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Humane Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Code Enforcement Officer

Los Banos, CA ยท On-site

$63K - $81K/yr

Principles and practices of humane apprehension and care of animals. Equipment and methods used to capture and restrain animals. Physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of domestic ...

$43K/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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Humane Officer information

See California salary details

$23.2K

$74.9K

$180.1K

How much do humane officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 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 is a humane officer?

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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a humane officer?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,935 per year, or $36 per hour.

Code Enforcement Officer

City of Los Banos, CA

Los Banos, CA โ€ข On-site

$63K - $81K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Salary : $63,612.00 - $81,192.00 Annually
Location : Los Banos, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 07-2026
Department: Police
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
DEFINITION
To perform duties related to monitoring and enforcing a variety of City building, zoning and land use codes, ordinances and regulations; to conduct investigations; to provide information on City regulations to homeowners, tenants and the public; and to enforce animal control licensing laws.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives direct supervision from the Police Commanders and/or Police Sergeants.
Detailed Work Activities
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Reliable and dependable attendance and punctuality.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Community Preservation Function:
  • Receive, review and investigate complaints of non-compliance with City codes and ordinances; review documentation relating to property, including but not limited to, case files and maps.
  • Identify corrective actions to be taken by homeowner; monitor corrections to ensure conformance with codes and regulations; prioritize and arrange action items in an equitable manner to encourage cooperation from owners and tenants.
  • Conduct follow-up investigations to ensure compliance with law, code or ordinance; provide follow-up and regular inspection of projects under construction to ensure compliance with conditions of project approval.
  • Provide information to violators and the general public regarding codes, laws and ordinances.
  • Issue administrative warnings and citations and compliance letters; initiate criminal and civil complaints as necessary.
  • Document and maintain records of code enforcement activities.
  • Maintain complaint database and accurate code violation records.
  • Research, analyze and interpret City Zoning Ordinances, Subdivision Codes, and building permits.
  • Prepare and present information before the Planning Commission, City Council and State and regional boards.
  • Perform title searches.
  • Coordinate investigations with appropriate Public Safety Department.
  • Assist with the development of policies and procedures related to code enforcement.
  • Prepare a variety of written reports, memos and correspondence.
Animal Control Function:
  • Patrol City streets, roads and parks; search for stray or abandoned animals; capture and confine animals using appropriate procedures; impound and quarantine animals, as appropriate; enforce City animal control and licensing laws; issue citations for violations of animal control and licensing ordinances.
  • Investigate reports or complaints of dogs, cats or other animals creating nuisances; use tactical communication style to de-escalate situations and use mediation techniques to reconcile various complaints.
  • Investigate reports of animal cruelty or abuse, and take appropriate action.
  • Administer vaccines and provide first aid medical treatment to animals; euthanize severely injured animals.
  • Write incident reports, gather evidence, prepare and present cases at administrative hearings; prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports; maintain inventories of medications supplies.
  • Maintain contact with citizens regarding animal control issues and problems and preserve good relationships with the general public; explain ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals to the public; conduct educational seminars and presentations to promote and provide education to the public regarding the keeping and caring of pets.
  • May assist Police Officers on high risk operations including dynamic and tactical entries, searches, and in serving arrest warrants, when vicious dogs may be present.
  • Receive and develop appropriate solutions for animal service requests.
  • Effectively maintain and operate the City's Animal Shelter.
  • Document and maintain records of animal control activities.

Knowledge of:
  • Principles, practices, methods and techniques of code enforcement, humane apprehension and care of animals.
  • Land use laws, City codes, ordinances, laws and regulations pertaining to health and safety.
  • Basic principles, practices and techniques of building and safety inspection.
  • General City services and municipal organizational structure as they relate to code enforcement.
  • Legal terminology, forms and procedures.
  • Principles of identification, preservation and presentation of evidence.
  • Safe and efficient work practices as they relate to code enforcement.
  • Principles and practices of humane apprehension and care of animals.
  • Equipment and methods used to capture and restrain animals.
  • Physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of domestic animals.
  • Police protocols and standard operating procedures.
  • Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.
  • Techniques involved in public relations and conflict resolution.

