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Entry Level Animal Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Police Cadet I/II

Modesto, CA ยท On-site

$18.10 - $25.49/hr

... animal control assistance, fingerprint collection assistance, evidence assistance, and other ... Police Cadet I - This is the entry level class within the Police Cadet series. The Police Cadet I ...

New

... animal control assistance, fingerprint collection assistance, evidence assistance, and other ... Police Cadet I - This is the entry level class within the Police Cadet series. The Police Cadet I ...

New

This is the entry level class in the Police series. Position allocated to the class of Police ... of animal control and related duties. D. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job ...

Police Officer (Lateral)

Selma, CA ยท On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

This is the entry level class in the Police series. Position allocated to the class of Police ... of animal control and related duties. D. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job ...

Police Dispatcher

Glendora, CA ยท On-site

$57K - $69K/yr

Dispatches, as necessary, police and animal control units in response to calls for service or ... S.T. approved entry level Police Dispatcher basic training course prior to completion of ...

... the POST Entry Level Public Safety Dispatcher Test Battery within the last twelve months and ... animal control, and maintenance; transfers calls to appropriate parties or creates a call for ...

Police Dispatcher

Glendora, CA ยท On-site

$57K - $69K/yr

... and animal control units in response to calls for service or requests from officers in the field ... S.T. approved entry level Police Dispatcher basic training course prior to completion of ...

Kennel Tech

South San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Animal Care Attendant - Elite K9 Club! Elite K9 Club is looking for a dedicated and reliable Animal ... Position Overview: * Experience is not required - this is an entry-level position with ...

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Entry Level Animal Control information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$27

How much do entry level animal control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal control in California is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.71 and $19.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animal Control vs Animal Shelter Technician?

AspectEntry Level Animal ControlAnimal Shelter Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some certifications preferredHigh school diploma; animal care certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, fieldwork, interacting with animals and the publicIndoor and outdoor, caring for animals in shelter settings
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal animal control agencies, local governmentsAnimal shelters, rescue organizations, humane societies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in animal controlLearning about animal care roles in shelters

Entry Level Animal Control officers primarily focus on enforcing animal laws, capturing stray animals, and working outdoors in the community. In contrast, Animal Shelter Technicians mainly care for animals within shelter facilities, providing daily care and health monitoring. Both roles require a passion for animals and some certifications, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Control Officer, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, safety procedures, and local animal regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, incident reporting software, and sometimes animal handling certifications is beneficial. Strong communication, problem-solving, and compassion are important soft skills for effectively interacting with the public and ensuring humane animal treatment. These skills and qualities are vital for protecting community safety, enforcing animal-related laws, and promoting animal welfare.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level animal control officers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Entry-level animal control officers often encounter challenges such as handling frightened or aggressive animals, working in unpredictable environments, and managing emotionally charged situations with the public. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with animal behavior, practicing safe capture and handling techniques, and developing strong communication skills for interacting with community members. Additionally, being adaptable and receptive to on-the-job training helps in responding effectively to a wide variety of calls and emergencies.

What are entry level animal control jobs?

Entry level animal control jobs involve enforcing animal-related laws and regulations, responding to calls about stray or dangerous animals, and assisting with the care and sheltering of animals. Workers may patrol assigned areas, investigate complaints, capture animals, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. These positions often require a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and training in animal handling and safety. Entry level animal control officers work under supervision and may advance with experience and additional training.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control jobs in California? The most popular types of Animal Control jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Animal Control jobs in California? For Entry Level Animal Control jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal Control jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal Control jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Animal Control jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Animal Control job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal Control job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,357 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Public Safety Dispatcher (Lateral)

