Animal Manager Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

The City is seeking a dedicated Animal Management Officer to protect animals, support community safety, and enforce animal-related municipal and state laws. This role provides 24/7 emergency and non-emergency animal management services, responds to complex and often sensitive situations, and works closely with law enforcement and other City departments to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and residents.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment, value ethical service, and want a career that combines enforcement, education, and compassion, this is an opportunity to serve your community in a meaningful and impactful way.

Please Note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the interview process may begin at any time. Submission of an application does not guarantee advancement in the selection process. This recruitment may close once all available positions have been filled.

• Responds to and investigates allegations of municipal code violations related to animals including those that are stray, sick, vicious, injured, or dead to determine validity of complaints and determine the appropriate course of action to mitigate the problem.
• Captures controls or confines domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife.
• Collects evidence, issues citations, conducts follow-up, prepares cases, authors search warrants, and testifies in court hearings and trials.
• Documents call for service, completes reports, and maintain related information in police records management system.
• Demonstrates a high level of ethics, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Uses specialized safety equipment to ensure personal safety such as a Conducted Electrical Weapon, catch pole and snappy snare.
• Interacts with the public via phone, electronic mail, in writing or in person to ascertain complaints and to provide or gather information related to complaints, enforcement, and other city codes.
• Transmits clearly and concisely on police radio and follows proper radio procedure.
• Exercises initiative and judgment as well as makes decisions and problem solves in a variety of situations.
• Performs informal mediation and makes referrals to formal mediation.
• Consults, interacts, and coordinates with a variety of city departments.
• Prepares monthly statistical reports for general patrol and park enforcement activity.
• Prepares and completes educational presentations for schools or other community members.
• Educates owners and complainants about current ordinances in effect and responsible pet ownership.
• Frequently operates a personal or City-owned motor vehicle to drive to and from work locations throughout the City.

• Operates an emergency city vehicle equipped with a SWAB unit with only side mirrors (designed to carry animals) in normal and high-profile situations.
• Performs euthanasia as necessary using Schedule III drugs and/or assists with euthanasia decisions.
• Assists patrol with traffic control, evacuations, and transportation of large pieces of evidence/found property.
• Participates in miscellaneous city committees, attends neighborhood meetings and special events.
• Assists with training of new hires.
• Utilizes hazing devices such as pepper ball guns to displace menacing wildlife.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work alone and in a team environment.
• Ability to complete general office duties including data entry, filing and copying.
• Ability to use special equipment to capture evidence such as a heat laser thermometer, digital camera, microchip reader or other small tools.
• Ability to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

• Must possess current Colorado Animal Control Officer Certification through the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC), or obtain within one (1) year from date of hire.
• Must successfully complete all annual and as-needed in-service training and certification requirements.
• A valid Colorado driver's license and acceptable driving record is required.

• High School/GED

• Yes

• Human relations and interpersonal communication skills as demonstrated.
• Two (2) years customer service experience in a high-pressure work environment required.
• Proficiency in computer and typing.

• One (1) year experience related to animal management, or an environment designated for the treatment, care and placement of animals preferred.

• Position is subject to an extensive background check, which may include fingerprinting, a polygraph examination, verification of employment and education, a review of criminal and driving records, reference checks, and other relevant factors as required.
• Must obtain and maintain a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Certification.
• Associates degree preferred.

• Strenuous to extreme physical effort that includes frequent use of heavy objects (e.g., 50+ pounds) and may also use heavy tools or require strenuous application in awkward positions. Individuals in strenuous positions must successfully complete a physical examination to ensure their fitness for duty.

• Occasional hazards that are predictable or well protected against (Hazardous waste, ladders, cleaning supplies, trips and falls).

• Regular exposure to heat and noise along with working outside in the elements.