Animal Control Officer

First review of applications will be Monday, January 26, 2026.

An Animal Control Officer I’s duties include enforcement of City codes and tasks related to the care, control, and licensing of animals within Mesa's boundaries. An Animal Control Officer I answers calls and complaints, conducts investigations, gathers information, and issues citations for violations of animal regulations. A major responsibility is the enforcement of City codes such as: leash laws, livestock restrictions, licensing requirements, barking/nuisance and vicious dog ordinances, and Arizona Revised Statutes related to animals.

An Animal Control Officer I conducts animal rescues and abuse/cruelty/neglect investigations. Authority to issue citations is limited to violations of the City's animal control ordinances. An incumbent prepares and writes reports on violations, maintains records of animal bites and quarantines, and notifies involved persons of the outcome. Court testimony may be required against persons cited for violations. An Animal Control Officer I works within Mesa’s boundaries using a cell phone, radio, laptop computer, and specialized truck to locate stray animals, occasionally bag dead animals for pick up, and impound live animals.

This class is responsible for performing related duties as required.

An Animal Control Officer I is expected to exercise considerable initiative to work independently in the field and is expected to organize work assignments to respond to a maximum number of calls. An Animal Control Officer I must exercise independent judgment and discretion in dealing with not only a wide variety of pets and wild animals, but also in dealing with pet owners and residents who may be upset, confused, insulting, and/or abusive.

The Animal Control Officer I is distinguished from the Animal Control Officer II by the latter’s higher-level subject-matter expertise and responsibility for leading large-scale and high-profile or complex animal cruelty, hoarding, and related investigations; its responsibility for serving in a lead capacity and as a Field Training Officer (FTO) for new Officers; and its role as a training liaison. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor through the review of calls, reports prepared, warnings and citations issued, problems encountered, and overall results achieved.

An Animal Control Officer I must wear a uniform and a duty belt. This class is FLSA nonexempt.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Graduation from high school or GED. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to two years of full-time employment involving extensive public contact. Good (1 – 3 years) experience with enforcement of policies, procedures, rules, regulations, or court processes. Good (1 – 3 years) experience working with and handling animals.

Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a health physical screening, and a background investigation is required. Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to pass a psychological test battery. Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)  by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification.

Must receive and maintain ongoing certification on weapons. Must be able to successfully become certified as an Animal Control Officer by a nationally recognized organization such as National Animal Control Association (NACA) within two years of hire date.

Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement and random alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

Experience using a personal computer (PC) and various software including Microsoft Word and Excel is preferred. Completion of training or education related to animal behavior and various animal species is highly desirable.

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