Animal Control Officer

Salary : $42,182.40 - $48,526.40 Annually Location : Santa Fe, NM Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202600055 Department: Sheriff's Office Opening Date: 03/01/2026 Closing Date: 3/31/2026 5:00 PM Mountain FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: AFSCME 1782 Department Contact Information: Rosa Vigil (505) 986-2428 Union Eligibility: Position is Union eligible after completion of one (1) year probationary period. Budget Amount: Position is budgeted up to $23.33 hourly, commensurate with related education and experience. Primary Purpose Enforces State laws and regulations and County animal control ordinances; investigates complaints; patrols assigned areas; and performs other duties related to humane animal protection and control. Essential Job FunctionsPatrols assigned area to enforce animal control ordinances; responds to citizens' complaints concerning animal care and control problems; issues warnings and citations to violators; captures and impounds stray domestic and exotic animals. When possible, researches vaccination information to locate owner; explains ordinances and discusses violations with pet owners; investigates animal bite and attack cases and arranges for proper care, quarantine, and/or observation of the animal; removes dead animals/rodents and transports to state agencies for testing of diseases if needed. Responds to emergency calls for sick and injured animals and obtains veterinarian care if required; performs field inspections of proper animal care for commercial and private owners. Maintains records and prepares reports related to animal control activities; appears in court to testify regarding violations; maintains animal control vehicles, issued equipment, and kennels. Assists external agencies and private owners with the capturing and rescuing of animals; relocates wildlife to non-populated areas; assists with the retrieval of animals during protective custody cases; performs educational workshops for area students; and trains animal control officer trainees. Knowledge/Skills: Working knowledge of animal control ordinances and regulations; of animal collection and control methods. Knowledge of investigative methods and techniques. Skill in training and instruction. Skill in the care and handling of animals without inflicting injury. Skill in records management. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and equipment, including hand radio, catch-all pole, lead rope, and humane traps. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public. Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs. Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and to present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions. Minimum QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent. Ability to obtain and maintain ACO 1 and ACO 2 certifications within three (3) months of hire. Supplemental Information Working Conditions: Work is performed occasionally in an office environment and frequently outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens. Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. Work requires the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk or hear. Ability to lift over 100 lbs. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Evening, holiday, and weekend work is required. Overnight travel is required. Conditions of Employment: Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver's License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required. Santa Fe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of Santa Fe County to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, age, physical or mental handicap, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, serious medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or political affiliation. Santa Fe County is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time and part-time employees who work 20 hours per week. You will receive plan booklets, which give you more detailed information about each of these programs. BENEFITS OFFERED Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance Voluntary Life and AD&D Short-Term Disability Long-Term Disability Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Gym Membership To learn more details, visit our website: 01 Do you have a High School diploma or GED? Yes No 02 Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes No Required Question

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