Animal Control & Wildlife Services Officer

San Mateo, CA
Full Time
Experienced

About the Organization

A private, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to promoting compassion and respect for all living creatures. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, it provides a wide range of services, including animal adoption, wildlife rescue, veterinary care, humane education, and enforcement of animal-related laws. The organization operates as a safe place for stray, injured, and neglected animals, striving to reunite pets with their owners or find them loving homes.

Working closely with local municipalities, public safety agencies, and community partners, the organization plays a vital role in supporting public health, safety, and animal welfare. It is committed to community outreach, education, and advocacy, ensuring the well-being of animals while fostering a humane and responsible community.

Position Overview

Foster a humane attitude toward animal care and treatment through education and leading by example. Serve as a frontline responder to animal-related concerns within the community, providing guidance and addressing public inquiries related to animal welfare, state and local regulations, rabies quarantine protocols, and other concerns.

This role is well-suited for individuals with experience in municipal services, animal control, park services, wildlife management, or other public-facing field operations.

Responsibilities:

  • Respond to and address stray, sick, injured, or aggressive domestic animals and wildlife in the field.

  • Transport animals to appropriate facilities or perform humane field euthanasia when necessary.

  • Perform technical animal rescues and enforce local/state animal laws, including dangerous animal complaints and citations.

  • Investigate animal incidents, prepare and execute warrants, and collaborate with law enforcement and legal authorities.

  • Write detailed reports, handle evidence, and maintain accurate records in compliance with regulatory standards.

  • Assist with veterinary exams, rabies quarantine cases, and deceased animal removal.

  • Educate the public on animal welfare issues, local ordinances, and responsible animal care; support emergency response efforts when required.

  • Maintain professional communication via radio systems and ensure vehicles and equipment are clean, stocked, and field-ready.

  • Participate in community outreach, public education, and partnership events.

  • Provide humane care for all animals and collaborate with internal teams and external agencies as needed.

Qualifications:

  • High School diploma (or equivalent) with previous customer service or public-facing experience.

  • Prior experience (volunteering and/or professionally) working with animals is highly desirable. Experience in municipal, county, park services, wildlife agencies, or other public sector field roles is strongly valued.

  • Ability to perform all essential job duties satisfactorily.

  • Knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet job requirements (reasonable accommodation provided for individuals with disabilities).

  • Capability to manage the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia.

  • Ability to support staff and the public during high-emotion situations.

  • Flexible schedule with availability for irregular hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and standby as needed.

  • Successfully pass a criminal background check upon hire.

  • Strong motivation toward animal welfare and humane treatment.

  • Ability to work independently in field-based environments with minimal supervision.

  • Maintain professionalism and perform effectively under pressure in dynamic, public-facing situations.

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