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Humane Officer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Correctional Officer I

Chestertown, MD ยท On-site

$23.21 - $35.97/hr

This position supervises inmates, protects staff and visitors, safeguards County property, and ensures the secure and humane treatment of individuals in custody. The Correctional Officer contributes ...

Correctional Officer I

Chestertown, MD ยท On-site

$23.21 - $35.97/hr

This position supervises inmates, protects staff and visitors, safeguards County property, and ensures the secure and humane treatment of individuals in custody. The Correctional Officer contributes ...

Animal Control Officer

Prince Frederick, MD ยท On-site

$26.54 - $28.41/hr

Officers are expected to participate in an on-call rotation, including nights, weekends, and ... This position is responsible for providing prompt and humane response to animal related issues ...

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Performing and assisting in humane euthanasia when necessary; * Training and supervising the ... officers, and members of the public); * Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ...

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Performing and assisting in humane euthanasia when necessary; * Training and supervising the ... officers, and members of the public); * Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ...

Humane Officer information

See Maryland salary details

$22.8K

$73.7K

$177.1K

How much do humane officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for humane officer in Maryland is $73,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,800.00 and $95,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much do humane officers make?

Humane officers typically earn a median annual salary of around $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. Some positions may offer higher pay with specialized skills, certifications, or supervisory responsibilities.

How to become a humane officer?

To become a humane officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience with animal care, and knowledge of animal laws and welfare practices. Some jurisdictions require completion of training programs or certification, and applicants must pass background checks and demonstrate good communication skills. Licensing or registration may also be necessary depending on local regulations.

What job categories do people searching Humane Officer jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Humane Officer jobs in Maryland are:

Infographic showing various Humane Officer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,692 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Correctional Officer - Recruitment Incentive - Direct Hire

BOP: General Practitioner

Cumberland, MD โ€ข On-site

$43K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 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-04:
Successfully completed education above the high school level in any field may be substituted for general experience at the rate of 30 semester hours for one year of experience.
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: 9 semester hours or 14 quarter hours of graduate level education in a major study in criminal justice, social science, or other field related to this position.
GL-07: One full academic year of graduate education with major study in criminal justice, social science, or other field related to the position is qualifying for GL-07.
GL-08: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
OR
Experience:
GL-04:
At least 2 years of full-time general experience, one year of which is equivalent to the GL-03 level in the Federal service.

General experience is defined as progressively responsible work that demonstrates the ability to:

  • Follow and apply rules, procedures, or regulations.
  • Use sound judgment in decision-making.
  • Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Maintain composure and take appropriate action in emergency or stressful situations.

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.

For examples of qualifying general experience, please refer to the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of this announcement.

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.

GL-07: 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
  • Jailer
  • Detention Officer
  • Deputy Sheriff supervising inmates in a jail.
  • Military Corrections (Brig, Internment/Resettlement Specialist, etc.

Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

  • Providing supervision, care and security of inmates in a correctional environment.
  • Experience supervising inmates throughout the institution and providing instructions related to institutional procedures and sanitation.
  • Experience with enforcing rules and regulations governing correctional institution security, inmate accountability and inmate conduct.
  • Experience with conducting various count procedures of inmates.
  • Experience working various correctional posts, assignments (such as Control Room, Rear-gate, Housing Units, etc.).

GL-08: 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. Experience must have been gained in a correctional facility with responsibilities in correctional treatment, care, custody, and control of inmates.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

  • Experience with assignments made to those areas requiring the maximum skill and expertise in dealing with inmates, the public, and the security of the institution.
  • Experience in supervising and instructing inmates regarding proper sanitation, personal hygiene and work habits.
  • Experience in maintaining the control and discipline of inmates in such areas as the auditorium, housing units, segregation, recreation areas, dining rooms, etc.
  • Experience in having responsibility for the custody and control of inmates who require special handling.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience:
GL-04 Only:
Have a combination of education and experience. This experience must have equipped you with the qualifications to perform the major duties of this position as described above.

AND
Medical Requirement:
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