Job Details
Animal Control Officer
2025-06-30 City of Oakland Oakland,CA
Description:
*Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!
A few reasons you might love this job:
Minimum Requirements for Application
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.
This is a public contact position. The City highly encourages all bilingual candidates to apply! Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Under the authority of Civil Service Rules Section 5.03, if a position requires bilingual language skills, only those candidates who have indicated they are bilingual in the required language(s) will be referred. Bilingual candidates will be required to successfully pass a language proficiency test if selected for hire.
Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Experience:
One year of full time work experience involving public contact.
Desirable Qualifications:
Six (6) months paid or voluntary experience in the humane care, feeding and/or handling of animals in a facility that cares for and/or houses animals (e.g. animal shelter, kennel, veterinary hospital, boarding or pet day care facility or pet store), working principally with dogs and cats and having the ability to recognize species-specific behavior.
Other Requirements:
The Recruitment Process:
The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the "minimum qualifications" listed for each position.
Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.
Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.
In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.
For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be invited to take an online multiple-choice test. You'll have 7 days to complete the test once the link is sent to your email. This is tentatively planned to launch during the week of July 28, 2025
For some recruitments, more than one type of assessment may be used. Depending on the number of candidates who pass the first assessment (multiple-choice test, structured interview, writing exercise, performance exam) you may be asked to complete a secondary assessment before the recruitment is finalized. If a secondary assessment is scheduled, you will be notified by email with specific details. If a secondary assessment is not scheduled, department hiring interviews will occur during this time frame.
Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you're applying to a "restricted" posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
What's in it for you?
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.
Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
How to Apply
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at:
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) ###-#### between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) ###-#### for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Mary Ann Gonzales, Sr. HR Analyst at ...@oaklandca.gov
The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:
•CalPERS Medical
•Dental
•Vision
•Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
•Flexible Spending Accounts
•Commuter Benefits
•Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
•Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
•Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
•Pension Benefits
•Deferred Compensation
* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assigned specific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Current MOUs may be reviewed here:
01
Be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental responses.
02
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process. Are you a current full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City of Oakland or Port of Oakland employee?
03
If you are a current City or Port of Oakland employee, what is your job title and employee ID number? If you are not a City or Port employee, type "N/A".
04
Have you previously been employed by the City of Oakland?
05
If you have previously been employed by the City of Oakland, please enter the dates and titles of the jobs you previously held at the City of Oakland below. If not applicable, type "N/A"
06
Have you previously used any other names?
07
If you have previously used any other name, please enter the other full name(s) used below.
08
Do you confirm that the address on your application matches your current residence?
09
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
10
Do you have one (1) year of full-time work experience involving public contact?
11
Please clearly and thoroughly state your work experience involving public contact. Include in your response, any experience working with a diverse population and individuals who are hostile/angry. If you do not possess this experience, please indicate N/A.
12
This position will be required to collect stray, ill, or dead animals from streets, homes, or veterinary hospitals; capture and incapacitate animals including those ill, injured, vicious or dangerous; control, euthanize, and dispose of unwanted animals; containerize and transport animals for display or relocation. Indicate YES if you are willing to perform the tasks listed above, or NO if you are unwilling to perform the tasks.
13
Please describe your experience working with animals.
14
This position requires someone to be twenty-one (21) years of age or older. Are you at least twenty-one (21) years of age or older?
15
Do you understand that this position will require that you work irregular days and hours, under inclement weather conditions and work standby assignments during off duty hours?
16
The position requires the following: meet California Peace Officer Standards and Training based on California Penal Code 832 within the probationary period,pass a background investigation, and is required to wear a uniform on duty.I have read and understand the statement above.
17
Please indicate which types of positions you are interested in. Select all that apply.
18
This is a public contact position. Although no current vacancies require bilingual skills in a specific language, the eligible list generated from this announcement will be used to fill positions that may or may not require bilingual language skills. For positions in this classification not requiring bilingual language skills, names will be certified in rank order (in accordance with Civil Service Rules, Section 5.02).For positions in this classification requiring selective certification of bilingual language skills, names of eligible candidates certified to the hiring authority shall be the highest ranking candidates willing to accept employment and who possess the additional and special qualifications required (in accordance with Civil Service Rules, Section 5.03, Selective Certification). Such positions will require selective bilingual skills in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Please note, identified bilingual skills will be tested prior to a final offer of employment. Candidates must pass the bilingual skills test to be considered for selectively certified positions.Identify the language(s) for which you have bilingual conversational proficiency. If you do not have bilingual conversational proficiency in any of the identified languages, check the appropriate box.
19
Acting assignments: If you have served in an Acting assignment that you would like considered as experience towards the minimum qualifications requirement, please list the Acting assignment(s) separately in the "Work experience" section of your application. For each Acting assignment, the description must include the Acting job title (use the word Acting as part of the job title), dates and hours served, and duties performed. I understand the above statement and will list any Acting assignments separately in the "Work experience" section of my application form.
20
Answers to the above supplemental questions MUST be supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application. Answers not supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application will NOT be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed. I have read and understand this statement.
Required Question
Salary : $67,724.80 - $83,158.40 Annually
Location : Oakland, CA
Job Type: Full Time Civil Service
Job Number: 25-AP100-06
Department: Oakland Animal Services
Opening Date: 06/27/2025
Closing Date: 7/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SC1
The Position
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city's historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
***This recruitment will be used to fill Permanent Full-Time Positions, Permanent Part-Time Positions, and Temporary Part-Time Positions.
Why join the City of Oakland Animal Services Department?
Do you love working with people and animals? Are you passionate about animal welfare? The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill multiple upcoming full-time (FT) and permanent part-time (PPT) Animal Control Officer vacancy in the Oakland Animal Services Department.
As an Animal Control Officer for the City of Oakland, you will play a key role in protecting public health, promoting responsible pet ownership, and ensuring humane treatment of animals. You'll be a frontline advocate for animals and make a real impact in the community.
Under general supervision, incumbents are responsible for the enforcement of the animal control laws and ordinances, and for providing care to captured animals for the City of Oakland. Animal Control Officers are required to wear a uniform, work outdoors and in all types of weather, may work non-standard hours and shifts, and perform related duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will have professional or volunteer experience working with companion and/or various types of animals in the animal welfare industry, and demonstrates compassion for animals and people while recognizing the importance of adhering to standards and procedures. While this role involves enforcing animal-related regulations, it is not a peace officer position.
This is a public contact position. Although no current vacancies require a specific language, the eligible list may be used to fill future vacancies that may require bilingual skills.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about caring for animals - Whether it's a scared stray or a sick pet, you treat every animal with compassion and care.
- Able to handle stress - You stay calm and focused, even in high-pressure or emotional situations.
- A problem solver - You think on your feet and can figure things out quickly when challenges arise.
- Committed to animal welfare - You believe in doing what's right for animals and the community.
- Skilled at de-escalating situations - You can defuse tension with people and keep things professional, even when emotions are high.
- An excellent communicator - You're comfortable speaking with the public, writing reports, and working as part of a team.
- Flexible and reliable - You're willing to work weekends, nights, holidays, and in all kinds of weather. You may also be on-call during off-hours.
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of stray, sick, injured, or aggressive animals by providing them with appropriate care and attention.
- Responding to complaints from residents, businesses, and others about animal-related concerns, from barking dogs to injured wildlife.
- Interpreting and enforcing animal laws, including local ordinances, state regulations, and public safety codes.
- Collaborating with the community, and working alongside pet owners, law enforcement, and legal professionals to find the best outcomes for both people and animals.
- Testifying in court, when necessary. You'll provide clear, factual testimony to support animal-related cases or citations.
*Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!
A few reasons you might love this job:
- Meaningful Impact: You will play a critical role in protecting both animals and the community, rescuing strays, assisting injured pets, and ensuring public safety.
- Every Day is Different: You will perform a wide variety of duties, from investigating emergency calls to caring for all types of animals-this is not a desk job. If you thrive in dynamic, hands-on work environments, you'll never be bored.
- Connection to Animals: You will work directly with animals every day, providing care and compassion to those in need and helping to relocate or rehome them.
- Public Service: You will interact with community members and help educate the public on important topics like licensing and vaccinations, making a direct difference in your community.
- Emotional Challenges: You will be handling unwanted, injured, or aggressive animals, which can be emotionally difficult. This role requires resilience and professionalism in tough situations.
- Physical Demands: You will be lifting, restraining animals, cleaning facilities, and working in all weather conditions, sometimes during night hours.
- Difficult Interactions: You will be resolving complaints and issuing citations that may sometimes lead to confrontational situations with the public.
- Work Environment: You will be responding to emergency calls and patrol duties, which can require working evenings, weekends, or holidays on occasion.
- Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
- Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
- Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
- Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
- General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
- Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
- Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
- Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
- Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
- Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
- Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
- Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
Minimum Requirements for Application
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.
This is a public contact position. The City highly encourages all bilingual candidates to apply! Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Under the authority of Civil Service Rules Section 5.03, if a position requires bilingual language skills, only those candidates who have indicated they are bilingual in the required language(s) will be referred. Bilingual candidates will be required to successfully pass a language proficiency test if selected for hire.
Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Experience:
One year of full time work experience involving public contact.
Desirable Qualifications:
Six (6) months paid or voluntary experience in the humane care, feeding and/or handling of animals in a facility that cares for and/or houses animals (e.g. animal shelter, kennel, veterinary hospital, boarding or pet day care facility or pet store), working principally with dogs and cats and having the ability to recognize species-specific behavior.
Other Requirements:
- Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.
