What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Services Officer I position at Bernalillo County?
Job Posting Title
Animal Care Services Officer I
Department
Animal Care
Location:
3001 2nd St SW
Pay
Probationary Rate: $27.50
After Probation: $28.05
Close Date
September 8, 2026
Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.
The Animal Care Services Officer I enforces Bernalillo County ordinances and laws relating to animal care. Responds to animal complaints and performs a variety of animal care and community field services. Performs investigations. Works with local law enforcement and other public service agencies. Interacts with the public daily and works towards resolving animal issues. Assists with the daily functions of the animal care and resource center as needed.
Duties And Responsibilities
Additional Requirements
The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:
Animal Care Services Officer I
Department
Animal Care
Location:
3001 2nd St SW
Pay
Probationary Rate: $27.50
After Probation: $28.05
Close Date
September 8, 2026
Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.
The Animal Care Services Officer I enforces Bernalillo County ordinances and laws relating to animal care. Responds to animal complaints and performs a variety of animal care and community field services. Performs investigations. Works with local law enforcement and other public service agencies. Interacts with the public daily and works towards resolving animal issues. Assists with the daily functions of the animal care and resource center as needed.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Enforces Bernalillo County Animal Code and New Mexico state laws pertaining to animals. Knowledge of Bernalillo County policy and procedures, and operational directives.
- Impounds sick, injured, or aggressive domestic, livestock or wild animals.
- Investigates allegations of animal neglect and cruelty, animal bites, and permit requirements; removes and disposes of dead animals; quarantines bite animals.
- Works to reunite stray animals with their owners. May impound stray animals at risk.
- Identifies illness or injury and transports animals to be evaluated for treatment or euthanasia.
- Uses radio equipment and cell phone to communicate with dispatch and other staff, must use a variety of computer software and equipment to prepare investigative reports, daily log sheets, legal documents, and other reports as required; Writes criminal complaints and appears and testifies in court. Addresses groups and organizations relating to animal care and community animal related issues and dispenses information.
- Utilizes specialized equipment for the purposes of animal care, capture and containment.
- In certain roles, responsibilities may involve performing euthanasia tasks.
- The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.
- High school diploma or GED.
- One (1) year experience performing animal care maintenance, or training and handling of livestock, domestic or wild animals or law enforcement.
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.
Additional Requirements
- Individuals performing euthanasia are required to hold a valid license as a Euthanasia Technician issued by the State of New Mexico Board of Veterinary Medicine.
- Prior to performing euthanasia tasks, approval from the Director of Animal Care must be obtained.
- Experience in animal services, law enforcement or veterinary field.
The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:
- Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
- Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
- Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
- Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position.
- Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.
- Must be able to work weekends, holidays, on call and other shifts.
- Employee must be able to safely operate a variety of animal care vehicles.
- Successful and satisfactory completion of NACA ACO I certification administered by the National Animal Care and Control Association, or equivalent certification approved by the Director within fifteen (15) months from date of hire.
- Duties are performed essentially outdoors, and in a county vehicle.
- Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment.
- Outdoor duties are performed on surfaces that may be even or uneven, wet, or dry, in extreme heat or cold. Stairs may be required in performing indoor or outdoor duties. Outdoor duties may be performed on natural ground, asphalt, concrete, snow, ice, or mud.
- Work hazards or potential work hazards include use of vehicles, stairs, exposure to extreme weather conditions, driving in adverse weather conditions, and exposure to dangerous animals, animal bites, and potential exposure to contagious or deadly diseases. Workers will be exposed to potentially dangerous or aggressive domestic animals, wild animals, rabid and/or plague-ridden animals. May assist law enforcement officers on crime scenes that can include deceased individuals.
- Worker performs duties alone or as part of a select team. Many duties are performed without the assistance of direct supervision.
- Workers communicate by cell phone or radio when performing duties away from office.
- Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, explosives, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate citizens.
- Physical ability to pursue animals across many types of terrain and in weather extremes.
- Lifting large animals (50 pounds) up to a height of 48".
- Workers may use net, rope, leash, animal capture device, snake hooks or tongs, humane traps, halters, horse trailer, camera or other relevant equipment in the performance of essential duties.
- Workers must wear a uniform, ballistic vest and badge while performing essential duties.
- Worker handles a variety of forms and paperwork, writing utensils, and other basic office supplies while making daily reports.
- Worker uses a computer and must learn industry related software.
- Worker handles a wide variety of domestic, livestock and wild animals.
- Workers utilize personal protective equipment in the performance of duties.
Salary : $28