Animal Control Officer Trainee

Animal Control Officer Trainee

Salary

$20.66 - $28.93 Hourly

Location

Land O Lakes, FL

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

14042-0626

Department

Animal Services Dept.

Division

Animal Services

Opening Date

06/12/2026

Closing Date

6/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary Range

$20.66 - $28.93

Pay Grade

N34 (Non-exempt position)

Salary Disclosure

Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Description

JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER TRAINEE

Under direction, enforces local, state and animal cruelty, control, nuisance and rabies laws in compliance with the Countys Animal Control Ordinance & Florida State Statutes. Employee functions at entry level and is responsible for protecting the lives and welfare of the citizens and animals. Position is responsible for the apprehension of stray and trapped animals. Performs related tasks as necessary. Work schedule may change with the departments needs and could include nights and weekends as regular shift work.

Essential Job Functions

• Explains Animal Control Ordinance to the general public; provides humane education to citizens on the responsibility of pet ownership.
• Responds to calls and investigates complaints of injured or nuisance, domestic and wild animals which may pose a threat to public health and safety.
• Loads, delivers, sets and baits animal traps; removes captured animals from traps set by the County and citizens; apprehends stray animals rescues trapped animals from public areas such as, culverts and roadways.
• Under direction, investigates cruelty complaints to determine compliance with animal control ordinances and statutes; seizes animals, transports animals to vet for evaluation and/or treatment, provides owner with Notification of Impoundment, transports animals to shelter until court date; serves owner with citations for violations.
• Obtains necessary information in cases of animal bites and court related matters, appears in court for cases, including citations and criminal prosecution; prepares court paperwork.
• Interviews citizens and files domestic or wild animal bites report; maintains field notes and information to complete incident reports on cases to be processed and sent to court to back up citations; completes reports on animal bites.
• Prepares various daily and periodic written reports and departmental forms; maintains logs; completes forms.
• Must be able to be on call and work evenings and weekends.
• Issues citations for violations of animal control ordinances and statutes.
• May perform euthanasia after completing certification course.
• May assist shelter and veterinary team with animal handling, vaccinations, microchip services, animal intake and medical triage as needed.
• Must be able to physically control highly active/aggressive animals, potentially weighing in excess of 80 pounds, using available equipment
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to write legibly and cognitively and demonstrate good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to read for comprehension.
• Ability to learn quickly and retain information concerning the animal control ordinances, procedures and policies.
• Ability to enforce the laws with firmness and impartiality.
• Ability to produce and maintain accurate and legible reports and documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with the public and fellow employees.
• Ability to work independently and make mature judgments regarding field activities.
• Ability to professionally administer conflict resolution.
• Ability to operate assorted animal capture equipment.
• Knowledge of the road network in Pasco County.
• Knowledge of disinfecting, animal handling, disease recognition and nutritional needs of animals.
• Ability to accept instruction and perform tasks independently and without close supervision.
• Ability to comprehend and utilize legal and court procedures.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.

Minimum Requirements

PHYSICAL SKILLS/WORKING CONDITIONS: Must be able to physically control highly active/aggressive animals, potentially weighing in excess of 80 pounds, using available equipment. Ability to sit, stoop, squat, walk, and stand frequently. Must be able to work outside in all types of weather for long periods of time. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Two (2) years of experience working with the public required. Working knowledge of use of computers required. Hands-on experience with animals to include dogs and cats in a professional setting.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida Drivers License. Must successfully complete Humane Animal Euthanasia and Animal Control Officer Certification through the Florida Animal Control Association or other approved certifying body, within one (1) year rom date of hire. FS 828.27 (4) (a) 2. County-employed and municipally-employed animal control officers must successfully complete the 1-hour training course developed by the Department of Children and Families pursuant to FS 39.208 (5).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to maintain an active home/cell phone within thirty (30) days after employment date due to recall for emergencies.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATIONS TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021

Benefits include:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) retirement plan
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Paid holidays
• Group insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Deferred compensation
• Medical leave pool
• Annual medical leave buy-back
• Mid-management/Professional grade, and management personnel may receive 40 hours of admin leave per calendar year.

Effective July 1, 2011, FRS members must contribute 3% of their salary as retirement contributions, on a pre-tax basis (the salary is reduced by the amount of the employee contribution before determining the federal income tax deduction). The employer will automatically deduct the employee contributions.

01

I am aware that the following supplemental questions will determine my eligibility for this position.

• Acknowledge
• Decline

02

Are you a current Pasco County BOCC employee?

• Yes
• No

03

Which best describes your highest level of COMPLETED education?

• GED
• High School
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

04

Which best describes the years of experience you have working with the public?

• Ten or more years of experience
• Nine years but less than ten
• Eight years but less than nine
• Seven years but less than eight
• Six years but less than seven
• Five years but less than six
• Four years but less than five
• Three years but less than four
• Two years but less than three
• One year but less than two
• Less than one year of experience

05

Do you possess working knowledge of computers?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have hands-on experience with animals to include dogs and cats in a professional setting?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you possess a valid Florida drivers license or have the ability to obtain the license within 30 days from date of hire?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you a veteran who served as a member of the armed forces of the United States during a period of war, defined in Title 38, U.S.C., and who was separated from such service under honorable conditions, or the surviving spouse of any such veteran? (SUPPORTING DOCUMENTION IS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION OR NEXT BUSINESS DAY).

• Yes
• No

09

I hereby acknowledge that Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law, and consent to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing, and agree to abide by the program and policy if employed by Pasco County BOCC.

• Acknowledged
• Declined

10

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Note: If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

• Yes
• No

11

Have you recently retired from the Florida Retirement System (FRS) Pension Plan or Investment Plan within the last 6 months?

• Yes
• No

12

Please specifically explain how your prior work experience and education match the qualifications for this position. (1000 characters or less)

13

How did you hear about this position?

• Billboard
• Facebook
• Friend/Family Referral
• Indeed
• Instagram
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Magazine publication
• Nextdoor
• Pasco County employee
• Pasco County Facebook Page
• Pasco County website/Governmentjobs.com
• Pasco County Traffic Sign
• Utility bill insert
• X/Twitter
• YouTube
• Other

14

If a Pasco County employee referred you, please provide the name of the employee. If none, write N/A.

Required Question

Employer Pasco County

Address 7536 State Street

New Port Richey, Florida, 34654

Phone (727) 847-8030

(727) 847-8103

Website http://www.pascocountyfl.net