Animal Control Officer I

Animal Control Officer

Hiring range: $29.40 - $32.67/hour

Location: Lakewood, CO

Job type: Full-Time

Closing date: 6/16/2026 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time (US & Canada)

An Animal Control Officer (ACO) for the Lakewood Police Department will apprehend animals, investigate violations, interact frequently with citizens, and provide assistance and information on animal-related issues. The ACO's duties include writing reports and memos regarding animals, mediation of complaints, education of citizens, issuing summonses, case preparation and testimony in court.

Essential functions include apprehending and confining animals that are sick or injured, evaluating animal injuries, providing first aid and transporting to veterinary facilities or performing field euthanasia. Apprehend and impound animals that attack or injure humans or other animals. Apprehend and impound dogs and livestock that are off their property and unrestrained by their owners. Communicate details of incidents and situations to other animal control officers and supervisors. Determine the violation, gather evidence, follow up on conditions of animals and execute proper procedures for removal of animals from harmful situations. Investigate and mediate neighborhood complaints pertaining to violations, such as animals disturbing the neighborhood. