Animal Care and Control Officer (Kennel Staff)

Animal Control Officer

The rate of pay starts at $20.65 per hour contingent on experience and budget considerations. In this position you will be providing a valued service, by assuring public health and safety by limiting public exposure to stray, diseased or aggressive animals by patrolling the community, assisting veterinarian with treatments, and providing technical expertise in related areas. This role is a vital part of our shelter operations, with a strong emphasis on hands-on kennel care. As an ACO (Kennel Staff), your primary focus will be on ensuring the cleanliness, safety, and well-being of all animals housed within our facility. While this position is kennel-centered, the individual may occasionally be called upon to support general field or shelter-based Animal Control Officer duties. The animal shelter operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day including weekends and holidays. The positions could work any of the following shifts or any new shift created : 7 : 00 a.m. - 3 : 30 p.m., 3 : 00 p.m. 11 : 30 p.m. and 11 : 00 p.m. 7 : 30 a.m. (on call, routing shift weekly) Shifts do include working in the kennel, cleaning and care for the animals.

As an employer, St. Louis County cares about the health and well-being of our employees. In an effort to provide for the best possible work-life balance, the County offers a generous benefit package which includes affordable health insurance, dental and vision coverage, 4 weeks of Paid Time Off the first year, 11 paid holidays, deferred benefit retirement plan, paid life insurance as well as short and long term disability.

Provide safety to the community and animals by patrolling neighborhoods for stray, diseased or aggressive animals, giving technical expertise to animal owners and providing general welfare for animals in kennels. Assure public health by promoting vaccination of animals in accordance with County Ordinances. Investigating animal related complaints, bite case, and animal abuse or neglect. Kennel duties such as cleaning cages and caring for the animals needs. Feeding and watering animals. Educating residents on County ordinances and issuing notices for non-compliance. Assist the veterinarian in administering medications, microchips, immunizations and preparing specimen for rabies testing. Perform such additional duties, with the required abilities and under the indicated working conditions and environment, as may properly be required of a position in this job class. Additional duties to this role include : Complete and maintain hourly kennel checklists to ensure animals have proper food, water, and clean living spaces. Perform daily cleaning and disinfecting of kennels, holding areas, and general animal care facilities. Conduct routine wellness checks and immediately report health or behavioral concerns to the veterinary or population management team. Provide enrichment, exercise, and care through dog walking, playtime, and safe socialization practices. Assist in feeding, grooming, and basic handling of animals in accordance with shelter protocols. Support intake processes by assisting with proper kennel placement, labeling, and animal documentation. Participate in shelter inventory, restocking supplies, and monitoring cleaning materials for safety compliance. Serve as a support resource for volunteers and guide them on appropriate kennel handling procedures. Support broader ACO responsibilities including assisting with transports, animal retrievals, and other shelter support tasks as needed.

One year of experience working with a variety of predominantly domestic animals; or any equivalent training and experience. Possession of a valid driver's license. WORKING CONDITIONS : Balance, bend / twist at waist, climb or work on ladders and stairs; kneel, lift, push / pull, reach above shoulders, squat, stand / walk for long periods; work out of doors in extreme temperatures. Ability to lift 100 lbs.