City of Mission Viejo

Animal Control Officer

City of Mission Viejo Mission Viejo, CA

Description

City of Mission Viejo Invites Applications for

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

$29.06 - $42.28

APPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025

The City of Mission Viejo seeks qualified candidates to serve as our next Animal Control Officer to provide enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations; ensure public safety by capturing and caring for wild, vicious, and/or injured animals; and to provide public education on living with and caring for domestic and wild animals.

There is one (1) full-time vacancy that requires working a 4/10 schedule with a typical shift of Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; or 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. including weekend, holiday, and on-call for after-hour emergency calls from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Days off are according to schedule rotation of 4/10 work week. This is an FLSA non-exempt position and is entitled to overtime. Animal Control Officers are assigned to the Field Services division and may be assigned to one or more of the following programs, Patrol, Investigations, Commercial Enforcement, Public Education and/or Licensing Enforcement.

The first round of Zoom interviews is scheduled for May 19, 2025. Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend. The City will not accommodate applicant scheduling requests for alternative dates and it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly.

The eligibility list established for this position may be used to fill future full-time or part-time Animal Control Officer or HST-Reserve Animal Control Officer vacancies.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

YOUR IMPACT

  • Patrol areas within the city of Mission Viejo and all contract cities to enforce animal services codes, ordinances and regulations; investigate reports of animal abuse; issue citations; collect fees; take other appropriate actions;
  • Capture and impound unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; transport animals to shelter; arrange for proper storage and humane care;
  • Pick up dead or injured animals; provide aid to injured animals; transport animals to veterinarian for treatment or euthanasia; medicate and vaccinate animals to be adopted;
  • Respond to calls from citizens for animal services; investigate complaints involving animals; investigate reports of dogs, cats, or other animals creating nuisances;
  • Determine whether calls meet the criteria for emergency response and call out; how quarantines should be handled; evaluate and authorize immediate care of euthanasia for sick and injured animals, emergency seizure of animals., owner relinquishments in the field; determine whether a criminal complaint and/or dangerous/vicious dog investigation should be initiated;
  • Register animals; follow up on registration violations including the collection of fees; provide public education regarding humane animal services, including wildlife issues, adoption procedures, and enforcement of animal regulations;
  • Identify and investigate animal related crimes, interview witnesses, collect evidence, write reports, and testify in court;
  • Investigate reports of animal bites, complete state mandated quarantines as necessary;
  • Answer questions regarding the enforcement of animal services, regulations, adoption and licensing policies and procedures;
  • Participate in public education events relating to living with and caring for domestic and wild animals;
  • Give public presentations on multiple animal related topics such as dog bite prevention, shelter services, animal services laws and regulations and wildlife safety;
  • Prepare reports and maintain records, log, and file of activities; prepare cases and complaints for court action; testify in court.

Applicants are encouraged to review the entire Animal Control Officer job description by visiting the City’s website at http://cityofmissionviejo.org.

YOUR TEAM

The members of the Mission Viejo Animal Services Department are passionate and dedicated to making a difference every day for the domestic animals and wildlife living in the communities they serve. They are looking for someone with the same strong work ethic and passion to join them.

The Department provides services for Mission Viejo and four surrounding cities which include: City of Aliso Viejo, City of Laguna Hills, City of Laguna Niguel and City of Rancho Santa Margarita. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is a pro-humane facility that provides an array of services including animal licensing, rabies control, pet adoption, community outreach presentations, patrol of public streets and parks, picking up injured wildlife, impounding stray dogs/cats, issuing citations, and providing a shelter for homeless animals. The facility has dogs, cats and rabbits available for adoption year-round.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

  • Strong work experience demonstrating the use of independent judgment, tact, discretion, and conflict resolution skills;
  • Someone who can effectively deal with outside agencies, the public, and City staff, in person and over the telephone by providing a high level of customer service;
  • Ability to educate the public in animal laws and regulations;
  • Possess strong animal handling skills for a variety of wild and domestic animals in various conditions;
  • Ability to evaluate animal behavior, evaluate animal health and determine adoptability;
  • Flexible self-starter who is enthusiastic, eager to learn, and works independently with minimal supervision;
  • Knowledge of computer applications such Word, Excel, Outlook, Chameleon and has the ability to learn new programs; and
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills.

Knowledge Of

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

  • Pertinent state and local laws, codes, and regulations.
  • Methods and techniques of handling, collection, impoundment, and registration of a variety of wild and domestic animals in various conditions.
  • Identification of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
  • Principles of animal behavior and care.
  • Principles and practices used in dealing with the public.
  • Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of animal services.
  • Basic principles and procedures of record-keeping.
  • Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
  • General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
  • Techniques and practices of public speaking and making presentation before small groups.
  • Techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
  • Safe driving principles and practices.
  • Safe work practices.

