Animal Control Officer
Salary
$25.10 - $26.76 Hourly
Location
4001 - Public Service Admin
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
CS2026-080
Department
6006 - Public Safety - Animal Control
Division
600602 - Animal Ctrl Services Operation
Opening Date
07/13/2026
Closing Date
7/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER Examination
(OPEN) CS2026-080
Application Open Date: 07/13/2026
Application Close Date: 07/27/2026
SALARY: $25.10 - $26.76 per hour.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
This application is not for an immediate opening, by submitting an application you are applying to take a Civil Service Examination for the opportunity to be placed on an Eligible List for a future opening. To learn more about the Civil Service examinations and Eligible Lists please visit the Cleveland Civil Service Webpage: FAQs | City of Cleveland Ohio
To determine if you qualify to take the examination you must include/attach any required documents (i.e. Resume, Certifications, Driver's License, etc…) to support you meet the Minimum Qualifications at the time of submitting your application. Please read the Minimum Qualification section carefully, you may attach PDF or JPEG
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
WRITTEN EXAMINATION: The exam may be computerized, or a traditional pencil and paper designed to test the objectives of the duties and minimum qualifications of the classification.
Examples of Duties
Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty enforcing animal control ordinances and regulations. Patrols assigned areas within the City to detect and prevent violations of animal control ordinances and regulations; responds to incidents including stray animals, animal bites, noise complaints, and animal cruelty. Chases, apprehends, impounds, and transports domestic, exotic, and wild animals that are stray, injured, and diseased. Uses snares, catch poles, and traps to capture and impound animals. Places animals in animal service vehicle. Transports captured animals to the Citys animal shelter. Investigates incidents involving animal cruelty, animal bites, and animal nuisances reported by members of the public. Interviews complainants, victims, and witnesses in order to collect information on possible violations of animal control laws, ordinances, and regulations. Identifies, collects, and preserves evidence pertaining to investigations of animal cruelty. Identifies the owners of animals that are the subject of an investigation. Gives verbal and written warnings as well as citations to animal owners and animal handlers who have violated ordinances and regulations related to animal control. Prepares incident reports and completes all forms pertaining to animal control activities. Assists Cleveland Safety Forces and other city departments by handling animals that are present at crime scenes. Assists bailiffs by handling animals present during evictions. Testifies in court and at hearings on the enforcement of animal control citations and other matters relating to animal control. Performs kennel duties as required by handling, feeding, cleaning, and providing care to animals; maintains the sanitary conditions of kennels. Handles domestic, exotic, and wild animals that are stray, injured, and diseased. Performs euthanasia procedures on injured, sick, dangerous, or unwanted animals by means of lethal injection (when certified). Operates a two-way portable radio, an animal control service vehicle, catch poles, traps, needles, syringes, computers and other various pieces of office equipment. Provides customer service to residents and customers that enter the kennel. Performs other job-related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED is required. The equivalent of one year of full-time experience in the animal handling/sheltering/care field is preferred but, not required. Must obtain certification as a Euthanasia Technician within one year of the date of employment. A valid State of Ohio Drivers License is required. Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds. Must be computer proficient and have the ability to learn RMS system and Divisional computer programs.
Reminder: Minimum qualifications must be met as of the last day of the accepting applications. You must upload these documents at the time of submitting your application or email the documents to CS@Clevelandohio.gov and include the Job Title in the email.
Supplemental Information
RESIDENCY CREDIT
A person who has had as his/her primary residence in the City of Cleveland for at least one year at the time of filing a Civil Service application, and desires to take an entry-level Civil Service examination, shall, if a passing grade on the written examination is attained, have ten (10) points added to his/her passing score. (NOTE: Not all Examinations consider residency credit in the scoring process) To substantiate a claim for residency points, Applicants must UPLOAD LEGIBLE COPIES of the following:
CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (CMSD) PREFERENCE CREDIT
An applicant who is a graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and is participating in an open competitive entrance-level examination, as determined by the Commission, shall receive an additional five (5) points upon achieving a passing score, as established in the examination announcement. Applicants must provide acceptable proof of graduation from a CMSD school at the time of application in order to qualify for this credit.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE
Veterans preference will be awarded, when applicable, to eligible veterans in accordance with Civil Service Rules 4.40E, 4.40F and 4.40G. Proof of active service or a DD Form 214, must be presented to the Commission at the time of filing application for the examination in which credit is sought in order to qualify for veterans credit. If the applicant has received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions that applicant shall receive an additional five (5) points added to their raw score on the examination; or ten (10) points are added to their raw score on the examination if applicant's supporting documentation indicates more than fifteen percent (15%) service connected disability. NOTE: Only DD Form 214 (long form) or an official armed service document indicating type of discharge or separation and the dates of active service will be accepted as proof of active service.
Reminder: To determine if you qualify to take the examination you must include/attach any required documents (i.e. Resume, Certifications, Driver's License, etc…) to support you meet the Minimum Qualifications. Please read the Minimum Qualification section carefully, you may attach PDF or JPEG
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin/ancestry, military status, disability, age and religion.
The Citys guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.
The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.
Employer City of Cleveland
Address 601 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio, 44114
Phone 216-664-2493