APPLICATION FILING PERIOD
This recruitment is set to close on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
THE POSITION
Animal Control Officers perform routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of animal control, such as dead animal pickup and investigations related; impound animals and transfer to a vet or shelter; respond to animal cruelty reports; patrol parks, respond to dispatch, answer phones, and emails, and enforce licensing ordinances. Time is split between 80% field work among the elements and 20% office work. Employees in this class report to the Animal Control Supervisor; no supervision is exercised. Employees in this classification may be assigned a 4/10 Monday–Thursday schedule during training. Upon completion of training, they may transition to a 5/8, 9/80, or 4/10 schedule that includes coverage on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, based on the operational needs of the department. This classification may be required to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
An ideal team member is passionate about serving the community and possesses the following competencies:
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to recognize and apply alternative solutions to problems, and make legal, logical, and critical decisions in emergencies while working in a stressful environment.
- Clear thought and ability to perform in critical decision-making in emergency situations, while remaining calm.
- Treatment of all people encountered, equally and with respect, while seeking to understand another’s view.
- Ability to thrive in a team environment that encourages cooperation, communication, and mutual sharing of risk, responsibility, and reward.
- Ability to accept and implement position-related feedback received.
- Current Monterey Park employee.
- Punctual.
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
At the Monterey Park Police Department, we have created a place where character counts; where performance and excellence are celebrated; where input and ideas are welcomed to ignite innovation; where you are family. We accept responsibility and are accountable for our actions. We listen and learn. We invite and inspire ideas. We help employees develop and grow, providing real feedback.
Examples Of Essential Duties
To view the class specification and learn more about the position, visit our careers page at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereypark
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education And Experience
- Graduation from High School or GED is required.
- Supplemental coursework in animal control or husbandry is highly desirable.
- 6 months of experience working with animals in a professional environment is highly desired.
- Possession of a POST certification in P.C. 832 (Powers of Arrest) is highly desirable.
- Animal Control Academy Certification is highly desirable.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of dogs and cats and their care and feeding; common disease symptoms in domestic animals; methods and techniques of animal euthanasia, animal licensing and regulatory ordinances; public relation techniques; immobilization of animals, tranquilizing techniques; various equipment used in animal control such as "come along pole," long-range projector rifle or short-range projector pistol. Some knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; working knowledge of animal restraint and care techniques.
- Skill and ability to safely and effectively use the following tools and equipment: Patrol vehicle, animal capture equipment, police radio, cell phone, first aid equipment, and personal computer using basic word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
- Ability to: learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; follow verbal and written instructions; learn the City's geography; recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior; care for and safely handle domestic animals; operate two-way radios.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS
- A valid CA Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continued employment.
PHYSICAL EFFORTS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and smell. This position may require occasional heavy lifting and/or moving more than 50 pounds and some running. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Following is a summary of the provided benefits. For further information, refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding.
- HOLIDAYS: 116 hours of paid holidays per year.
- VACATION: 80 hours of vacation each year plus eight additional hours for each year served beginning with the employee's sixth anniversary to a maximum of 200 hours per year.
- SICK LEAVE: 96 hours of sick leave. Cash out and reimbursement options are available with restrictions. Automatic enrollment in catastrophic leave bank.
- MEDICAL INSURANCE: The City contributes up to $1,450/mo toward medical insurance for employees, eligible dependents and retirees. Employees have a variety of medical insurance plans to choose from. Those who waive City-paid medical coverage & present proof of insurance in a non-City employee's health insurance plan will receive $300/mo. cash in lieu.
- DENTAL INSURANCE: The City contributes up to $100/mo toward dental insurance for the employee & eligible dependents.
- VISION INSURANCE: The City contributes up to $30/mo toward vision insurance for employee and eligible dependents.
- LIFE INSURANCE: The City provides a $100,000 life insurance policy. Additional life insurance is available.
- LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays the premium for long-term disability insurance for the employee.
- RETIREMENT: Employees are covered by the Public Employees' Retirement System at, 2.7%@55 (Classic), single highest year or 2%@62 (PEPRA), three average years, as determined by PEPRA. Classic members pay the full 8% and new members pay 7.25% of the employee contribution. The City does not participate in the Social Security System, except for the mandatory 1.45% Medicare contribution.
- EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Regular, full-time employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Assistance Program that provides confidential counseling and consultation services for family, stress, financial and legal issues.
- MEDICARE: Employees pay the mandatory 1.45% contribution.
- CREDIT UNION: F & A Credit Union is available to employees.
- DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Available to all employees who wish to participate. The City contributes up to $50 per pay period for enrolled employees.
- BILINGUAL PAY: $50.00/month for the ability to speak a qualified second language. An additional $100.00/month available for the ability to translate documents in a qualified second language.
- TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Those who have passed probation are eligible for reimbursement up to $3,500 annually for approved courses & books at Cal-State LA University tuition rates.
- DRUG/ALCOHOL FREE WORKPLACE: It is the policy of the City of Monterey Park to maintain a drug and alcohol free workplace. Applicants for City employment are expected to comply.
- IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986: In compliance with IRCA of 1986, all new employees must verify identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation.
01
What is your highest level of education completed?
- None
- High School Diploma or GED
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor Degree
- Master Degree
02
Do you have supplemental coursework in animal control or husbandry? If yes, please attach proof of coursework to your application.
03
Please indicate your years of experience working with animals in a professional environment.
- less than 6 months
- more than 6 months, less than 1 year
- 1 year or more
- None
04
From the list below, select all certificates you possess and maintain.
- None
- POST PC 832
- Animal Control Academy Certificate
05
This position may be assigned a 4/10 Monday–Thursday schedule during training. Upon completion of training, they may transition to a 5/8, 9/80, or 4/10 schedule that includes coverage on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, based on the operational needs of the department. Are you able to work these schedules?
06
This position may require you to work holidays, evenings, and special events. Are you able to work these hours?
07
Are you a current City of Monterey Park employee?
08
Have you ever applied for any position within the Monterey Park Police Department? If yes, list the position(s) and date(s) applied. If no, please put N/A.
09
If you are successful in completing the recruitment process, you may be selected to continue in the background process which includes a comprehensive investigation, fingerprinting, polygraph examination and credit check. Recent illicit drug usage, theft, or other illegal activity may disqualify you. Records must be free from any felony conviction and/or any misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude and excessive traffic violations. Do you understand the above requirement?