Skill In

  • Interpreting, explaining, applying, and enforcing laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to animal services.
  • Effectively responding to calls for services.
  • Meeting and dealing tactfully and effectively with the public.
  • Recognizing normal and abnormal animal behavior.
  • Handling potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner.
  • Preparing and maintaining accurate and complete records.
  • Preparing clear and concise reports.
  • Working independently in the absence of supervision.
  • Accessing, retrieving, entering, and updating information using a computer terminal.
  • Training other staff and volunteers in work procedures.
  • Effectively representing the City in meetings with governmental and regulatory agencies, and the public.
  • Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
  • Operating and maintaining a variety of animal control equipment.
  • Inoculating and medicating animals.
  • Operating a two-way radio.
  • Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and those contacted in the course of the work.
  • Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
  • Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Experience and Training and License/Certificate

Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college level course work in animal health care. One (1) year of experience in the enforcement and communication of animal services codes, ordinances, and regulations and the humane care and handling of animals. Experience with a public agency is highly desirable.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

  • Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.
  • Must reside either within Orange County or within 45 driving miles of the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. This is necessary in order to report for emergency and on-call assignments.
  • Newly-hired employees, or employees promoted into the job classifications identified above, shall be required to meet residency requirements as a condition of successfully completing their probation period.
  • Must possess the ability to obtain a P.C. 832 certificate within one (1) year of appointment.

Benefits Overview

The following description is a general overview of the benefits provided to City of Mission Viejo benefit eligible employees. For specific details, please review the Human Resources Policies, Management and Budget Policies, Administrative Regulations, and official plan documents, or contact the Human Resources office at 949.470.3060.

Employees of the City are currently covered under the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). While the City does not participate in the Social Security System, federal mandate requires new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare insurance coverage.

Retirement

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are CalPERS Members –

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo within less than a six (6) month break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 60 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. Employees are required to contribute the full 7% member contribution, plus an additional 1.5% towards the employer rate.

A CalPERS member hired by the City of Mission Viejo with a six (6) month or more break in CalPERS covered service, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.0%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employees Hired On or After January 1, 2013, Who Are Not CalPERS Members –

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, will participate in the 2% at 62 formula, three-year final compensation, and 1959 survivor benefit. The employee pays the full member contribution, which is variable. The contribution rate for new members is 50% of the normal cost rate which is subject to change. The current member contribution is 7.5%. Employees also contribute 1.5% towards the employer rate.

Employer's Contribution Rate –

Beginning July 1, 2021, the employer's normal cost contribution rate is 9.82%, which reflects the employee pick-up of 1.5% of the employer rate.

Retiree Benefits

Employees Hired On or After December 2, 2006 –

The City's Supplemental Health Account for Retired Employees (SHARE) Plan is a defined contribution health reimbursement plan, which is intended to help employees offset post-retirement healthcare costs by allowing employees to contribute pre-tax dollars from their current wages with an additional contribution from the City, into an account that can be accessed upon retirement. To be eligible for the full benefits of the SHARE Plan, an employee must reach age 55 with a total of 15 years of service with the City of Mission Viejo.

The Plan requires mandatory contributions from both the employee and the City. Contributions to the Plan will commence for an employee beginning with the first pay period that occurs after the eligible employee's completion of one year of service with the City. Eligible employees will be required to contribute 1.5% of their salary. Deductions will be pre-tax and will be taken from each paycheck.

Starting the same date, the City contribution will be $100 per month ($50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time employees, $75 per month ($37.50 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .750 to .999, and $50 per month ($25 per pay period for 24 pay periods) for full-time equivalents of .500 to .749, after the completion of the waiting period. This program is administered by ICMA-RC.

Payday

The City issues paychecks on a biweekly basis (see Payroll Calendar), every other Friday. Benefits are deducted from paychecks twice a month.

Holidays

The City observes ten (10) paid holidays, including a Winter Closure at City Hall and the Corporation Yard between December 26th and December 31st. Employees also have one (1) floating holiday per year, which is credited annually on January 1st (on the employee's hire date in the first year) and cannot be carried-over.

Comprehensive Annual Leave

Provides employees with paid time off for rest and relaxation, personal or family illness, bereavement, and personal business. For non-exempt classifications, 19 days annual accrual during the first year, increasing to 30 days beginning in year ten, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions. For exempt classifications, 24 days annual accrual during the first year, increasing to 35 days beginning in year ten, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions.

Jury Duty Leave

Employees are granted up to 30 paid days for jury service.

