Animal Control Officer I

Job Description

Definition and Class Characteristics

INTERVIEWS FOR QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 28, 2026

**UP TO $3,000.00 HIRING BONUS**


Why Choose This Career?

At the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, we believe in providing a voice for some of our most vulnerable customers - the pets and wildlife of our community. As an Animal Control Officer, you will play a crucial role in protecting and advocating for these animals. This position is ideal for someone who is motivated by making a difference and enjoys working outdoors in a team environment. We offer an encouraging environment where you can share knowledge, motivate each other, and achieve your best every day. This position provides training opportunities for growth and promotion.

Recruitment incentives are paid over a 1-year. The recruitment incentive is paid half upon hire and the remainder upon completion of a 12-month probation period.

As an Animal Control Officer, you will:

• Enforce animal control laws and ordinances to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and the community.
• Respond to calls regarding stray, injured, or dangerous animals and take appropriate action.
• Investigate cases of animal cruelty or neglect and take necessary measures to protect the animals.
• Capture and transport animals to shelters or veterinary facilities as needed.
• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership and promote community awareness.
• Maintain detailed records of all activities and incidents.
• Collaborate with local agencies and rescue organizations to provide the best care for animals.
• Participate in hands-on training and mentoring programs to improve your skills and knowledge.

To be a successful Animal Control Officer, you must have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent experience will be considered.
• A valid driver’s license.
• The ability to handle animals safely and humanely.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• A passion for protecting animals and serving the community.
• Physical stamina to handle the demands of the job, including lifting and handling animals.
• The willingness to complete certification in Basic Animal Law Enforcement from the Humane Society or National Animal Control Society within the first 12 months of employment.

Qualified applicants will be subject to a background investigation before a conditional offer of employment.

Health & Wellness Benefits:
This full-time position comes with an extensive benefits package including, but not limited to, CalPERS retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance. We also offer optional flexible spending accounts (FSA and Dependent Care), 457 Deferred Compensation Accounts, and a variety of other benefits. Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education.

Why Join Our Team?
When you join the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, you are joining a dedicated team that values creativity, efficiency, and growth. We provide personal and professional growth opportunities to all our employees, ensuring that you can build your career with us. Our encouraging supervisors lead by example, sharing their ethics, values, and extensive knowledge to help you succeed. We are committed to building leaders at all levels and providing the technical skills and education necessary for your success.

You can learn more about the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and our mission by visiting our website. https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3451/Sheriff

We are an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Read the full job description for more information.

Education and Experience Required

Minimum Qualification:

Level I:
Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade and certification of training in Basic Animal Law Enforcement from the Humane Society or National Animal Control Society within one year of employment.

Level II (in addition to the above):
Two years of experience at a level equivalent to the class of Nevada County Animal Control Officer I, and certification of training in Basic Animal Law Enforcement from the Humane Society or National Animal Control Society.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid driver's license within 30 days of hire. A valid Class C driver's license must be maintained throughout employment in this class to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compliance with all relevant pre- and post-employment training requirements of Penal Code sections 830 through 832 and section 6035, including:

Animal Control Officer I : firearms, arrest and seizure certification within six months of employment

Animal Control Officer II : firearms, arrest and seizure certification prior to employment.

Physical demands and working conditions:

-Working in exposure to animal dander, waste, animal bites, and various cleaning and disinfecting chemicals.

-Working outside in extreme temperature and weather conditions under difficult or hazardous situations.
-Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts, on-call, weekends and holidays

-Some accommodations may be made for some physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodations.

Benefits Guide

The Benefits Guide is a comprehensive document for employees of the County of Nevada. Information contained in this summary of benefits is not a binding document. Refer to specific unit summaries and agreements (MOUs) for additional benefit information.
Health Insurance
The County sponsored plan is the PERS Gold PPO, but you can also choose plans from providers such as Anthem, Blue Shield, and PORAC (if you are a member) to suit your needs.
Health Insurance Plans

• Anthem Blue Cross Select HMO
• Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO
• Blue Shield CalPERS Access+ HMO
• Blue Shield Trio HMO
• Kaiser HMO
• PERS Gold PPO (County sponsored plan)
• PERS Platinum PPO
• PORAC (Available to PORAC members only)

Flexible Spending Accounts
The County offers employees the option to contribute to a pre-tax medical FSA and dependent Care FSA.
Life Insurance
Voya is the County's life insurance provider. We offer the following products through Voya:

• Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Basic Term Life
• Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans
• Optional Dependent Term Life
• Optional Term Life

Dental & Vision Insurance
Nevada County employees can opt to receive dental and vision insurance without opting for health insurance coverage as well. This will give employees more flexibility to match their choice of insurance plans to their specific needs. Ameritas Dental is the dental provider offered through Nevada County and Ameritas VSP Vision Care is our vision care provider.
Retirement
The County is a member of the CalPERS retirement system and also provides the opportunity for voluntary contributions to a 457 deferred compensation account through Nationwide by way of pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions.

CalPERS Miscellaneous Tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employee originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 2.7% @ 55 Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 12/14/12-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6 months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 2%@60 Tier 3 (Hired by first CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13 or having a break in service of more than six months between another CalPERS employer and Nevada County) 2%@62

CalPERS Safety tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employees originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 3% @ 50. Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 7/2411-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6-months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 3% @ 55. Tier 3 (Hired by any CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13) 2.7% @ 57. We encourage you to visit the CalPERS home page, www.calpers.ca.gov , to search related information about the retirement plans noted here so that you fully understand what your retirement formula means to you.

NEVADA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or documents and links are subject to change without notice.

Nevada County Human Resources Department

950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-7010 option 2

Human.resources@nevadacountyca.gov

www.nevadacountyca.gov

Closing Date/Time: 10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific