Animal Control Officer

Lee County is seeking a responsible, attentive, and motivated Animal Control Officer to help protect public safety and promote animal welfare throughout the community. This role plays a key part in enforcing animal-related laws, responding to animal control calls, and ensuring the humane handling and care of animals.

You’ll work in both field and shelter environments, responding to incidents, educating the public, and supporting a safe and healthy community for residents and animals alike.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can work under pressure, and is passionate about public service and animal welfare.

Duties and Responsibilities

What You Will Do

• Respond to animal control calls, including stray animals, animal bites, aggressive animals, and emergencies
• Enforce State Statutes, County, and City animal control ordinances
• Issue warnings, citations, and summons as appropriate
• Patrol assigned areas to identify violations and ensure compliance with animal control regulations
• Seize and impound animals that are not under proper control
• Conduct investigations related to animal bites, scratches, and other animal-related incidents
• Safely capture, trap, and transport domestic and wild animals, including potentially dangerous animals
• Educate the public on animal control laws, licensing requirements, and responsible pet ownership
• Maintain accurate records, activity logs, citations, and incident reports
• Communicate effectively via radio, phone, and written correspondence
• Provide testimony in court and administrative hearings when required
• Contribute to a safe, professional, and compassionate environment for the public and animals

Education, Experience, Licensing

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED (or equivalent)
• One (1) year of experience in animal handling, enforcement, law enforcement, or a related field
• Driving is required; must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record

Required Certifications (must possess or obtain):

• Florida Animal Control Association (FACA) Certified Animal Control Officer
• FACA Euthanasia Certification

Certifications must be obtained within one (1) year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a closely related field
• Two (2) or more years of experience in animal control, animal handling, law enforcement, or military service

Supplemental Information

Why Join Us?

This is a challenging and rewarding public safety role where your work directly impacts the community. You will:

• Help protect residents from unsafe animal-related situations
• Promote humane treatment and responsible ownership of animals
• Gain specialized training and certifications in animal control enforcement
• Work as part of a dedicated team committed to public safety and animal welfare
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of both people and animals

This position involves a high degree of responsibility, uncertainty, and potential hazard, and may include exposure to emotionally demanding situations.

Shift Details & Training

• Initial training will take place during daytime hours
• Upon completion of training, officers will transition to night shift operations
• Regular shift: 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
• Rotating on-call emergency shifts: 11:30 PM – 8:00 AM
• Days off vary based on operational needs (Friday–Saturday or Sunday–Monday), with at least one weekend day off

About the Department

Lee County Domestic Animal Services is dedicated to protecting public health and safety through effective animal control and shelter services. The department enforces animal-related laws, reunites lost pets with their owners, provides care and adoption services for animals in need, and educates the community on responsible pet ownership. Through enforcement, outreach, and collaboration, the department works to create a safer and more compassionate community for people and animals.

About Lee County:

Lee County is located in beautiful Southwest Florida and is home to over 800,000 residents. We are dedicated to serving our community with high-quality services and a focus on sustainability and innovation. Join us in making Lee County a great place to live, work, and visit. Find out more about Lee County at Lee County Government.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.