Cafeteria Plan

The City offers a "cafeteria style" flexible benefits plan, with a fixed monthly contribution provided by the City for all regular and probationary full-time and part-time employees. The benefits plan is covered under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code allowing employees to pay monthly benefit premiums on a pre-tax basis. Benefit coverage begins the first day of the month following thirty-days (30) of continuous regular employment.

Medical Insurance

The City contracts with CalPERS to offer medical insurance to employees, plus their qualified dependents. Employees are required to participate in the City group medical plan.

Dental Insurance

The City contracts with Delta dental for dental coverage for employees, plus their qualified dependents. There is a choice among two plans, Delta PPO and Delta Care PMI.

Vision

The City contracts with Vision Service Plan (VSP) for vision coverage for employees, plus their qualified dependents.

Life Insurance

The City contracts with Voya to provide term life insurance for employees in an amount equal to two (2) times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $300,000. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium. If you need more than the Basic Life insurance the City provides, you may purchase additional coverage by enrolling in the Supplemental Term Life (STL) and AD&D insurance programs.

Short and Long Term Disability

The City contracts with Voya to provide both short and long-term disability insurance coverage to the employee, in a benefit amount up to 66% of the employee's salary. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium.

Flexible Spending Account

You can set up one Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care expenses and another to pay for the cost of caring for your dependents while you are at work. The Health Care Spending Account is a tax-free way to pay any qualified out-of-pocket expenses associated with medical, dental, and vision care for yourself and any family members who are legal dependents. You may contribute between $180 and $2,500, pre-tax, annually to this account. The Dependent Care Spending Account allows you to pay for child or elder care expenses on a tax-free basis. You may contribute between $300 and $5,000 annually towards this account. Both types of accounts are administered through Wex Benefits.

Employee Assistantance Program

The City contracts with CONCERN to provide short term counseling benefits, as well as life management services and referrals, to employees, their dependents, and any other members within their household. The City pays the full cost of the monthly premium.

Deferred Compensation

A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available through Nationwide. The City matches contributions up to $150 per month.

College Savings Plan

The City offers payroll deductions to a qualified 529 plan. This voluntary ScholarShare fund, managed by ScholarShare, is a flexible college savings program that helps make saving for a child's higher education easier.

Wellness Program

The City offers free membership, with some restrictions, to the City's Recreation and Tennis Centers for employees and their resident family members.

Tuition Reimbursement

Once probation has been successfully completed, the City offers tuition reimbursement to employees for qualified classes and/or programs up to $1,250 per fiscal year, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions. Pre-approval by the employee's supervisor and the City Manager is required.

Technology Loan Program

Once probation has been successfully completed, an interest-free technology loan is available to employees in an amount up to $3,500, prorated based on the full-time equivalent for all part-time positions.

Flexible Workplace Program

The Flexible Workplace Program allows an employee to enter into an agreement to schedule portions of their work week away from their regular worksite. Participating employees will work a full workday, but program participation allows times and number of hours in the office to be scheduled differently between individual days of the week. The City Manager must approve all Flexible Workplace Program applications. Program participation is a benefit and not an entitlement and is approved on a case-by-case basis.

01

The following supplemental questions will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position and will be used in conjunction with your application to evaluate your experience, knowledge and skills. Do not refer to your application and/or resume when completing these questions. Do you understand and acknowledge these instructions?

  • Yes
  • No

02

The first round of Zoom interviews is scheduled for May 19, 2025. Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend. The City will not accommodate applicant scheduling requests for alternative dates and it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly. Further, if you are invited to an interview, you will receive an email from the City of Mission Viejo with instructions to self-schedule yourself for an interview time on May 19, 2025. Failure to self-schedule an interview on time and/or to show up for the interview on time is an automatic fail for this recruitment. Do you understand and acknowledge these instructions?

  • Yes
  • No

03

This position requires working a 4/10 schedule with a typical shift of Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; or 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. including weekend, holiday, and on-call for after-hour emergency calls from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Days off are according to schedule rotation of 4/10 work week. Are you willing and able to work the above listed schedule?

  • Yes
  • No

04

This position requires living within a 45-mile radius of the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter in order to report for emergency and on-call assignments. Are you willing to relocate for the position if you do not live within 45 miles of the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter?

  • Yes
  • No

05

Identify what settings you have performed animal related work, where you gained this experience, and your specific role.

06

Please describe your experience and background in animal control.

07

Discuss your experience writing reports and where you gained this experience and the type of reports that were written.

08

What does customer service mean to you? Give an example when you delivered excellent customer service.

  • Required Question
  • Seniority level

    Entry level
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Other, Information Technology, and Management
  • Industries

    Government Administration

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