Job Description

Posting number: 2026-0196

Department: Sheriff Animal Control

Job classification: Senior Animal Control Officer

Posting type: Open

Categories: Law Enforcement, Animal Control, Animal Services

Summary

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COUNTYWIDE PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY

OPEN TO CURRENT, REGULAR COUNTY OF NEVADA EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE COMPLETED TWELVE MONTHS OF SATISFACTORY, PROBATIONARY SERVICE

INTERVIEWS FOR QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 20, 2026

We are looking for the right person to join our team of individuals who provide a voice for some of our most vulnerable customers, the pets and wildlife of Nevada County!

The Senior Animal Control Officer is one who is truly interested in working for the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and is motivated by making a difference. The Officer must have a passion for protecting, advocating, and enforcing laws for the safety of animals. The Sheriff’s Office Animal Control field is rewarding, and it provides so many opportunities for growth with the potential of promotion.

Why is this the career for you?

• You are motivated by helping animals and pet owners.
• You encourage responsible pet ownership and defend the animals and our community.
• You like to work in a team environment.
• You enjoy working outdoors.
• You thrive with detailed work.
• We provide support to each other and our customers and community.
• We are intent on sharing knowledge and motivating each other to do our best every day.
• We value creativity and looking for efficiencies in our processes.
• We support building leaders at all levels by providing personal and professional growth opportunities to our employees.

Under general supervision, the Senior Animal Control Officer serves as a Public Officer pursuant to Penal Code Section 830.9 and provides lead-level direction to other Animal Control Officers. As the lead level in the Animal Control Officer classification series, this position protects the public from rabid, dangerous, and potentially diseased animals; rescues injured and trapped animals; controls the population of unwanted animals; and enforces state and County laws and regulations related to vicious and nuisance animals, animal licensing, quarantine, and the humane treatment of animals. Incumbents handle the most difficult and complex assignments, often involving significant public interaction, community concerns, and public scrutiny. The Senior Animal Control Officer is distinguished from the Supervising Animal Control Officer, which has full supervisory responsibility for the unit.

Read the full job description for more information.

The position requires flexibility to work irregular shifts, including Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, overtime, and on-call assignments. Overtime may be required with minimal notice.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities who require and request an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position.

This position is full-time and comes with the County of Nevada’s extensive benefit package including, but not limited to, CalPERS retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and a Health FSA. Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Supplemental information

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or completion of the twelfth grade; and
• One year of experience at a level equivalent to Nevada County's Animal Control Officer II classification; and
• Completion of 40 hours of Advanced Animal Law Enforcement Training from an accredited college or university.

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid driver's license within 30 days of hire.
• A valid California Class C driver's license must be maintained throughout employment to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Successful completion of all applicable pre-employment and post-employment training requirements under Penal Code Sections 830 through 832 and Section 6035, including required firearms, arrest, and seizure certifications prior to employment.

Other Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or have applied for citizenship at least one year prior to application.

Must reside within a reasonable distance from the work site, as specified by the Supervising Animal Control Officer.

Must submit to and pass a psychological evaluation, medical examination, drug and alcohol screening, and a background investigation.

May have to submit to a voice stress test.