Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

Overview

Protect animals and serve our community.

Description

As our Animal Control Officer, you'll help protect animals and people across Chelan and Douglas Counties by sharing information, educating the public, and upholding the laws that keep our community safe.

The Animal Control Officer is a pivotal member of our team, providing education and resources to the community while conducting investigations and enforcing the laws, codes, and requirements of each jurisdiction we serve, as well as Washington State law. Commissioned under the Superior Court for Chelan and Douglas County, this role combines sound judgment, clear communication, hands-on animal care, and steady composure, and works closely with the Sergeant and Corporal of Animal Care & Control, dispatchers, client service representatives, the Shelter Manager, and partner agencies.

What You'll Do

• Enforce animal control and welfare regulations with fairness, consistency, and good judgment, and issue warnings, citations, and licenses in a courteous, professional, and firm manner.
• Educate the public on animal control laws and ordinances and on proper animal care, and answer questions about our services and history.
• Work with prosecutors and testify in court to bring cases to an appropriate conclusion.
• Safely contain, scan for microchips, and transport impounded animals, check them for disease and injury, administer vaccinations, and provide humane care and treatment.
• Follow protocols for sick animals and animal movement around the shelter, and euthanize animals in a humane and professional manner.
• Complete paperwork accurately and on time, keep patrol trucks and assigned equipment stocked, clean, and in safe working order, and help kennel and customer service staff as needed.

What You'll Bring

You're steady, fair, and self-motivated, with the composure to stay calm and professional in stressful or frustrating situations. You work well as part of a team, accept direction and constructive feedback, and know when to ask for help. You'll bring a high school diploma, excellent English verbal and written communication skills, the ability to type and keep organized records, the ability to understand and apply applicable laws and regulations, a good driving record, a valid Washington State driver's license, a minimum age of 21, the ability to safely lift and carry 75 pounds including live and dead animals, the ability to be certified for euthanasia and legend drug administration, the ability to cope with death from injury, illness, or euthanasia, and a willingness to work holidays, weekends, and on-call shifts.

Preferred, but not required: Bilingual English/Spanish skills, a bachelor's degree or animal control experience, knowledge of common breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals, skill in animal handling and care, and knowledge of animal care and control equipment.

What We Offer

We offer medical insurance with an employer HSA contribution option, vision insurance, dental insurance, a retirement plan with employer matching contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Why Work With Us?

This is an opportunity to do hands-on work that directly protects animals and the people who care about them. You'll collaborate with fellow officers, dispatchers, shelter staff, law enforcement, and first responder partners such as Rivercom, CPS, APS, and BHU to resolve situations and support our community. You'll join a mission-focused organization where professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and compassionate service matter.

Work Environment

This role involves irregular hours, including morning, mid, and night shifts, potential weekends, holidays, and on-call time, with work in the field, in patrol trucks, and at the shelter. It requires resolving conflict in a fast-paced atmosphere, multi-tasking, and being a calming presence for people and animals under stress, along with frequent use of computer screens, iPads, cell phones, and other digital devices. You'll regularly interact with the public, shelter staff, law enforcement, first responders, and partner agencies, and you'll be expected to present a professional appearance and attitude at all times. Candidates must be able to pass a Washington State Patrol background check. Candidates must have or be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License.