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Humane Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Officers and support staff; enforces County laws regarding stray, dangerous, and nuisance animals ... Operates humane traps, mobile radios, and related animal control tools and equipment; may use ...

$47K - $62K/yr

Oversee booking, detention, and supervision of prisoners while ensuring safety and humane treatment ... Peters as a Corrections Officer . NOTE: No visible tattoos while wearing a long-sleeved uniform ...

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$25.03 - $33.54/hr

Animal Control Officer I: Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56 Animal Control Officer II: Hourly : $26.82 - $35 ... Operate variety of tools, equipment and devices including humane traps, mobile radios and related ...

Animal Control Officer I: Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56 Animal Control Officer II: Hourly: $26.82 - $35 ... Operate variety of tools, equipment and devices including humane traps, mobile radios and related ...

$51K/yr

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by ... Police Officer * Border Patrol Agent * State Trooper * Sheriff * Park Ranger * Deputy Sheriff ...

$51K/yr

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by ... Police Officer * Border Patrol Agent * State Trooper * Sheriff * Park Ranger * Deputy Sheriff ...

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Showing results 1-20

Humane Officer information

See California salary details

$23.2K

$74.9K

$180.1K

How much do humane officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for humane officer in California is $74,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to work at a humane society?

Humane officers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in animal care or related fields. Certification in animal handling, knowledge of local animal laws, and good communication skills are often required. Some positions may also require background checks and physical fitness to handle animals and perform fieldwork.

How much do humane police officers make?

Humane police officers typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on location and experience. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, specialized training, and years of service, and officers often work in environments that require knowledge of animal care and law enforcement procedures.

What is the difference between Humane Officer vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectHumane OfficerAnimal Control Officer
Required CredentialsAnimal handling certifications, sometimes law enforcement trainingAnimal handling certifications, law enforcement or municipal training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, animal rescue, shelter workFieldwork, animal rescue, enforcement duties
Employer & IndustryAnimal shelters, humane societies, government agenciesMunicipal governments, animal control departments

Humane Officers and Animal Control Officers often perform similar duties such as rescuing animals and enforcing laws. The main difference lies in their titles and sometimes their specific responsibilities or certifications. Both roles are vital in animal welfare and typically work in similar environments, often within government or nonprofit organizations.

What are Humane Officers?

Humane Officers are professionals who enforce laws related to the treatment and welfare of animals. They investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse, and may have the authority to issue citations, remove animals from dangerous situations, and educate the public about proper animal care. Humane Officers often work with local animal shelters, law enforcement agencies, and animal control departments to ensure the humane treatment of animals within their jurisdiction.

How do I become an animal welfare officer?

To become an animal welfare officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal care, good communication, and sometimes certification in animal handling or first aid. Some positions may require a college degree in animal science, biology, or a related field.

What are some common challenges a Humane Officer may face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Humane Officers often encounter emotionally charged situations, such as cases of animal neglect or abuse, which can be challenging both mentally and physically. They may face resistance from pet owners or community members and must balance enforcing laws with showing empathy. Effective communication, de-escalation skills, and staying up-to-date with animal welfare regulations are essential for success. Support from colleagues, ongoing training, and self-care practices also help officers manage the stresses of the job.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Humane Officers typically earn less than $3,000 per month, but jobs such as commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, or certain skilled trades like HVAC technicians can earn around $3,000 or more monthly without requiring a college degree. These roles often rely on on-the-job training, certifications, or licenses rather than formal higher education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Humane Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Humane Officer, you need knowledge of animal welfare laws, investigative techniques, and animal handling, often supported by certification in animal control or law enforcement. Familiarity with case management software, evidence collection tools, and basic veterinary care equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, conflict resolution, and the ability to remain calm under stress help Humane Officers effectively interact with the public and handle sensitive situations. These skills are crucial for ensuring the humane treatment of animals, enforcing laws, and maintaining public trust.
What are popular job titles related to Humane Officer jobs in California? For Humane Officer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Humane Officer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Humane Officer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Humane Officer jobs? Cities in California with the most Humane Officer job openings:
Infographic showing various Humane Officer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,935 per year, or $36 per hour.

Correctional Officer, (Senior Officer Specialist)

BOP: General Practitioner

San Diego, CA • On-site

$58K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Qualifications:

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:
Education:
GL-05: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
GL-06: Nine (9) semester hours or fourteen (14) quarter hours of graduate level education in a major study in criminal justice, social science, or other field related to this position.
OR
Experience:
GL-05: At least 3 years of full-time general experience, one year of which was equivalent to the GL-04 grade level. This experience must have demonstrated the aptitude for acquiring the qualifications required for correctional work, and, in addition, demonstrate the possession of personal attributes important to the effectiveness of correctional officers, such as:

  • Ability to meet and deal with people of differing backgrounds and behavioral patterns.
  • Ability to be persuasive in selling and influencing ideas.
  • Ability to lead, supervise, and instruct others.
  • Sympathetic attitude towards the welfare of others.
  • Ability to reason soundly and to think out practical solutions to problems.
  • Ability to make decisions and act quickly, particularly under stress.
  • Poise and self-confidence, and ability to remain calm during emergency situations.

General experience may have been gained in work such as:

  • Social case work in a welfare agency or counseling in other types of organizations.
  • Classroom teaching or instructing.
  • Responsible rehabilitation work, e.g., in an alcoholic rehabilitation program.
  • Supervising planned recreational activities or active participation in community action programs.
  • Management or supervisory work in a business or other organization that included directing the work flow and/or direct supervision of others.
  • Sales work, other than taking and filling orders as in over-the-counter sales.

GL-06: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade. Specialized experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.
Examples of occupations where specialized experience may have been gained:

  • Correctional Officer
  • Detention Officer
  • Police Officer
  • Border Patrol Agent
  • State Trooper
  • Sheriff
  • Park Ranger
  • Deputy Sheriff supervising inmates in a jail
  • Mental Health Counselor in a Residential Facility

Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

  • Experience with instructing inmates with proper housekeeping and sanitation.
  • Experience working as a Police Officer responding to domestic disturbances and issuing citations for law violations.
  • Experience in investigating crime scenes as a State Trooper.
  • Experience as a Mental Health Worker in a Mental Health Lockdown facility.

AND
Medical Requirement:
GL-05 and GL-06: The Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons has established the following medical requirements for Correctional Officer positions:
The duties of these positions involve unusual mental and nervous pressure and require arduous physical exertion involving prolonged walking and standing, restraining of prisoners in emergencies, and participating in escape hunts. Applicants must be physically capable of performing efficiently the duties of these positions, and be free from such defects or disease as may constitute employment hazards to themselves or others. The duties of a Correctional Officer are arduous; and sound health as well as physical fitness is required.
If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Education:

See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

Employment Type: OTHER