Animal Control Officer

Salary: $21.90 - $34.96 Hourly
Location : Fort Lauderdale 33312, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1414004
Department: RED ACD Field Svc
Opening Date: 11/18/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Veterans' Preference Notice: Under Section 295.07, Florida Statutes, certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment with Broward County and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled.
International Degree Verification: International degrees must be evaluated by an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) www.naces.org/members or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) https://aice-eval.org/endorsed-members. Candidates are responsible for all evaluation expenses. Completed evaluations do not guarantee employment and are subject to approval by Broward County Human Resources.

REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES
The Broward County Board of County Commissioners is seeking qualified candidates for Animal Control Officer to support the Animal Care Division.

Benefits of Broward County Employment

High Deductible Health Plan - bi-weekly premiums:

Single $10.90 / Family $80.79

Includes a County Funded Health Savings Account of up to $2000 Annually

Consumer Driven Health Plan - bi-weekly premiums:

Single $82.58 / Family $286.79

Florida Retirement System (FRS) - Pension or Investment Plan

457 Deferred Compensation employee match

Eleven (11) paid holidays each year

Vacation (Paid Time Off) = 2 weeks per year

Up to 40 hours of Job Basis Leave for eligible positions

Tuition Reimbursement (Up to 2K annually)

Paid Parental Leave
General DescriptionPerforms a variety of animal control/care work in the field.
Works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Requires one (1) year of experience in the professional care and handling of animals.

Special Requirements
Required to work nights, weekends, holidays and on-call as scheduled.

Special Certifications and Licenses
Must possess a valid Florida Class E Driver's License at time of appointment, and must obtain and maintain the authority to drive on County business.

Must obtain the Animal Care Officer certification within six (6) months of hire.

Must obtain the Euthanasia certification within six (6) months of hire.

Preferences

- Associate's degree or higher in animal sciences, veterinary sciences, law enforcement or closely related field
- NACHO Certification Levels I-III (National Animal Control Association)
- Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Training Certificate
- 2+ years of experience working as an animal care specialist or similar
- Knowledge of streets, roads, and locations within Broward County
- NACA and/or FACA certification
- Florida euthanasia certification
- Chemical Immobilization Certification
Additional Information:

This position is considered a safety-sensitive position. Candidates selected for employment will be subject to pre-employment verifications to include but not limited to; post-offer physical examination/drug test and clearance of the Department of Children and Families Affidavit of Good Moral Character.

SCOPE OF WORK
Responds to complaint calls in order of priority to, set traps, capture loose, stray, sick, injured, or abandoned animals; investigate animal abuse, neglect, and/or nuisance.

Conducts general investigations of animal related problems including, but not limited to animal cruelty and neglect, aggressive and dangerous dogs, animals running at-large, barking, permitting, licensing and impounding of animals all which may involve hostile, irate or distressed members of the public, in a tactful, professional and effective manner.

Patrols an assigned zone in order to identify/capture stray animals, responds to calls/complaints, and enforces animal care ordinances; captures a variety of animals in order to protect the community and to protect animals from injury/death.

Apprehends and confines stray, injured, aggressive/dangerous and nuisance animals in the most safe, humane and approved manner possible. Transports animals to sheltering facility and/or veterinary clinic.

Performs routine medical procedures/evaluation upon animals while in the field including but not limited to, conducts basic medical triage as needed; euthanize animals if necessary and permitted; and administers first-aid when necessary.

Performs routine medical procedures/evaluation upon incoming animals including but not limited to, administers oral and injectable medications; conducts basic medical triage as needed; euthanize animals if necessary and permitted; and administers first-aid when necessary.

Mediates animal issues between citizens; educates members of the public about laws and regulations on animal care; takes immediate action if necessary; gathers evidence and information for further investigation as indicated; documents information; consults with supervisors and/or management staff regarding cases of a complex or unusual nature; works with local law enforcement agencies, issues civil citations to responsible parties for animal-related issues; provides testimony on investigations and findings; performs related duties as assigned.

Maintains and uses controlled drugs in accordance with law and policy for humane euthanasia, sedation or chemical capture of animals.

Works with other community professionals such as police officers, court officials and veterinarians.

Prepares written investigative reports that may be introduced as legal court evidence.

Answers telephone calls from citizens and dispatches calls for service to other field staff on a rotational basis as assigned.

Interacts with the public in order to educate people regarding animal behavior, animal care ordinances, and basic animal care procedures; explains Broward County animal care policies, procedures, and fees; assists with adoptions, and resolves animal care ordinance related issues.

Assists public with issues of pet identification and reuniting pets with their owners.

Responds to night emergency calls on a rotating basis; assists fellow specialists as requested and/or necessary; works overtime as necessary to complete duties.

Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.

Operates a laptop/computer and other common office equipment necessary to complete the duties assigned.

Operates issued animal capture, restraint and transport equipment necessary to complete the duties assigned.

Transports shelter animals to appropriate veterinarian hospital, participates in public events as directed, and communicates well with other employees, public and administrative staff.

