Animal Control Officer

Salary $37,398.40 - $61,713.60 Annually Location Public Safety Complex - 911 Easterwood Dr. Tallahassee, FL Job Type Career Service Full Time Job Number 031-26 Department Office of Public Safety Division ANIMAL SERVICES Opening Date 02/17/2026 Closing Date Continuous Pay Grade 103 General Description of Duties Starting placement will generally not exceed 15% of the advertised initial salary range and is based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES The purpose of this position is to improve animal and human well-being through education, prevention and enforcement programs and humane animal care and control services for the citizens and animals in Leon County. NOTE : The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The Job Description Questionnaire (JDQ) reflects a more detailed description of the position. Neither the job description nor the JDQ constitutes an employment agreement. Both are subject to change as the needs of the County and requirements of the job change. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Patrol a designated area to locate and impound animals. Respond and attempt to resolve citizen complaints concerning animals in violation of the Animal Control Ordinance. Conducts Inhumane Care, Animal Cruelty, and Dangerous Animal investigations. Educate citizens and dispatch routine service requests, enter information into the database, receive and maintain records and daily logs. OTHER IMPORTANT OR MARGINAL DUTIES None DIFFICULTY Position requires independent judgment. Work involves numerous deadlines and the completion of reports and other records for dissemination. Problem solving is continuous and involves interaction with the public in resolving animal related issues and neighborhood disputes. Difficult or analytical thinking is done, for example, when making proper determination when presented with conflicting information or evidence in routine and in determining the appropriate course of action to take when confronted with combative and uncooperative citizens. RESPONSIBILITY: Supervision Received Position requires independent judgment in resolving citizen complaints, prioritizing services to the public, addressing competing demands, and the use of discretion in enforcement situations. Supervision of Others None. INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CUSTOMER CONTACT Contacts are with the public, supervisor, co-workers, other division or program personnel, Leon County Sheriff's Office, Leon County Schools, and Clerk of Court offices. EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED Personal computer; word processing, animal control dispatch system, and database software, truck; fax; typewriter; animal carriers and nets; two-way radio systems; cameras, hypodermic needles; et cetera. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work entails physical effort. These efforts include standing, walking, running, chasing, climbing, and lifting heavy animals. Employee may be exposed to inclement weather, dangerous or diseased animals, and angry citizens. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of animal behaviors, breeds and animal handling Possess customer service skills in both written and verbal communication Ability to multi task MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and three years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must possess a valid Florida Driver's license and a favorable driving record. Must complete the Basic 40-hour ACO Certification Course within the appropriate timeframe. All Leon County employees (regular full-time and part-time, OPS, and PRN) are required to work before, during and after a Declared Local State of Emergency (DLSOE). Participation is considered a condition of employment. COMPETENCY PROGRESSION PLAN: At the discretion of the Animal Control Director, employees assigned to the Animal Control Officer class may progress to the Senior Animal Control Officer classification based on knowledge, skills, and abilities, acquired and utilized, performance, and length of time employed. When vacancies occur, employees may be h