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DEADLINE TO APPLY: Open Until Filled

THE POSITION:

Under general supervision, responsible for protecting the community from dangerous and sick animals; enforcing and investigating local municipal, state, and federal animal laws; preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases; capturing and impounding a variety of animals requiring specialized equipment; euthanizing animals as deemed necessary; providing care and maintenance for animals; picking up and disposing of deceased animals; assisting in licensing; providing humane education to residents in the community and children in schools; and performing other related duties as required.

You are:
The ideal Animal Control Officer is compassionate, service-oriented, and committed to building positive relationships with the community. They demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and patience when assisting residents, handling sensitive situations, and working with animals in distress. The ideal candidate communicates effectively; exercises sound judgment under pressure and approaches every interaction with a strong focus on public safety, education, and humane care for both animals and people. This position requires an individual who can balance enforcement responsibilities with compassion and understanding. The ideal candidate is approachable, community-focused, and dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership while serving as a trusted resource for the public. The ideal candidate would perform the full range of duties for this class independently and only receive occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual, or unique situations arise.

Essential Duties:

What you will do: 
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Responds to complaints concerning animals and takes appropriate action.
• Captures aggressive animals
• Investigates reports of animal cruelty and neglect, dog and rooster fighting.
• Operates a motor vehicle in patrolling an assigned area.
• Collects license and quarantine fees and issues receipts for same.
• Explains and enforces pertinent laws relating to animal services and licensing.
• Issues violation notices and Court citations.
• Transports stray, sick, injured or dead animals to an animal services facility.
• Performs humane euthanasia on animals as necessary.
• Assists in receiving, feeding and caring for, or disposing of impounded animals.
• Assists in the cleaning and maintenance of the animal services facility, related vehicles, and equipment.
• Assists the public in claiming or adopting animals.
• Investigates animal-bite cases, obtains all necessary information and initiates proper quarantine or hearing procedures as required.
• Maintains records and files.
• Prepares reports.
• Testifies in court.
• May use tranquilizing equipment and firearms.
• Seeks medical attention for impounded animals.
• May make public presentations.
• Serves on scheduled on-call status.
• May be required to lift and load animals up to 50 lbs.

Link to full job description: Animal Control Officer

CORE COMPETENCIES  

Knowledge of:  

• Care and feeding of animals.
• Animal health, behavior and proper handling.
• Basic computer operations. 
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
• Basic math and record keeping. 
• Federal, State and City laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to animal control.

Ability to: 

• Operate a personal computer and related devices using City-installed software. 
• Interpret laws and ordinances. 
• Communicate effectively with the public.
• Exercise tact and good judgment in performance of duties.
• Use discretion regarding enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to animals.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Deal patiently and effectively with frightened, fractious and injured animals.
• Follow orders and work cooperatively with others.
• Work rotating shifts, holidays, weekends and on-call.
• Deal with emotional issues involving the humane care of animals.
• Control, carry and subdue animals.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 

Minimum Qualifications:

You have: 
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: One (1) year of experience in the handling of or caring for animals.

Education: Equivalent to completion of twelfth (12th) grade.

License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License by the time of appointment.

Persons hired must obtain a certificate from the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training covering laws of arrest and safety in firearms as described in Chapter 4.5, Section 832 of the Penal Code within 90 days from the date of employment.

Person hired must obtain Certification in Humane Euthanasia within 90 day days from the date of employment.
 

Supplemental Information:

BENEFITS AND REWARDS:

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:

• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application, license, and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.

Application Review - 

A. Minimum qualifications
B. Completion of Required Pre-Background Survey
C. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire

The rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.

Job Related Testing -

Supplemental Questionnaire Review will take place on a Bi-Weekly Basis

The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.

Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process.  Include specific or approximate dates here.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.

Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.

The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.

APPLICATIONS
Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com.  Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA  94541.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system.  Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at  (855) 524-5627.
 

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer

&

A Certified Age Friendly Employer

Learn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute here