There is currently one (1) full time vacancy.

Under general supervision, to perform a variety of duties involved in the enforcement and communication of State and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the care, keeping, treatment, and control of animals; to respond to calls and patrol the City for animal control related problems; and to prepare accurate records and reports pertaining to activities.

For more information about the Costa Mesa Police Department, click here.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applications must be completed and submitted on-line. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore prompt application is encouraged.

The first application review date will be Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Candidates are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Do not include text or attached resumes, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process. Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include, but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process. The eligibility list will be in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted sooner. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be utilized to fill lower-level vacancies which occur during the life of the list.

It is recommended you use a personal email address on your application instead of a work email address. Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process). Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your on-line application.

All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (livescan fingerprint check), polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen).

Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.

These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

Patrol assigned areas; pursue animals by vehicle and on foot; capture and impound unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; snare animals using special devices; cage or secure animals in Animal Control vehicles.

Examine captured animals for illness or injury; handle and properly transport sick or injured animals to veterinarian for medical treatment; take proper measures to ensure that the animal will receive proper care and treatment.

Consults with the public regarding zoonotic diseases as needed.

Remove dead animals from roadways and other areas using special devices; properly dispose of dead animals.

Investigate reports of complaints of animals creating nuisances and take appropriate actions; investigate reports of violations including inhumane care or neglect of and cruelty to animals, dog bite incidents, and vicious dog attacks; investigate the inhumane care of animals in homes, pet shops, exhibitions, stray, or occult activity.

Inspect pet stores for proper care and treatment of animals and compliance with laws and codes.

Issue citations and warnings to enforce City, County and State animal regulations.

Recognize and impound diseased animals; quarantine animals that are known or suspected of inflicting an animal bite on a person; impose quarantine procedures and provide follow-up contact to ascertain if the animal is showing any signs of sickness or rabies; file report with the Health Department.

Prepare reports and maintain accurate records, logs, and files of the animals and activities.

Prepare cases and complaints for court action; testify in court.

Answer questions and provide public education regarding laws, enforcement procedures, humane animal care and services, and owner responsibilities.

Assist Police Officers and other agencies in taking pets into protective custody resulting from a death, arrest, emergency, or an animal impending a police investigation.

Capture and impound wildlife for evaluation or euthanization.

Perform euthanasia of an animal when a veterinarian is not available and it is reasonable and necessary.

Operate computers to input and retrieve data and information.

Safely operate and maintain the Animal Control vehicle and specialized equipment used in the capture, transport, and treatment of animals including tranquilizing equipment and traps.

Perform related duties as required.

A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this classification is as follows:

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from high school or its equivalent. Specialized training in police science, handling animals, or a related field is highly desirable.

Minimum of two years of experience in the care and handling of animals and dealing with the public. One (1) year of field experience as an Animal Control Officer is desirable.

An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform essential functions may also be considered.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:

Possession of a valid California Driver's License. Revocation of license during employment may result in disciplinary action or reassignment.

Successful completion of the Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy (Basic) is required by the end of the probationary period.

California Penal Code 832 Certification/Training is required by the end of the probationary period.

Chemical Immobilization Certification/Training is required by the end of the probationary period.

Euthanasia by Injection Certification/Training is required by the end of the probationary period.

REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:

Knowledge of basic methods of animal collection, care, and disposal.

Knowledge of zoonotic diseases.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of animal capture and control; principles and procedures of record keeping.

Knowledge of principles of basic report preparation.

Knowledge of principles and practices used in dealing with the public; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment; and safe driving principles and practices.

Skill in operating modern office equipment, including computer equipment.

Skill in operating necessary tools and devices to capture and immobilize animals; a radio; and a motor vehicle safely.

REQUISITE ABILITIES:

Ability to learn general animal diseases to help determine the proper deposition for an animal.

Ability to learn, interpret, apply, and enforce the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to animal care, control, keeping, and treatment, and protection laws and regulations.

Ability to medicate animals for the purpose of immobilizing.

Ability to identify dog and cat breeds and their characteristics.

Ability to recognize normal and abnormal behavior in domestic and wild animals.

Ability to determine the proper action to take when confronting animals who are agitated, vicious, frightened, or injured.

Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergencies.

Ability to prepare and maintain clear, accurate, concise and complete records.

Ability to meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public.

Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.

Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to respond back to work within one hour when on standby duty.

Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Ability to perform euthanasia of an animal in a safe and humane manner when a veterinarian is not available and it is reasonable and necessary.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISASTER SERVICE WORKER:

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 - all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or disaster.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Please contact Human Resources for a summary of the essential tasks and environmental factors for this classification.

Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

City of Costa Mesa

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