Posting number: 2026-00586
Department: Police Special Operations
Job classification: Animal Control Officer
Posting type: Open
Categories: Community Services, Public Safety, Animal Control
Summary
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This is responsible non-sworn work in enforcing ordinances and statutes relating to the control of animals. Work involves patrolling an assigned area of the city in search of stray animals or violations of animal ordinances. Work includes responding to citizens' complaints regarding possible ordinance violations and taking appropriate action, including the issuance of citations. Work includes the taking into custody, care, and transportation of stray and injured animals and their delivery to the animal shelter. Work is performed under general supervision and in accordance with established operating procedures and oral and written directives. Work involves considerable public contact and requires the exercise of tact and discretion in specific situations. Work is reviewed through direct observation of work habits and evaluation of results achieved.
- Patrols a designated work area of the city in an animal control vehicle to respond to animal control related cases
- Ensures public safety by responding to reports of animal bites and rabies exposure, and sick or injured animals
- Captures and processes stray, loose, and surrendered animals into the Animal Shelter and completes paperwork and documentation
- Issues warrants, criminal summons, and citations for violations of animal ordinances and the enforcement of animal-related laws and general statutes.
- Responds to assigned calls for animal control service involving animal control issues
- Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of animal control violations
- Interviews persons including witnesses, victims, and suspects having information about animal control issues
- Collects, packages and preserves evidence in animal control cases
- Prepares written reports and notes of animal control investigations
- Presents probable cause to magistrate for summons and misdemeanor warrants regarding animal control violations
- Provides community service functions including talks at community meetings and provides school education
- Provides the public with information on laws, ordinances, regulations, on animal control services as required
- Is capable of working rotating shifts
- Communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels
- Exercises independent and good judgment when dealing with the public
- Wears assigned uniform and equipment as required
- Has regular and predictable performance (e.g., non-scheduled absenteeism)
- Gets along well with others
- Is able to work independent of direct supervision
- Utilizes directed and self-directed work time in an efficient, effective and safe manner
- Subordinates to lawful commands of supervisor ranked personnel
- Protects the public image and reputation of the Raleigh Police Department
- Testifies in court for animal-related crimes
- Performs related work as required
High school graduate or GED equivalent; 1 to 3 years experience in animal control enforcement, or related work with wild or domesticated animals;
OR
Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted
Required Licenses & Certifications
- Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
- Investigative or similar type work experience
- Rabies exposure protocols
- Animal behavior and animal control methods
- Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices
- Standard practices, methods, and materials of assigned work
- Uses and properties of supplies and equipment
- Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment
- Customer service principles
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations
- Modern office practices and procedures including the use of standard office equipment and computer applications such as word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications
- Geography associated with the City of Raleigh and Wake County, North Carolina.
- Local and state ordinances, laws and regulations pertaining to the general care and control of animals or an ability to acquire such knowledge rapidly
- Work under adverse weather conditions
- Understand animal control procedures
- Remain patient in trying situations and maintain professionalism
- Read, interpret, and explain rules, regulations and procedures
- Use safe restraint methods for controlling animals
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with the public
- Keep simple records and to prepare routine reports
- Follow oral and written directions
- Document routine and investigative activities on proper administrative reports and maintain those files and records
- Display a history of being able to properly handle small or larger animals, both wild and domesticated
- Work efficiently within different computer software systems
- Following directions and meetings standards
- Providing attention to detail in assignments
- Monitoring and observing in order to detect violations of animal ordinances
- Preparing and maintaining activity reports and logs
- Comprehending reference books and manuals
- Operating assigned tools and equipment
- Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards
- Providing customer service
- Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications
- Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interactions with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and other to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction
- Operation of automotive equipment such as a pickup truck
- Written and oral communication
ADA and Other Requirements:
Work Environment and Physical Effort:
Medium: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Work Environment:
Work is typically performed in an outdoor environment, near moving traffic, and in a vehicle.?Employees will occasionally work in an office or similar environment.
Work Exposure:
There is frequent exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, communicable diseases and loud noises. Employees may occasionally be exposed to individuals with known violent backgrounds, extreme cold (below 32 degrees) in extreme heat (above 100 degrees) and toxic or caustic chemicals or substances.?
City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.