Animal Protection Officer

About the role

At San Diego Humane Society, we’re united by our mission to Inspire Compassion, providing hope and advancing the welfare of animals and people. Animal Protection Officers (APO) impact the lives of more than 40,000 animals each year by patrolling designated areas to enforce state laws and local ordinances and ensure humane treatment of animals. This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections.

Responsibilities

• Hold primary responsibility for animal control type job duties, including rabies control, dangerous dog investigation, nuisance complaints, off leash enforcement, initiating cruelty in progress investigations, kennel inspections, and general welfare concern response
• Comprehend and enforce CA state laws and local animal control municipal codes
• Humanely handle, capture, restrain, confine and transport domestic animals and livestock using proper humane equipment, methods and techniques
• Educate the public regarding proper animal care
• Issue citations; may prepare and execute search warrants and arrest warrants, and assist in preparing cases for filing criminal charges
• Conduct accurate and thorough investigations including submitting written reports
• Serve on the Emergency Response Team—all officers receive training and equipment for responding to animal-related emergencies related to a variety of incidents including wildfires

Requirements

• High School Degree or equivalent
• One (1) year of paid, full-time experience working in an animal control agency or humane society, veterinary or kennel/boarding facility, ranch or zoo handling, controlling and caring for animals required; OR six (6) months of experience as an Animal Control Officer
• Valid CA driver’s license and approval by SDHS insurance carrier to drive a company or personal vehicle for work purposes
• Working experience in customer service strongly preferred
• Bilingual skills a plus, with preference for Spanish
• Genuine interest in animals and their well-being with strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Must pass a full background check, medical exam, and drug screening post offer

Benefits

• Competitive pay and paid time-off (including your Birthday Day Off!)
• Comprehensive benefits package, training, and well-being programs
• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year
• Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines, and spay/neuter services

Pay

Starting range is between $26.60 – $29.61 per hour and is eligible for an hourly bilingual-Spanish premium.

Recruitment incentives:

• $500 bonus for active PC832 certification
• Animal Shelter Experience: $250 per full year of experience up to $1,250 (5 years)
• Humane Law Enforcement Officer or Animal Control Officer experience: $500 per full year of experience up to $2,500 (5 years)

The listed hiring range depicts the target range of pay rates for candidates. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. Compensation for internal candidates may increase beyond the listed range based on performance over time.

Schedule

This is a full-time position based out of our San Diego Campus, with expected travel to all SDHS campuses and across the greater San Diego County. This position works a 4/10 Alternative Work Schedule.