgia State laws. Issues citations as necessary.
  5. Reports animal mistreatment to Deputy Director or Law Enforcement.
  6. Removes animals from inhumane conditions and transports them to the Liberty County Animal Control Shelter and/or receiving areas for care and treatment.
  7. Observes and surveys areas of alleged violators and conducts interviews with witnesses to determine if laws are being violated.
  8. Performs routine maintenance on daily basis on the county vehicles as well as cleaning, washing, and fueling.
  9. Performs euthanasia duties to include preparing the animal carcass for disposal.
  10. Keeps records and prepares reports.
  11. Performs public speaking duties at events and local schools to explain animal control duties and activities.
  12. Testifies against violators in the court of law.
  13. On call duties after hours.
  14. Assists law enforcement with animal related cases.
  15. Checks living conditions of animals involved in court cases.
  16. Networks with different agencies to rescue animals.
  17. Assists Kennel Technicians on cleanliness duties.
  18. Performs related duties.
Knowledge Required by the Position
  1. Knowledge of relevant animal care and treatment, as well as county and state laws and ordinances.
  2. Knowledge of animal rescue procedures.
  3. Knowledge of animal shelter medical practices.
  4. Knowledge of pet breed identification, traits, and behavior.
  5. Knowledge of euthanasia and carcass disposal.
  6. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
  7. Knowledge of evidence collection and documentation procedures.
  8. Knowledge of county and city geographic areas.
  9. Skill in interpersonal relations and dealing with the public.
  10. Skill in oral and written communication.
  11. Skill in animal handling.
  12. Skill in maintaining records and reports.
  13. Skill in interpreting and applying applicable regulations.
  14. Skill in conducting investigations.
  15. Skill in operating tranquilizer rifles and animal catch equipment.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
  • The work is typically performed while typically standing or walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and utilizes sense of smell.
  • The work is typically performed in an office, a noisy place, or outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and contagious or infectious diseases. Work requires use of protective devices such as masks, googles, and gloves.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • More than two (2) years of related experience required.
  • Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver's license and acceptable driving record.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain Animal Control Officer 1 (ACO 1) certification within one (1) year.
Work Schedule and Benefits

Normal work hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Will also work a rotating on-call shift for after-hours calls.

Liberty County government offers a generous benefits package to full-time permanent employees which includes:

  • 401(a) retirement plan with employer match
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Low-cost health dental and vision insurance
  • Free term life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Health & wellness program

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application process should notify the Human Resources Office at (912) 391-1247 or hr@libertycountyga.gov.

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