Animal Control Officer - City of Bessemer

Pay Grade 14 | Full time | Target Close Date: 09/25/2026

Job Summary

The City of Bessemer is seeking to hire an Animal Control Officer to investigate complaints and resolve issues while patrolling an assigned area of the city using a city vehicle. Animal Control Officers may handle a variety of complaints and requests, including capture and relocation of wildlife, capture of stray or dangerous animals, removal and disposal of dead animals in and around roadways or other public areas, and investigation of animal abuse or neglect complaints. Animal Control Officers also issue warnings, citations, and court summons to violators of animal control regulations. Employees in this job class must exercise considerable concern for safety when dealing with angry citizens and dangerous animals. Animal Control Officers are responsible for keeping detailed records of their daily operations.

Compensation & Benefits

The City of Bessemer provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefit packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more.

$15.85 - $24.59

Minimum Qualifications

• Driver's license.
• Experience in customer service.

Typical Job Duties

• Conducts animal control by patrolling assigned area, capturing at-large animals, transporting animals to appropriate location, and completing documentation to ensure safe handling, transportation, and impounding of stray, sick, injured, or abandoned animals.
• Responds to citizen complaints and conducts enforcement activities pertaining to animal control ordinances and regulations.
• Communicates with and educates the public to resolve or prevent animal control issues.
• Conducts administrative duties such as purchase orders, contract bids, bills, and veterinary services.
• Completes daily activity log to include areas/addresses visited, associated timeframes, and relevant notes about animals or owners.
• Completes proper disposal measures for animals that are deceased (e.g., hit by vehicles).
• Encourages and promotes the importance of animal control preventative measures (e.g., spay/neutering, fencing) when communicating with pet owners and complainants.
• Collects owner surrendered animals by verifying ownership, collecting fee, completing documentation, and transporting animal.

Physical Demands

Job involves moderate physical exertion for sustained periods of physical activity such as walking or standing. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Work involves physical ability necessary to occasionally restrain or capture stray or dangerous animals and wildlife.

Work Environment

Work is performed both within employer-owned facilities such as workshop, warehouse, or station and in field locations such as external places of business and residences. May be exposed to weather conditions, such as extreme hot or cold temperatures, or other potentially hazardous conditions such as dangerous animals or wildlife (snakes, rodents, etc.).