Ability to:
  • Plan and conduct investigations and enforcement action for planning, land use, zoning, and subdivision laws, codes ordinances and regulations.
  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; prepare reports; know, understand, interpret, and explain department and program policies, procedures, rules, codes, laws and operational procedures; observe, analyze, evaluate and solve code enforcement problems/issues, taking appropriate course of action; remember various inspection rules and codes.
  • Intermittently, sit at a desk while studying or preparing reports; twist to reach equipment or materials; stand, walk, balance, stoop, kneel, climb, crawl, and bend while performing inspection duties; perform simple grasping and fine manipulations; use telephone, and write or use keyboard to communicate through written means and lift or carry weight of 50 pounds or less.
  • Interpret, apply, and enforce pertinent codes, ordinances, laws and regulations with impartiality and efficiency, inspecting and identifying violations of code.
  • Gather, organize, analyze and present a variety of data and information.
  • Effectively represent the City in land use investigations and enforcement functions with Courts, the public and other governmental agencies.
  • Understand the interaction between the public and elected officials.
  • Maintain and update records, logs and reports.
  • Respond to inquiries, complaints and requests for service in a fair, tactful and firm manner.
  • Organize and maintain records; meet deadlines.
  • Work independently.
  • Operate modern office equipment and digital camera and photo software.
  • Understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Communicate effectively with the public, co-workers, and supervisors.
  • Enforce animal regulations and ordinances.
  • On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of an Animal Control Officer's job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; remember accounts given by witnesses; interpret and apply the law to field situations; problem solve crime and abuse situations; and explain law to public.
  • On an intermittent basis, sit at desk or in patrol vehicle; walk and stand during patrol activities; bend, squat and kneel during examination and restraint of animals; climb stairs and/or ladders while in the field; twist while restraining animals; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; continuously wearing utility belt and other equipment of 30 pounds; and intermittently carry weight of 100 pounds or less.
  • Identify symptoms of common animal diseases.
  • Administer humane euthanasia to animals, as necessary.
  • Conduct thorough investigations including, but not limited to, animal abuse and cruelty cases.
  • Use and care for firearms.
  • Safely handle and detain animals.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be age eighteen (18) by date of application.
  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
  • Possession of a valid California Class C driver license.
  • Code Enforcement Officers performing Animal Control functions must possess a Certificate of Completion of Penal Code 832 Course in Arrest and Firearms issued by California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) within one (1) year of assignment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Three (3) years of responsible investigative and code enforcement experience for a public agency or one (1) year of experience working with domestic animals in a public setting.

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
a) Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
b) Health Insurance: The City pays approved CalPERS health insurance premiums through CalPERS for employee only and partial dependent costs
c) Dental and Vision Insurance: The City pays approved dental and vision insurance premiums for employee and a portion of dependent coverage
d) Life Insurance: The City provides $50,000 in life insurance coverage for the employee, with optional buy-up coverage available
e) Vacation Leave: Beginning on the date of hire, employees accrue 6.67 hours per full calendar month (equivalent to 80 hours annually) during the first five (5) years of service. Employees with five (5) to fifteen (15) years of service accrue 10 hours per full calendar month (120 hours annually). Employees with more than fifteen (15) years of service accrue 13.36 hours per full calendar month (160 hours annually)
f) Sick Leave: Accrued at a rate of one (1) day per month with no maximum accumulation
g) Deferred Compensation: Optional participation in plans offered through Mission Square, Nationwide, or Empower
For a complete listing of benefits, please refer to theapplicable to this position.
01
Are you eighteen (18) years of age or older?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Have you successfully completed the twelfth grade or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you currently have a valid California Class C driver license or have the ability to obtain one?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have three (3) years of responsible investigative and code enforcement experience for a public agency or one (1) year of experience working with domestic animals in a public settng?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you understand that Code Enforcement Officers performing Animal Control functions must possess a Certificate of Completion of Penal Code 832 Course in Arrest and Firearms issued by California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) within one (1) year of assignment, if hired?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question