Animal Services Officer

Neighborhoods Department - Animal Services Division
Location: 7077 Elmwood Ave
Salary Starting at: $22.61 per hour

Schedule: Saturday-Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Application Deadline: June 12, 2026


Responsibilities

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What you'll do

• Responds to complaints of unleashed, unlicensed, vicious, diseased, injured, neglected, abused, or stray dogs and other animals to protect public safety and animal welfare.
• Investigates reported issues and takes appropriate action to resolve issues found, ensuring compliance with City ordinances.
• Documents investigative findings in detail and processes cases accurately to support enforcement and legal outcomes.
• Picks up and impounds animals running at large, which are ill, injured, reported to be rabid, or have bitten persons, reducing risk to the community.
• Educates animal owners in the field on requirements of the City of Kansas City Code of Ordinances and responsible pet ownership to prevent repeat violations.
• Issues citations and/or warrants for owners violating animal control ordinances when necessary and appears in court as a city prosecution witness.
• Works with the City of Kansas City Prosecutor to develop cases for prosecution, supporting fair and consistent enforcement.
• Utilizes and maintains assigned animal control equipment and vehicles to ensure safe and effective field operations.
• Assists law enforcement and emergency services as necessary during incidents involving animals or public safety concerns.

What success looks like

• Complaints are responded to promptly, thoroughly, and professionally.
• Investigations are well-documented and stand up to legal and court review.
• Animal-related risks to the public are reduced through effective enforcement and education.
• Positive working relationships are maintained with residents, prosecutors, and emergency responders.
• Equipment and vehicles are kept in safe, ready-to-use condition.

What you get

• Hands-on, independent fieldwork with clear authority and responsibility
• Opportunities to build investigative, legal, and community engagement skills
• Training on ordinances, enforcement procedures, and animal handling
• Structured work with long-term career security in municipal service

Why this role matters
This role directly protects people, animals, and neighborhoods. Every response, investigation, and education effort helps create a safer and more humane community across Kansas City.


Qualifications

REQUIRES

• High school graduation or equivalency
• Possession of a valid State-issued driver's license in accordance with the City of KCMO
• Possession or be eligible to obtain the required Security Type B License from the Kansas City Police Department
• Eligible to obtain certification as an Animal Control Officer on through MACA, NACA, or an equivalent approved by the Animal Services Division Manager with the first 6 months of appointment
• Eligible to pass a physical examination and background check as prescribed by the City
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height or 100 pounds with assistance, work in hazardous and extreme weather conditions, and handle animals with unknown aggressive temperaments

Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.
Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).

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• City of Kansas City

• 816-513-1903

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