Animal Control Officer

Salary : $37,169.60 - $55,120.00 Annually
Location : Springfield, MO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 022026
Department: Health
Opening Date: 02/20/2026
Closing Date: 3/13/2026 1:00 PM Central

Description

WE ARE MOVING!! A NEW FACILITY IS BEING COMPLETED AND WE ARE EXCITED - ARE YOU?
The days of the "dogcatcher" are quickly disappearing and the Animal Control career field is striving to serve the public as the frontline of defense to protect the health and safety of humans and animals.

Are you able to enforce the City of Springfield ordinances related to animal control? Are you wanting to make a difference in citizen and animal safety within the Springfield and Greene-County community?
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Animal Control Officer. This position will enforce ordinances related to animal control including responding to citizen complaints regarding stray, injured, dangerous or unwanted animals, dogs running at large, and investigation of cruelty to animals and animal bite reports. Position will work a flexible schedule with some weekends and holidays required. Position will cover Springfield and the Greene-County area.
Please click here for information on our excellent benefits!
Qualifications and Requirements

Experience, Education, and Training

• High School diploma;

AND

• Two years' experience in animal control, public safety, code and compliance or a related field;

OR

• Possession of 30 semester from an accredited college/university in a related field;

AND

• One year of experience in animal control, public safety, code and compliance, or a related field;

PREFERRED

• Previous animal related experience.

Licensing/Certification

• Must possess a valid driver's license;
• Candidates must obtain and maintain certification to euthanize within the first year of employment.
• Candidates must be willing and able to take rabies shots on a periodic basis to reduce the possibility of rabies infection.

Functions

For more information on essential functions and other requirements, please see the
Other Requirements
The City of Springfield promotes equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Individuals with disabilities who believe they will need an accommodation to undergo any part of the interview, examination, or pre-employment process, should request a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to the testing or appointment. Requests should be requested by contacting City of Springfield Human Resources by phone, 417-864-1607, or in person at the Municipal Busch Building, 840 Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO 65802.
Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in the United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. We are committed to a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing is required.
All interested candidates MUST complete the City of Springfield on-line application in its entirety. The candidate profile must include all employment history with accurate and complete information prior to submission. Resumes alone will not be accepted as the application, but they may be submitted as supplemental documentation.
Find out more about City of Springfield employee benefits through the following link:
01

The following questions are specific to the position you are applying for, and must be completed accurately. The information you provide below must be reflected in the experience, education, or volunteer work provided in your application above. A response of 'see resume' will not be accepted.

• I understand.

02

What best describes your level of education in Wildlife Management, Biology, Animal Husbandry or a closely related field?

• Less than High School
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• 30 college credit hours
• 60 college credit hours or an Associate's Degree or higher

03

Please state the name of your college / university and your specific area of study.
04

Do you have experience working with animals?

• Yes
• No

05

How many years of work experience do you have involving frequent customer, client, or other public contact, with at least one year of your experience in animal handling as a veterinarian assistant, attendant at an approved kennel, animal control officer, or closely related occupation?

• I do not have any related experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 6 or more years

06

How many years of work experience do you have in the enforcement of government laws and regulations?

• I do not have any experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• 6 or more years

07

If you answered that you have experience in either of the above questions, please describe that work experience in detail.
08

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

09

Are you willing and able to obtain and maintain certification to euthanize within the first year of employment?

• Yes
• No

10

Are you willing and able to take rabies shots in a post-exposure situation?

• Yes
• No

11

Were you referred by a current City employee to apply for this position?

• Yes
• No

12

If yes, please state the full name of the City employee who referred you to this position.
Required Question