Definition
The City of Colton Police Department is recruiting for Animal Services Officer. The department currently has one (1) vacancy.
The list established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and any future vacancies as they occur.
The eligibility list is valid for one (1) year.
Filing deadline is January 16, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m., or when 75 applications are received.
Definition
Under the general supervision of a Police Support Services Manager, enforces City, State and local animal control laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances; take stray and/or vicious animals into custody and transport them to the local animal facility; distributes animal licenses to City residents.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The
Animal Services Officer is a non-sworn position responsible for maintaining and enforcing City, State, and local animal control laws and regulations, collecting stray and dead animals, and distributing animal licenses. This classification is distinguished from the sworn classification of Police Officer by the performance of duties directly applicable to animal control (only) in that it has limited police powers prescribed by the law.
Supervision Exercised
The Animal Services Officer may supervise lower level staff or volunteers.
Essential Functions
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
- Respond to citizen complaints pertaining to dead and stray animals within the City limits; remove dead animals from streets and other public property; and take into custody stray and/or vicious animals that are a nuisance to the public.
- Patrol City streets and look for any acts that are in violation of City or State and local laws, codes, regulations, and/or ordinances including stray dogs or cruelty to animals; issue citations to animal owners for failure to comply with rules and regulations.
- Investigate reports or complaints of cruelty to animals and take corrective action.
- Responsible for the care of animals that are in custody; feed and water animals as necessary; transport animals to the pound; decide on the disposition of animals.
- As is necessary, may be required to euthanize animals.
- Maintain and compose animal control reports for higher-level personnel; make recommendations regarding animal control methods and procedures; implement any changes to approved changes in animal control standard operating procedures.
- Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Qualifications
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some directly related college level course work is desired.
AND
Experience: Six (6) months of animal control experience or successfully passed probation in a similar position are highly desirable.
Special Requirements
- Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver’s license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and good driving record is required.
- Must be 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year from appointment, a California P.O.S.T. PC 832 certificate.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year from appointment, an Animal Control Officer Certification required by CACO.
Additional Information
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, and before the filing deadline. This recruitment will close when 75 applications are received. Candidates that possess the knowledge, skills and experience that best meet the needs of the City, will be invited to an Oral Board Interview. Candidates that successfully pass the interview will have their name certified to the eligibility list. This list will be used to fill the current vacancy. The top three candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for a second interview.
Positions designated in the Colton Police Civilian Employee Association receive the following benefits:
- Cafeteria Amount for the purchase of medical, dental and vision insurance is $1,625.00/mo effective August, 2024.
- Employees hired on or after May 1, 2018, shall have a maximum cap of $500 for cash in-lieu.
- Up to 80 hours per year of vacation accrued for 0 – 5 years of service
- Up to 96 hours of sick leave (8 hours accrued monthly)
- 12 paid holidays (per calendar year)
- 20 floating holiday hours (per fiscal year)
- California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) for Miscellaneous Members: Classic Members hired prior to 6/1/2012 benefit level is 2.7% @ 55 Classic Members hired after 6/1/2012 benefit level is 2.5% @ 55 PEPRA Members hired after 1/1/2013 benefit level is 2% @ 62
- CalPERS 4th Level 1959 Survivor Benefit
- City paid short term and long term disability insurance coverage
- City paid life insurance coverage in the amount of $50,000
- City does not participate in the Social Security System
- Tuition Reimbursement - up to $2,500 per fiscal year after passing probation.
- Six month probationary period.
01
You will be working in the Police Department and subject to a thorough background investigation, including a Personal History Questionnaire and pre-employment physical. Please indicate, "Yes" that you understand you are subject to the investigation and pre-employment physical. If you do not understand and will not participate in the thorough investigation, please indicate "No".
02
Do you possess a valid California Class "C" driver's license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and a good driving record?
03
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?
04
Public Contact Experience: Describe your experience working with the public. Include your experience interviewing citizens, handling calls for service and presenting information to community audiences.
05
Do you possess any completed coursework related to animal control, handling or care? If so, please provide transcripts or a list of coursework. Attached should be uploaded to the application before submission.
06
Do you possess any experience with animals? This can include work or personal experience. Please provide a brief overview of your experience handling or caring for animals.
