Animal Control Officer
Salary
$77,729.60 - $93,704.00 Annually
Location
Hayward City Hall - 777 B Street, Hayward, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
C610-2026-06
Department
Hayward Police Department
Opening Date
06/03/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Open Until Filled
THE POSITION:
Under general supervision, responsible for protecting the community from dangerous and sick animals; enforcing and investigating local municipal, state, and federal animal laws; preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases; capturing and impounding a variety of animals requiring specialized equipment; euthanizing animals as deemed necessary; providing care and maintenance for animals; picking up and disposing of deceased animals; assisting in licensing; providing humane education to residents in the community and children in schools; and performing other related duties as required.
You are:
The ideal Animal Control Officer is compassionate, service-oriented, and committed to building positive relationships with the community. They demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and patience when assisting residents, handling sensitive situations, and working with animals in distress. The ideal candidate communicates effectively; exercises sound judgment under pressure and approaches every interaction with a strong focus on public safety, education, and humane care for both animals and people. This position requires an individual who can balance enforcement responsibilities with compassion and understanding. The ideal candidate is approachable, community-focused, and dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership while serving as a trusted resource for the public. The ideal candidate would perform the full range of duties for this class independently and only receive occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual, or unique situations arise.
Essential Duties
What you will do:
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
Link to full job description: Animal Control Officer
CORE COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
You have:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: One (1) year of experience in the handling of or caring for animals.
Education: Equivalent to completion of twelfth (12th) grade.
License: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Drivers License by the time of appointment.
Persons hired must obtain a certificate from the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training covering laws of arrest and safety in firearms as described in Chapter 4.5, Section 832 of the Penal Code within 90 days from the date of employment.
Person hired must obtain Certification in Humane Euthanasia within 90 day days from the date of employment.
Supplemental Information
BENEFITS AND REWARDS:
Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application, license, and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.
Application Review -
A. Minimum qualifications
B. Completion of Required Pre-Background Survey
C. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire
The rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.
Job Related Testing -
Supplemental Questionnaire Review will take place on a Bi-Weekly Basis
The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.
Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process. Include specific or approximate dates here.
Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background/reference check that may include, but is not limited to: employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including drivers license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov/Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.
The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.
APPLICATIONS
Candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov under the Current Vacancies tab or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.
The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer
&
A Certified Age Friendly Employer
Learn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute here
Benefits Overview
This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time City employees. As indicated in the 2025 Benefit Summary, some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated agreements. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include:
To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please click here.
01
Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Responses should be sufficiently detailed to assist in evaluating your qualifications for this position. Writing see resume or N/A is not a sufficient response. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.
02
Do you understand that the selection of a candidate depends on a background investigation, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and medical exam?
03
Do you possess at least one (1) year of experience in the handling of or caring for animals?
04
Do you possess the equivalent to completion of twelfth (12th) grade?
05
Do you possess a valid Class C California Drivers License, or will possess one by the time of appointment?
06
Do you acknowledge that if hired, you must obtain a certificate from the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training covering laws of arrest and safety in firearms as described in Chapter 4.5, Section 832 of the Penal Code within 90 days from the date of employment?
07
Do you acknowledge that if hired, you must obtain Certification in Humane Euthanasia within 90 day days from the date of employment?
08
Describe your experience handling aggressive, frightened, or injured animals. Please include a specific example of a challenging situation and explain the steps you took to safely manage the animal while protecting yourself, coworkers, and the public.
09
Animal Control work can involve emotionally stressful situations, including injured animals, cruelty cases, public conflict, or euthanasia decisions. Describe any experience you have working in stressful or emotionally difficult situations and how you managed those situations.
10
Animal Control Officers often work with sensitive or confidential information, including reports, investigations, and personal information from the public. Describe your experience maintaining accurate and confidential records and explain how you ensure information is handled appropriately.
11
This position requires clear and accurate documentation of incidents, investigations, citations, and animal care information. Describe your experience writing reports or documenting critical information. How do you ensure your reports are thorough, factual, and professional?
12
Tell us about a time you had to use good judgment in a difficult, rapidly changing, sensitive, or potentially unsafe situation. What factors did you consider when making your decision, and what was the outcome?
Required Question
Employer City of Hayward
Address 777 B Street
Hayward, California, 94541
Phone 510-583-4500
Website http://www.hayward-ca.gov