ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Portland Police Department

The Portland Police Department is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Animal Control Officer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for enforcing animal control ordinances, responding to citizen complaints, capturing and transporting animals, and promoting responsible pet ownership in the community. This is a vital public safety position that requires a strong sense of judgment, responsibility, and a passion for animal welfare.
The Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcing city and state laws related to the care and control of domesticated and wild animals. This role involves patrolling neighborhoods, responding to citizen complaints, capturing stray or dangerous animals, and conducting animal cruelty investigations. The Animal Control Officer plays a key role in ensuring public safety and promoting animal welfare throughout the city of Portland.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol neighborhoods and city parks to enforce animal control ordinances and issue citations
  
• Capture and transport stray, injured, and deceased animals, both wild and domestic
  
• Respond to citizen complaints regarding animals and investigate animal cruelty cases
  
• Testify in court regarding violations of animal ordinances
  
• Responsible for due process procedures
  
• Handle suspected rabies cases in accordance with state law
  
• Maintain records and reports
  
• Educate the public on animal control laws and responsible pet ownership
  
• Maintain the animal control vehicle and related equipment

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; background in animal care and handling preferred
  
• Knowledge (or ability to learn) animal-related ordinances and Maine state animal welfare laws
  
• Strong understanding of safety procedures related to animal handling
  
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
  
• Ability to tolerate high-stress situations
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  
• Familiarity with the geography of the city is a plus

Special Requirements

• Valid State of Maine driver’s license with a clean driving record
  
• Animal Control Certification by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources (or eligibility to obtain within probationary period)
  
Must be available to work one weekend day as part of the regular work schedule

Applications accepted until May 15, 2026.
Offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.

Salary & Benefits:
This is a union position, CEBA (Grade 12), Starting salary range $23.65 - $26.64 per hour, plus any applicable shift differentials.

The City of Portland prides itself on its outstanding benefits and collegial and mission-driven work environment.
City benefits include:

• Free employee health insurance with the completion of wellness incentives
  
• Thirteen paid holidays
  
• Sick, vacation, and personal leave
  
• Life, dental, vision and income protection insurances
  
• Choice of retirement plans, including a pension plan
  
• Fitness Reimbursement
  
• Use of City recreation facilities
  
• Discount on professional development programs through USM and Thomas College

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application, please email Human Resources at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or call 207-874-8624.

The City of Portland believes that to do our best work, our employees need to reflect the diverse, vibrant community we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating all dimensions of diversity in the workplace. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. If you need to request a reasonable accommodation, please call 207-874-8624 or email hrinfo@portlandmaine.gov.

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Group : CEBA

Job Family : POLICE

Posting Start : 05/01/2026

Posting End : 05/15/2026

Details : Job Description