Entry Level Animal Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $45,702.00 Annually
Location : Cumming, GA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 03609
Department: Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
Opening Date: 08/17/2026
Closing Date: 9/17/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Information
The purpose of this classification is to preform specialized/general work functions associated with responding to animal complaints, picking up abandoned, stray and injured animals and enforcing all applicable animal control ordinances. This classification is considered the entry level for the Animal Services Officer series.
10-hour shifts/ 4 days per week. Some weekend days are required. Will be scheduled to work until 7 p.m. and on an on-call after hours rotation with co-workers.
Essential Functions
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Responds to incoming calls from citizens concerning various animal control issues, such as stray/nuisance animals, aggressive animals, injured animals, loose livestock, animal behavior problems, and animal control laws; provides information and assistance, performs follow-up as appropriate.
Handles animals, restraining as appropriate/necessary, loads animals into cages and animal control vehicle and checks animals for injuries.
Patrols county roads to enforce the county animal control code/ordinances, locate and pick up stray animals; assist animals in problem situations; transports animals to the county animal shelter, veterinarian office, emergency veterinarian care or other locations; transports deceased animals to the county animal shelter and assist other agencies as requested.
Acts as a liaison between county and public on education and implementation of TNR programs.
Provides information and assistance concerning codes/ordinances, code interpretation, code compliance, and related issues; discusses violations and problems with animal owners, care givers, or other individuals; recommends solutions to problems; responds to questions or complaints concerning violations.
Identifies animal control code violations, deficiencies, or other areas of non-compliance; issues warnings and/or citations as appropriate; performs follow-up site visits to verify compliance.
Prepares case documentation for prosecution of cases in court; attends court and testifies in court proceedings
Interprets, explains, and enforces the provisions of applicable animal control codes/ordinances.
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data in computer database; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections as necessary; utilizes excel, word, outlook, power point, pet point or other software programs.
Maintains records of animal control activities; prepares work plans; maintains database records of complaints, or other work activities, completes monthly activity report.
May assist with investigating cruelty and abandonment of domestic animals and livestock. Works closely with senior officers to gather information used to prosecute violators.
Assist field officers in unloading, checking in and relocating animals in the shelter.
Assist with special events to promote public awareness and education on local animal control to schools, clubs, groups, organizations and businesses.
Maintains communication via telephone and/or two way radio with dispatch, department or other agencies; provides information; takes and relays messages; responds to request for service or assistance.
Maintains assigned animal control vehicle and work areas; preforms various cleaning, sanitary and maintenance task; operates various machinery, equipment, and tools associated with animal control activities, which includes assigned vehicle, catch poles, snake tongs, animal traps, leashes, mechanical tools, freezer, camera, computer, portable radio and other communication equipment. Performs general maintenance task to ensure the proper operation of animal control equipment. Monitors equipment operation to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment
Responds to after-hours emergency calls for service on a rotating basis.
This position may work days, nights, weekends, holidays and on call.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
Operates a motor vehicle to conduct work activities.
This classification is designated as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol.
Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED; supplemented by at least six (6) months of previous work experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.
BENEFITS PROVIDED BY FORSYTH COUNTY TO FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES:
Personal Leave Accrual
Personal leave shall be accrued as follows:
0 - 4 Years - 20 days per year - 6.16 hours per pay period
5 - 14 Years - 25 days per year - 7.70 hours per pay period
15+Years - 30 days per year - 9.24 hours per pay period
Observed Holidays
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2), and Christmas (2).
Medical Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers employees a choice of two medical plans offered by Aetna and a plan offered by Kaiser Permanente.

• Aetna Choice POS II - $2000 Individual Deductible (Basic Plan)
• Aetna Choice POS II - $1000 Individual Deductible (Plus Plan)
• Kaiser Permanente HMO- $0 Individual Deductible

Dental Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers two dental plans from Delta Dental:

• Base $1,000 Plan
• Buy-Up $1,500 Plan

Vision Insurance
The vision plan offered by Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is administered by Aetna and will offer office visit copays for exams, as well as copays for lenses, frames, and contacts.
Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of basic life insurance for all of its employees. The Board provides term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) protection for each full-time employee. This is a County-paid benefit.
Disability Insurance - Short Term and Long Term
100% paid by Forsyth County. Eligibility begins date of hire.
Short Term Disability - 60% of weekly earnings to a maximum of $1,000.00 a week. Eligibility begins 14 days after an accident or sickness and has a benefit period of 24 weeks.
Long Term Disability - 60% of monthly earnings to a maximum of $5,000.00 a month. Eligibility begins at 26 weeks to coordinate with the end of Short Term benefits and continues 24 months (Own Occupation).
Additional Life Insurance and AD&D
Rates vary based on amount of coverage selected. Additional life insurance may be purchased for employee, spouse, and children.
Retirement Plan (401K)
Fully vested at five years of employment - 20% graduated vesting annually. Eligible to begin contributions immediately upon hire.
Six Months through One Year of County Service
Forsyth County matches your contributions, dollar for dollar, up to 5% of your pay. That's a 100% return on the first 5% of pay you save.
Years One through Five
Forsyth County "seeds" your account with 5% of your pay each year, and matches 100% of what you contribute, up to 5% of your pay.
Years 5 through 10
The County continues its automatic "seed" contribution of 5% of pay, matches up to the first 5% of pay that you contribute, then adds a 50% match up to the next 5%.
After 10 Years of Service
You continue to receive a 100% County match on the first 5% of pay you contribute, and 50% on the next 5% of pay you save. But now, the automatic contribution the County makes to "seed" your account each year increases to 7.5% of your pay.
01
Do you have a high school diploma or a G.E.D?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question