Animal Control Officer
San Bernardino
Saturday, 25 April 2026
UP TO $2,000 IN HIRING BONUS! UP TO $2,000 IN BONUS WHEN ASSIGNED TO WORK IN HIGH DESERT, BIG BEAR OR YUCCA VALLEY! The Animal Care Division within the Department of Public Health (DPH) is recruiting for Animal Control Officers who work in shelters and in the field to ensure compliance with State and County animal regulations. During training, Animal Control Officers serve under close supervision while acquiring skills and experience to prepare for the job. Positions may be assigned to both shelter and field at various locations throughout the County. Duties assigned to a field Animal Control Officer include, but are not limited to:Patrolling an assigned geographic area and enforcing State and County regulations concerning the care, treatment, impounding, and quarantine of animals. Locating, capturing, and impounding stray, sick, injured, unwanted, abandoned, and diseased animals; removing and properly disposing of deceased animals. Issue warnings, notices, and citations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; perform humane euthanasia of animals that are sick, injured, or unadoptable. Conduct preliminary investigations into reports of animal cruelty or neglect; prepare documentation and provide testimony in court proceedings when required. Duties assigned to a shelter Animal Control Officer include, but are not limited to:Intake and processing of incoming animals, maintaining accurate records and documentation. Responsible for ensuring all animals have adequate food, water, and a clean environment, maintain cleanliness of kennels, cages, and shelter areas. Assisting a veterinary team with vaccinations, microchipping, basic medical care, identifying signs of illness, injury, or stress in shelter animals. Assist citizens with reclaiming lost pets or adopting a new pet. Provide education on licensing, spay and neuter, and responsible pet ownership. Safely handle aggressive, frightened, or injured animals. Restock supplies and report inventory needs. Dispose of waste following biohazard protocols. Following all shelter policies and animal welfare laws. Issue warnings, notices, and citations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; perform humane euthanasia of animals that are sick, injured, or unadoptable. The list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current assignments in the High Desert region (Hesperia, Apple Valley, Victorville), Big Bear and San Bernardino. Applicants will be asked to indicate their availability on the supplemental questionnaire. For more detailed information, refer to the Animal Control Officer job description. EXCELLENT BENEFITS - To review job- specific benefits, refer to:Summary of Benefits. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)Recruitment and Retention Bonus: Bonus payment up to $2,000 in total compensation may be available for newly hired employees from this recruitment. Remote Assignment Bonus: Bonus payment up to $2,000 in total compensation may be available for newly hired employees assigned to a remote area from this recruitment. Please refer to the Teamster Local 1932 MOU to review eligibility criteria for these bonuses. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - Animal Euthanasia: Applicants must be able to perform euthanasia of sick, injured, or unadopted impounded animals. Travel/ License: Travel throughout the County is required. A valid California Class C driver license and proof of automobile liability insurance are required and must be maintained throughout employment. Availability: Must be available to work on weekends and on-call/call-back duty. Applicants must indicate availability on the Application or will be disqualified. PC 832 Training: Employees must complete a training course in arrest and firearms, which also includes a physical agility test component within eighteen (18) months of hire or be terminated. Note: Some criminal convictions may preclude applicants from completing the Penal Code 832 course. Uniforms: Employees must purchase their own uniforms; those in regular positions will receive an annual uniform allowance. Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, applicants must pass a background investigation which includes verification of employment history and education, fingerprinting, physical exam, and drug screening. Physical: Must be able to lift and restrain small to very large animals, both domestic and wild, which may weigh up to 100 pounds. Weather: Applicants must be able to perform duties in inclement weather. Visa Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet one (1) of the following options:Option A: Six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience interpreting, explaining, and enforcing rules and regulations for a public agency.-OR-Option B: Six (6) months of full-time equivalent experience in animal handling/care working in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or kennel operation.-OR-Option C: Possession of a Registered Veterinary Technician Certificate issued by the State of California. If applying under this option, indicate certificate number on the Supplemental Questionnaire, or include a list of completed coursework required to be eligible for the certificate.