Animal Control Officer

Description

Let’s make some fur-tastic decisions for the community!

Apply to be the next Animal Control Officer for the City of Moreno Valley!

Be the cat-alyst for positive change in animal welfare!

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment will close at 5:00 (PST) on Monday, April 27, 2026

The role offers flexible scheduling options, including a 9/80 or 4/10 work week.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Animal Control Officers are responsible for performing routine to moderately difficult animal control duties. Under general supervision, you will take a full range of action in conformance with state and local laws relating to the safety, health, welfare and control of both domestic and wild animals. In this role, you will have frequent interactions with the public to explain laws and regulations relating to the care and control of animals and may issue citations and/or notices in connection with violations. Work requires the application of approved methods, techniques, and devices in the pickup and capture of injured, sick and vicious animals to avoid or minimize personal risk. Incumbents may also humanely destroy animals in accordance with established procedures using approved methods.

Job Descriptions

Click here to access the complete classification description, including the experience, education, and physical and mental requirements for the job.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

Our ideal candidate is a dedicated, passionate individual who embodies exceptional customer service and teamwork. This candidate will thrive in challenging situations, demonstrating proficiency in effectively interacting with individuals who may be difficult, hostile, or distressed. They will possess a deep understanding of and sensitivity to cultural diversity, allowing them to relate well to people from varied backgrounds. This individual will be committed to working collaboratively with teammates and community members to achieve shared goals and objectives. A strong problem-solver, the candidate will approach each situation with empathy and professionalism, ensuring that all animals are treated with care and respect while upholding important community standards. If you have a genuine love for animals, the ability to connect with diverse populations, and a passion for public service, we invite you to join our team and make a positive impact in our community.

Minimum And Desirable Qualifications

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent; and two years of experience in the care and handling of animals; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California driver's license, and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance policy.
• A California Penal Code Section 832 certification, or the ability to obtain certification within six months from the date of hire.
• Ability to obtain a State Humane Academy certification and certification in euthanasia administration.
• Employees are assigned to work on weekends and holidays and are subject to emergency call-outs.

Who We Are

The City of Moreno Valley prides itself on delivering quality service to our residents and businesses efficiently and effectively through Collaboration, Innovation, Customer Service, and Human-Centric Design. Strategically located in Southern California’s Inland Empire, Moreno Valley is the second-largest city in Riverside County and is close to major hubs such as Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. This spacious, thriving, and diverse City has a population of over 200,000 residents and offers a variety of business opportunities. For additional information regarding the City, please click here.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants possessing the MOST DESIRABLE qualifications at each level, based on a screening of required application materials, including the completed Supplemental Questionnaire, will be invited to continue in the selection process. The City of Moreno Valley prioritizes and is committed to continuously providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is afforded to all people.

Recruitment Process: Human Resources (HR) reviews all application materials to determine whether candidates meet the established minimum and preferred qualifications after the position closes. Those who qualify will be advanced to the next stage of the recruitment process. All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status.

Application Screening

Applications and supplemental materials will be reviewed to identify candidates whose qualifications best align with the position's essential requirements. Only those applicants who meet the criteria outlined in the job bulletin will advance to the next phase of the selection process.

Video Appraisal Interview

Applicants may complete a self-guided video interview by recording responses to a series of structured questions. These questions are designed to assess each candidate's qualifications and suitability for the position. There is no live interviewer or proctor; candidates will record their answers independently and submit the videos for evaluation.

Technical Interview

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a structured technical interview designed to evaluate job-related knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in key competencies required for the position. Candidates will respond to a series of standardized questions, and their performance will be assessed using predetermined evaluation criteria to ensure a fair and consistent appraisal process.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

Eligible List: Once the appraisal is complete, HR will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

DISCLAIMERS

The City of Moreno Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City of Moreno Valley prioritizes and is committed to continuously providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is afforded to all people. As part of this commitment, the City of Moreno Valley will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the interview process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or (951) 413-3045.

BENEFITS: For an overview of the City of Moreno Valley's excellent benefit offerings, please click the following link: City of Moreno Valley Benefits Overview

SELECTION PROCESS: Following an administrative review of each application, only the most qualified applicants will be invited to an oral interview and/or testing. The successful candidate will be required to pass a medical examination, and to submit original documentation to establish both work authorization and identity (per the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986). Criminal background investigations will be conducted, and, in accordance with our Drug Free Workplace Policy, a Drug Screening Test will be required.

The City of Moreno Valley is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. For further information regarding this position, contact the Human Resources Department at (951) 413-3045.

The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

01

This supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Responses should be complete and specific, describing work you have actually performed, the level and purpose of the work performed and how often. To be considered for this position, the experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. A response of "see resume" or "see application" for any of the supplemental questions will result in the questions not being scored. Please check Yes/No if you understand the above requirement.

• Yes
• No

02

Please Indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• Less than High School Diploma or GED
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some college coursework completed (less than 59 semester units or less than 89 quarter units)
• Associate's Degree (at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units)
• Bachelor's Degree (at least 120 semester units or 180 quarter units)
• Master's Degree or higher

03

Do you possess experience working in a municipal and /or governmental environment?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please provide the name of the government agency where you gained your experience. ("See Resume" is not a valid response, if you do not have this experience, put N/A)

05

This position requires availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, and to be on-call for emergencies as needed. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have a current and valid PC 832 certification?

• Yes
• No
• No, but willing to obtain one within six months of hire

07

Please indicate the amount of professional experience in the care and handling of animals you possess.

• Less than two (2) years
• Two (2) - Three (3) years
• Four (4) - Five (5) years
• Six (6) - Seven (7) years
• Eight (8) years or more

08

How would you rate your overall proficiency with core responsibilities of an Animal Control Officer (e.g., field response, animal capture, ordinance enforcement, public interaction)?

• No experience
• Basic Experience – I have limited direct experience and am still learning procedures and techniques through training or support roles
• Moderate Experience – I can perform routine tasks with minimal supervision and apply standard practices in typical situations
• Proficient – I handle complex or sensitive duties confidently, including dealing with difficult animals or public encounters
• Expert – I have advanced field skills, regularly lead enforcement actions, and often mentor others or train new staff

09

Which of the following animal handling tasks have you performed safely and confidently? (Check all that apply)

• Safely restraining aggressive or frightened animals
• Performing field euthanasia using approved methods
• Transporting animals using secure equipment/vehicles
• Applying chemical immobilization techniques
• Investigating and documenting animal cruelty cases
• Conducting quarantine assessments for rabies contro
• None of the above

10

Briefly describe your experience in caring for and handling animals. Include specific examples of the types of animals you have worked with, the tasks you performed, and any relevant training or certifications you have received. If you do not have any relevant experience, please type N/A.

• Required Question