- Must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
- Must meet California Peace Officer Standards and Training based on California Penal Code 832 within the probationary period.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Required to wear uniform on duty.
The Recruitment Process:
The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the "minimum qualifications" listed for each position.
Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.
Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.
In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.
For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be invited to take an online multiple-choice test. You'll have 7 days to complete the test once the link is sent to your email. This is tentatively planned to launch during the week of July 28, 2025
For some recruitments, more than one type of assessment may be used. Depending on the number of candidates who pass the first assessment (multiple-choice test, structured interview, writing exercise, performance exam) you may be asked to complete a secondary assessment before the recruitment is finalized. If a secondary assessment is scheduled, you will be notified by email with specific details. If a secondary assessment is not scheduled, department hiring interviews will occur during this time frame.
Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you're applying to a "restricted" posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
What's in it for you?
- 15 paid holidays
- Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
- Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
- Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
- Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
- Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
- Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.
Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
How to Apply
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at:
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) ###-#### between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) ###-#### for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Mary Ann Gonzales, Sr. HR Analyst at ...@oaklandca.gov
The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:
•CalPERS Medical
•Dental
•Vision
•Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
•Flexible Spending Accounts
•Commuter Benefits
•Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
•Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
•Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
•Pension Benefits
•Deferred Compensation
* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assigned specific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Current MOUs may be reviewed here:
01
Be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental responses.
- Yes
- No
02
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process. Are you a current full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City of Oakland or Port of Oakland employee?
- Yes
- No
03
If you are a current City or Port of Oakland employee, what is your job title and employee ID number? If you are not a City or Port employee, type "N/A".
04
Have you previously been employed by the City of Oakland?
- Yes
- No
05
If you have previously been employed by the City of Oakland, please enter the dates and titles of the jobs you previously held at the City of Oakland below. If not applicable, type "N/A"
06
Have you previously used any other names?
- Yes
- No
07
If you have previously used any other name, please enter the other full name(s) used below.
08
Do you confirm that the address on your application matches your current residence?
- Yes
- No
09
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
- Yes
- No
10
Do you have one (1) year of full-time work experience involving public contact?
- Yes
- No
11
Please clearly and thoroughly state your work experience involving public contact. Include in your response, any experience working with a diverse population and individuals who are hostile/angry. If you do not possess this experience, please indicate N/A.
12
This position will be required to collect stray, ill, or dead animals from streets, homes, or veterinary hospitals; capture and incapacitate animals including those ill, injured, vicious or dangerous; control, euthanize, and dispose of unwanted animals; containerize and transport animals for display or relocation. Indicate YES if you are willing to perform the tasks listed above, or NO if you are unwilling to perform the tasks.
- Yes
- No
13
Please describe your experience working with animals.
14
This position requires someone to be twenty-one (21) years of age or older. Are you at least twenty-one (21) years of age or older?
- Yes
- No
15
Do you understand that this position will require that you work irregular days and hours, under inclement weather conditions and work standby assignments during off duty hours?
- Yes
- No
16
The position requires the following: meet California Peace Officer Standards and Training based on California Penal Code 832 within the probationary period,pass a background investigation, and is required to wear a uniform on duty.I have read and understand the statement above.
- Yes
- No
17
Please indicate which types of positions you are interested in. Select all that apply.
- Permanent Full -Time Positions
- Permanent Part -Time Positions
- Temporary Part - Time Positions
18
This is a public contact position. Although no current vacancies require bilingual skills in a specific language, the eligible list generated from this announcement will be used to fill positions that may or may not require bilingual language skills. For positions in this classification not requiring bilingual language skills, names will be certified in rank order (in accordance with Civil Service Rules, Section 5.02).For positions in this classification requiring selective certification of bilingual language skills, names of eligible candidates certified to the hiring authority shall be the highest ranking candidates willing to accept employment and who possess the additional and special qualifications required (in accordance with Civil Service Rules, Section 5.03, Selective Certification). Such positions will require selective bilingual skills in one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Please note, identified bilingual skills will be tested prior to a final offer of employment. Candidates must pass the bilingual skills test to be considered for selectively certified positions.Identify the language(s) for which you have bilingual conversational proficiency. If you do not have bilingual conversational proficiency in any of the identified languages, check the appropriate box.
- Cantonese
- Mandarin
- Spanish
- I do not have bilingual conversational proficiency in any of the identified languages, but I am still interested in the position.
19
Acting assignments: If you have served in an Acting assignment that you would like considered as experience towards the minimum qualifications requirement, please list the Acting assignment(s) separately in the "Work experience" section of your application. For each Acting assignment, the description must include the Acting job title (use the word Acting as part of the job title), dates and hours served, and duties performed. I understand the above statement and will list any Acting assignments separately in the "Work experience" section of my application form.
- Yes
- No
20
Answers to the above supplemental questions MUST be supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application. Answers not supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application will NOT be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed. I have read and understand this statement.
- Yes
- No
Required Question