City of Hayward, CA

Hayward, CA โ€ข On-site

$107K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary : $107,411.20 - $130,728.00 Annually
Location : Hayward Police Department - 300 West Winton Avenue, Hayward, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: C635L-2020-10
Department: Hayward Police Department
Opening Date: 10/30/2020
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
DEADLINE TO APPLY: This recruitment will remain open on a continuous basis until the needs of the City are met. Applications are reviewed weekly. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
REQUIRED: Two (2) years of experience as a public safety dispatcher for a Public Safety Answering Point.
To apply for ENTRY LEVEL Public Safety Dispatcher, click here:
THE POSITION:
The Public Safety Dispatchers uses a computer-aided dispatch system to receive calls and dispatch police, fire or other City services by answering emergency and non-emergency calls and providing assistance.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Hayward Police Department Communications Center is responsible for dispatching both Police and Fire Services throughout the City of Hayward. The Hayward Police Department is one of 18 CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement) accredited police departments in California and is committed to maintaining CALEA's high standards and broadly recognized excellence.
The Communications Center is frequently the first point of contact when a community member requests assistance. The information gathered by the communications operator during this contact is critical to a positive outcome. The Communications Center consists of six (6) stations with each Public Safety Dispatcher assigned to a specific job.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a journey technical level position in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full range of duties assigned. This class is distinguished from the Communications Supervisor in that the latter provides technical and functional supervision over assigned communication personnel.
Essential Duties
What you will do:
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Receive emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, or other related services; determine nature and location of emergency; determine priority and dispatch emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures; coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement agencies.
Use a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system to enter calls for service/radio traffic and monitor real-time status of situations; use an automated records management system (RMS) related to public safety activities to enter and retrieve information.
Maintain contact with all units on assignment; maintain status and location of field units and monitor radio frequencies of outside public safety agencies.
Receive incoming telephone and voice radio calls for non-emergency assistance; dispatch animal control, utilities and street maintenance staff as needed.
Enter, retrieve, and update information from teletype networks, including the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other information.
Maintain familiarity with major roads, streets, areas, and industrial and public facilities within City boundaries.
May complete recovered stolen vehicle reports in accordance with established procedures.
Relay emergency and non-emergency information to public safety personnel and other agencies in the field.
Monitor multiple frequencies.
Determine and report the need for equipment repairs.
Receive structured classroom and on-the-job training.
Assist in relaying information during response to natural disasters.
Perform the duties of a Public Safety Call Taker, as assigned.
Perform related work as necessary.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
  • Emergency telephone answering techniques, policies, and procedures.
  • General policies and procedures used in the operation of the City's dispatch center.
  • Primary roads, streets, highways, areas, major buildings, and public facilities within the City's boundaries.
  • Standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules associated with operation of an emergency services communication network; learn to monitor multiple frequencies.
  • Radio and other codes used in the creation of computer aided calls for dispatch.
  • Correct telephone answering techniques, policies, and procedures.
  • Use of various police report forms.
  • Correct English usage, including comprehension and grammar.
  • Modern office equipment and methods including use of computer applications in word processing.
  • Principles and practices of customer service.
Ability to:
  • Read, write, spell, and speak in concise English.
  • Follow oral and written instructions.
  • Deal tactfully with the public and others.
  • Work in a confined area and wear a headset.
  • Remain calm during emergencies and obtain relevant information from callers who are in stressful situations.
  • Answer and prioritize calls for emergency and non-emergency police, fire, and other City services and to dispatch appropriate units in response in a courteous manner.
  • Accurately enter information in the computer system while receiving information by telephone.
  • Operate a computer aided dispatch system, video display terminal, teletype and other computer programs and equipment related to public safety communications and records.
  • Interpret maps.
  • Effectively perform emergency telephone answering and processing duties.
  • Read and comprehend information and instructions.
  • Perform several job tasks effectively under pressure for sustained periods of time.
  • Memorize and retain information from a variety of sources.
  • Interpret information from distraught, incoherent or angry callers and relay critical facts to appropriate emergency or nonemergency personnel.
  • Speak clearly and concisely via radio, telephone and in person.
  • Type accurately at a speed of 35 words per minute.
  • Work various shifts, including day, swing and graveyard as well as weekends and holidays.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
A complete job description and list of duties can be found at
Minimum Qualifications
LATERAL REQUIREMENTS:
Experience:Two (2) years of experience as a public safety dispatcher for a Public Safety Answering Point, including heavy public contact while performing multiple tasks and using a computer-aided dispatch system.
Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Licenses and Certificates: Completion of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher course is highly desirable.
Supplemental Information
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Candidates must submit a completed City of Hayward job application and respond to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.
Only those candidates meeting "Lateral Requirements" will continue in the selection process.
The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department. Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.
APPLICATIONS
Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.
The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.
The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Benefits Overview
This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time City employees. As indicated in the 2025 Benefit Summary, some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated agreements. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:
  • Your choice of CalPERS Medical Plan (with generous employer contribution)
  • CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members)
  • Dental Insurance (plans available through Delta Dental or United Concordia)
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Leave
  • Paid Holidays
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Health and Wellness Reimbursement
  • Professional Development Reimbursement
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)
  • Other Employee-Paid benefits include pet insurance and discount plans, pre-paid legal, etc.

To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please click
01
Actual hire for this position depends on success in the departmental selection process that includes a selection interview, background investigation, polygraph, and a medical exam. Are you willing to submit to this screening process?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you possess the equivalent to two (2) years as a public safety dispatcher for a Public Safety Answering Point, including heavy public contact while performing multiple tasks and using a computer-aided system?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess at least a high school diploma, G.E.D, or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Have you completed the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Public Safety Dispatcher course?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question