Animal Services Officer

About the Neighborhoods & Community Services Department

The Neighborhood Services Department works to support safe, vibrant, and thriving communities across the city. The department focuses on protecting residential properties, addressing nuisance concerns, and improving quality of life through a proactive, community-centered approach. By partnering with neighborhood and community leaders, the team uses data-driven strategies to identify issues, coordinate solutions, and connect residents with city and community resources.

In addition to these core efforts, the department serves as a key service hub for residents and businesses. It provides direct customer support through the 311 Call Center, ensuring residents can easily access information and request City Services. The department also supports economic vitality through small business assistance offered by the BizCare Division, while promoting public safety and compliance through Animal Services enforcement provided by the Animal Services Division and alcohol licensing managed by the Regulated Industries Division. Oversight of short-term rental licensing further helps maintain neighborhood stability, and dedicated illegal dumping enforcement and cleanup efforts enhance cleanliness and livability.

The Office of Environmental Quality drives the city’s sustainability policies and ensures that municipal operations comply with local, state, and federal environmental laws. It plays a crucial role in reducing the city’s carbon footprint and advancing climate action planning.

Emphasizing collaboration, engagement, and prevention, the department brings together community support, regulatory services, environmental stewardship, and responsive customer service to strengthen neighborhoods and enhance overall community well-being.

Click here for more about this department

What You'll Do:

• Responds to complaints of unleashed, unlicensed, vicious, diseased, injured, neglected, abused, or stray dogs and other animals to protect public safety and animal welfare.
• Investigates reported issues and takes appropriate action to resolve issues found, ensuring compliance with City ordinances.
• Documents investigative findings in detail and processes cases accurately to support enforcement and legal outcomes.
• Picks up and impounds animals running at large, which are ill, injured, reported to be rabid, or have bitten persons, reducing risk to the community.
• Educates animal owners in the field on requirements of the City of Kansas City Code of Ordinances and responsible pet ownership to prevent repeat violations.
• Issues citations and/or warrants for owners violating animal control ordinances when necessary and appears in court as a city prosecution witness.
• Works with the City of Kansas City Prosecutor to develop cases for prosecution, supporting fair and consistent enforcement.
• Utilizes and maintains assigned animal control equipment and vehicles to ensure safe and effective field operations.
• Assists law enforcement and emergency services as necessary during incidents involving animals or public safety concerns.

REQUIRES

• High school graduation or equivalency
• Possession of a valid State-issued driver's license in accordance with the City of KCMO
• Possession or be eligible to obtain the required Security Type B License from the Kansas City Police Department
• Eligible to obtain certification as an Animal Control Officer on through MACA, NACA, or an equivalent approved by the Animal Services Division Manager with the first 6 months of appointment
• Eligible to pass a physical examination and background check as prescribed by the City
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds to chest height or 100 pounds with assistance, work in hazardous and extreme weather conditions, and handle animals with unknown aggressive temperaments.
• Preference given to candidates with Animal handling experience and/or National Animal Control Association certifications (I and II) or equivalent.

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us – Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage
Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays—with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning
City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life’s Big Moments
Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance
Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses—invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection
Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided
City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave
Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?
Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City’s Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.

Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to accommodations@kcmo.org.

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans’ points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during “wartime” and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code § 4211).