Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer I City of Lincoln/Lancaster County, NE
• Lincoln, NE, United States

Salary: $26.07 - $31.53 Hourly
Location : Lincoln, NE
Job Type: Full time/probationary or status
Job Number: -2
Department: Health Department
Division: Animal Control
Opening Date: 02/11/2026
Closing Date: 2/18/2026 11:59 PM Central

Are you passionate about protecting animals and people alike? Do you thrive in fast‑paced, hands‑on environments where every day is different? The City of Lincoln is looking for a dedicated and driven Animal Control Officer to join our team full‑time and make a meaningful impact in our community.

This dynamic position involves various shifts:

• Monday - Friday: 6:30 a.m.
  
  - 11:30 p.m.
• Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 a.m.
  
  - 6:30 p.m. You may also be assigned on‑call days when the division is closed during normal operating hours. Hours may vary to cover vacations, weekends, extended evening hours, and overtime as required.

• Enforce city animal control ordinances to reduce animal‑related issues and protect public safety.
• Respond to calls using a fully equipped animal control vehicle and tools—ensuring every situation is handled with care and professionalism.
• Investigate and follow up on unlicensed pets to ensure city compliance and support program funding.
• Represent Animal Control with a strong public presence, dependable work habits, and professionalism.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, coworkers, and community members to educate, inform, and enforce.

• Perform routine and special assignments as an Animal Control Officer and enforce city ordinances.
• Properly care for, use, and safely operate assigned vehicles and equipment while responding to calls.
• Follow up on records of unlicensed dogs and cats to ensure compliance with city ordinance.
• Display good work habits that contribute to efficient operations and a professional public image.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with enforcement officials, coworkers, and the general public.

• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to make sound judgments, maintain emotional resilience, and demonstrate professionalism under stressful conditions.
• Must be available for on‑call emergency service rotations and overtime as needed.

You’ll be part of a critical public service team that values safety, compassion, and professionalism. Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply to help us serve our community more effectively.

High school graduate or equivalent plus six months of experience in the care and handling of animals; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the desirable knowledge, abilities and skills.

Possession of a valid driver's license when operating a vehicle is necessary to the satisfactory performance of assigned duties.

• Pay increases are available upon completion of the 6‑month new employee probationary period, and annually thereafter based on performance.
• We encourage a healthy work‑life balance by offering 10 days of vacation leave, over 12 days of sick leave, 11 paid holidays, and 2 personal convenience days annually that you begin accruing upon hire.
• All medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family begin the first of the month following hire, no need to wait!
• 30 days of Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs offering work/life services, wellness coaching, short‑term counseling, legal assistance, and financial coaching.
• 5 days of Funeral and Bereavement Leave
• $71,000 of Life Insurance
• $1,213 of Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(a) Retirement Plan
  . If you make a 7% contribution, the City will contribute 9%
• Employer provided Post Employment Health Plan for eligible medical expenses for after you leave City employment.
• Optional benefits include:
  • Medical and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Allstate Voluntary Plans
  • Supplemental Term Life
  • Deferred Compensation Plans