Protection Services Officer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $64,625.60 Annually
Location : 1 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 03010
Department: ROAD OPERATIONS
Opening Date: 08/03/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Description of Duties
NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS: INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAYGRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED.
**Position subject to close at any time**
Under general direction, oversees Road Operations as it relates to the enforcement of the local Animal Control Ordinance and State Statutes. Employee functions at an entry supervisory/management level to supervise Animal Services Road Operations as it relates to Officer Is in order to protect the safety, welfare and property of the citizens, staff and animals of Osceola County. Position is responsible for training, scheduling, supervising and evaluating Officers.
Essential Job Functions
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Plans, organizes, and implements Animal Services Road Operations as it relates to ASO Is goals and objectives; coordinates and integrates all activities toward achievement of established goals and objectives.
• Supervises and coordinates daily road operations of Animal Services Officer Is, e.g., schedules, zone assignments, oversees maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Supervises and evaluates Animal Services Officer Is; coordinates and implements policy and procedure onboarding process and job training, e.g., animal control, public contact, reporting requirements.
• Reviews and participates in Officer responses to calls and investigation complaints of injured or nuisance, domestic and wild animals which may pose a threat to the public.
• Explains Animal Control Ordinances and State statutes to the general public; advises citizens on the responsibility of animal ownership as well as interaction with the public in the field.
• Implements and oversees Road Operations budget; ensures all functions and programs under charge are performed within established budgetary parameters, to include performing cost control activities, monitoring revenues and expenditures, and ensuring sound fiscal control of supplies and inventory.
• In the event ASO IIs are unavailable, will assist Department leadership with the investigation of animal cruelty complaints to determine compliance with Animal Control Ordinances and State Statutes and if necessary, assist with all required processes. Ensures these cases are referred to ASO IIs when they are available.
• As necessary when ASO IIs are not available, will conduct dangerous dog investigations in accordance with the Osceola County Animal Code and Florida Statutes. Ensure these cases are referred to ASO IIs when they are available.
• Direct oversight of all domestic and wild animal bite investigations; reviews field notes and information to complete incident reports on cases to be processed and sent to court as supplemental information for citations in criminal and civil bite cases.
• Maintains various management records as it relates to Animal Services operations and timely sharing of information within the department.
• Consults with the Health Department on unique situations involving rabies to determine needs for quarantine and/or testing of animals.
• Works in conjunction with state and local agriculture enforcement agencies to support and facilitate collaboration, communication and information sharing to facilitate effective investigations and positive outcomes of cases involving agriculture animals.
• Maintains various management records, files and logs.
• Must be able to perform euthanasia after completing certification course.
• Embraces a "one team" approach to accomplish daily tasks, goals and projects by interacting, cooperating, assisting, training and learning from volunteers.
• Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or GED.
Experience: A minimum of five (5) years previous work experience in animal care/control, veterinary, and/or law enforcement work and at least two (2) years of supervisory experience; additional years of direct animal care/control experience in a public sector or relevant education may substitute for supervisory experience.
Miscellaneous:

• Must possess Animal Control Officer State of Florida Certification for at least five (5) years.
• Must possess Euthanasia State of Florida Certification.
• Must possess Chemical Capture State of Florida Certification.
• Must obtain Animal Cruelty Investigator certification, Level I, II, and III, from the Law Enforcement Training Institute, or other approved entity, within two (2) years.
• Must be inoculated against rabies upon hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively supervise a staff comprised of entry and journey level employees engaged in carrying out Animal Services Road Operations.
• Ability to work with the general public to convey applied knowledge of the County Animal Control Ordinances and Florida Statutes.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable state, federal and local laws, rules, ordinances and regulatory standards applicable to the workability to interpret regulations to the general public in a professional and courteous manner.
• Thorough knowledge of proper care, feeding and handling of various types of domestic and livestock animals.
• Skill in the safe use and proper utilization of animal capture and restraint tools, equipment, traps, and devices; ability to apprehend animals in the field, including very large, dangerous, or rabid animals and livestock.
• Knowledge of domestic, livestock, and wildlife diseases, especially those that are reportable and/or zoonotic.
• Must have an understanding of rabies, how it is prevented, transmitted, and the purpose of rabies quarantine.
• Must have knowledge of or be able to locate or consult with experts regarding exotic animals to ensure appropriate handling, housing, and disposition.
• Thorough knowledge of the geographic areas of the County.
• Ability to operate animal services vehicles; ability to pull various types of trailers.
• Ability to communicate by radio using established 10 codes and signals with the dispatcher and other ASOs.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of customer service skills; ability to deal diplomatically with sensitive circumstances.
• Ability to render quick, responsible decision making, under stressful and emotional circumstances.
• Ability to operate emergency multi-line communications systems.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, facsimile machines.
• Ability to read, update and maintain various records and files; ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications.
• Skill in clearly communicating information both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with County personnel, government agencies, law enforcement, volunteers, civic groups, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:
Heavy

• 100 pounds maximum lifting.
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Physical demand requirements are in excess of medium work.
• Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.

Employee Benefits
Welcome to a workplace that values you. Osceola County offers a comprehensive benefits package to fit your needs and the needs of your family.
Join us in making a difference in our community, knowing we're here to support you every step of the way.
Group Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Medical and Dental Insurance at no cost to the employee. In addition, the County contributes 83% to the dependent(s) premium coverage.
Deductions Per Paycheck - HRA Base Plan
Coverage
Employee
Employee + 1
Family
Health-HRA Base
$0.00
$140.89
$219.17
HRA Buy-Up
$40.60
$188.28
$292.88
Dental Base
$0.00
$13.10
$24.12
Dental Buy-Up
$3.45
$19.82
$33.61
Vision
$3.42
$6.84
$9.15
Short-Term Disability
$0.00
N/A
N/A
Long-Term Disability
$0.00
N/A
N/A
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
At no cost to the employee. The County offers Short-Term and Long-Term Disability at 60% of the employee's weekly base salary. The employee has the option to purchase an additional 10% coverage.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
EAP provides confidential counseling and referral services to employees and their family members at no cost.
Employee Wellness Program
Employee Wellness Program promotes a variety of activities to encourage total well-being including physical, emotional, and financial health. Rewards can be earned.
Gym Membership Reimbursement
Gym Membership Reimbursement, up to $20.00 per month.
Basic Life Insurance Policy
At no cost to the employee, equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next thousand dollars. Employees can opt to buy additional Life Insurance.
Employee Health Center
The County provides a private health center for County Employees and eligible dependents. The Employee Health Center offers an array of primary care services, including sick visits, enhanced by x-ray services, pulmonary tests, lab work, and a dispensary offering over 200 generic medications onsite. Services at the Health Center are offered at no cost to the employees and their eligible dependents.
Employees who are enrolled on the County's Medical plan have access to the Employee Health Center on day one of employment. The Health Center is available to patients 8 years of age and older.
Vacation & Sick Leave Accruals
Service Time
Accruals Per Month
1 month - 5 years
8 hours
5 years and 1 month - 10 years
10 hours
10 years and 1 month - 15 years
12 hours
15 years and 1 month - 20 years
13.34 hours
20 years and over
16.66 hours
Sick Leave Accruals
Classification
Accruals Per Month
Full time employees
8 hours
Part time employees
4 hours
Paid Holidays
Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday (to be chosen by the Employee)

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Thanksgiving - Day After
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Administrative Leave
40 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year for Exempt employees.
Sick Leave Bank
Available to employees experiencing a catastrophic medical related event, with up to 240 hours per fiscal year. Enrollment required.
Vacation/Sick Leave Buy-Back Program
Eligible employees may sell back up to eighty (80) hours of accrued leave per fiscal year. (This program is subject to availability of funds and may be amended or terminated at any time without notice.)
Paid Bereavement Leave
Up to five (5) working days off.
Tuition Reimbursement
Up to $1,600 per Fiscal Year, for degree seeking employees. Degree must be related to employee's current position.
Membership in the Florida Retirement System
The County is a Florida Retirement System Employer! For Fiscal Year 2026-2027, County contribution for Regular Class members is 13.59%, subject to a mandatory 3% employee contribution. Rates and Contributions are set by Florida Legislation.
A 457b Deferred Compensation Program
A 457b Deferred Compensation Program is also available to help employees boost their retirement saving goals, with pre-tax and post-tax contributions, as well as IRA plan options. Employee sponsored.
Employee Recognition Program
We see your hard work, and we celebrate it! Through our Employee Appreciation Committee and the "You've Been Caught Doing Good" program, we recognize outstanding performance or accomplishments with prizes including monetary rewards and merchandise.
01
Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02
Briefly explain and list your years of experience in animal care/control, veterinary, and/or law enforcement work. (Experience must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application.)
03
Have you possessed an Animal Control Officer S