Animal Control Officer

A Drug-Free Workplace

Invites your interest for the position of

Animal Control Officer

$4,839 – $6,610 per Month

Final Filing Date:
Sunday, November 22, 2026

Exam # 26/34C01/10PH

Monterey County Health Department’s Animal Services Bureau is seeking an enthusiastic Animal Control Officer to join our team of dedicated professionals to provide compassionate and effective services for the animals of Monterey County. The County of Monterey via the Health Department provides operational oversight for Hitchcock Road Animal Services, which is a Joint Power Agency for the City of Salinas and County of Monterey.

Animal Control Officers (ACO) provide field services that include (but are not limited to) local and state ordinance enforcement and issuance of citations, stray, injured and aggressive animal pick up, animal bite investigation, noise and nuisance complaints, documentation, and public education on responsible pet ownership.

Animal Control Officers make a real impact in the community by protecting animals and promoting public safety. Officers patrol assigned areas, respond to calls for service, investigate violations, safely capture and care for animals in need, maintain accurate and thorough records, educate pet owners, and support rabies control efforts. Officers may also assist with dispatch duties and coordinate responses to animal-related incidents.

This position combines fieldwork, problem-solving and compassionate animal care in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same.

Animal Services, through Hitchcock Road Animal Services, provides field, sheltering and licensing services to the residents of the City of Salinas and County of Monterey. The Bureau operates an Animal Services facility that takes in about 4,000 animals each year.

As of 4/12/2023, the Health Department offers up to a $10,000 signing bonus to candidates hired into regular full-time positions for this classification from this recruitment.

To view the complete job description, please visit the Monterey County website:
Animal Control Officer

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Methods and techniques used in the capture, control, care, handling and disposal of various breeds of animals.
• State and local laws pertaining to the control and licensing of animals

• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Quickly assess a situation and take appropriate action.
• Exercise tact and good judgment in dealing with the public.
• Prepare clear, complete reports.
• Recognize symptoms of rabies and other animal diseases.
• Follow oral and written instructions.

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

• Approximately one year of experience handling animals and dealing with the public.

• Successfully complete a background check to include fingerprinting.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.
• Have ability to exercise patience and care in dealing with animals; tolerate animal noise and odor.
• Have ability to exercise tact, self-restraint, judgment and strategy in dealing with a variety of people both friendly and hostile.
• Have ability to tolerate the destructions of animals.