Performs general clerical tasks, provides backup coverage to other officers and dispatch as needed, participates in meetings and special assignments as directed.

Assists in shelter cleaning and maintenance, euthanasia and care of impounded animals when needed.

Performs other related duties, tasks, assignments and/or responsibilities as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Demands
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Performs physical work that involves walking, running, standing, stooping, stretching, or lifting. Work also involves lifting over 50 pounds on a regular and recurring basis. Dexterity involving exceptional skill, adeptness, and speed in the use of fingers, hands, or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment)
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

Involves routine and frequent exposure to extreme noise levels.

Involves routine and frequent exposureto disease/pathogens.

Involves routine exposure to aggressive or dangerous animals.

Involves routine and frequent exposure to extreme heat and/or cold; wet or humid conditions.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Competencies

• Decision Quality

Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. Swiftly internalizes coaching on routine issues; handles issues confidently after instruction. Leverages rules and procedures to speed up decision making. Confidently and quickly draws on others' expertise.

• Action Oriented

Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. Identifies what needs to be done and acts quickly. Shows optimism and enthusiasm that affects others positively. Works independently but knows when to ask for help.

• Manages Conflict

Handles conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise. Seeks out a variety of opinions and options; maintains an open mind; takes steps to ensure conflict remains constructive; avoids polarized or unilateral decisions; seeks agreement on critical issues.

• Interpersonal Savvy

Relates openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people. Grasps others' more obvious social cues and responds appropriately; shows tact and sensitivity in difficult interpersonal situations. Maintains productive relationships with a wide variety of people and from a range of backgrounds.

• Communicates Effectively

Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.

• Manages Ambiguity

Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Learns about changing priorities and responds appropriately. Connects with appropriate individuals to gain direction. Takes steps forward, even when details are unknown.

• Situational Adaptability

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Takes steps to adapt to changing needs, conditions, priorities, or opportunities. Understands the cues that suggest a change in approach is needed; adopts new behaviors accordingly.

County Core Values
All Broward County employees strive to demonstrate the County's four core behavioral competencies.

• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Customer focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Instills trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Values differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Broward County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion. Broward County is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. We support the hiring of people with disabilities; therefore, if you require assistance due to a disability, please contact the Professional Standards Section in advance at 954-357-6500 or email Profstandards@broward.org to make an accommodation request.
Emergency Management Responsibilities

Note: During emergency conditions, all County employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. County employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.
County-wide Employee Responsibilities

All Broward County employees must serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of Broward County's Employee Code of Ethics, gift, and conflict of interest policies.
All Broward County employees must establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression.
Broward is a dynamic county that offers an exciting, stable career with incredible employee benefits such as 11 annual holidays, accrued annual/vacation and sick leave, FRS retirement, $50,000 of County-paid life insurance, training and development, and participation eligibility in a deferred compensation (457) plan with a match up to $2,000. In addition, Broward County offers 2 health plans, a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a County-funded Health Savings Account (HSA), and a Consumer Driven Health plan (CDH), Dental insurance, Vision insurance and Section 125 Flexible spending accounts for Medical Expenses and Dependent Care. Employees who are hired into a full-time, or part-time position working 20 hours per week, are considered benefits-eligible. Benefits become effective on the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
01

How many years' experience do you have in the professional care and handling of animals?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 3 years
• 4 to 5 years
• 5 or more years

02

Are you willing and able to obtain the Animal Care Officer (ACO) certification within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes, I am willing and able to obtain the ACO certification, if hired
• No, I am not willing and able to obtain the ACO certification, if hired
• I already have the ACO certification

03

Are you willing and able to obtain the euthanasia certification within six (6) months of hire?

• Yes, I am willing and able to obtain the euthanasia certification, if hired
• No, I am not willing and able to obtain the euthanasia certification, if hired
• I already have the euthanasia certification

04

Although we are striving to become no-kill, being able to perform euthanasia is a job requirement. Are you willing and able to fulfil these requirements?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid Florida Class E Driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06

Being a member of the field staff also requires you to work in extreme heat or cold, while bending, squatting, lifting up to 80 pounds, etc. Are you able to fulfil these requirements with or without a reasonable accommodation?

• Yes
• No

07

The facility is open weekends and holidays, and you will be required to work weekends and holidays. Are you willing and able to fulfil this requirement?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have experience in handling customer service situations with a diverse population that may involve a high degree of emotion and conflict? If so, please explain.
09

Please describe what method you would use to resolve conflict in the workplace.
10

Please briefly describe any experience you have in building community relationships and or conducting community outreach/education.
11

Please select all you currently possess:

• Associate degree or higher in animal science, veterinary science, law enforcement or closely related field
• NACHO Certification Levels I-III (National Animal Control Association)
• Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Training Certificate
• Two years previous animal care specialist experience
• Knowledge of streets, roads, and locations within Broward County
• NACA and/or FACA certification
• Florida euthanasia certification
• Chemical Immobilization Certification
• Chameleon experience of at least one (1) year
• None of the above

Required Question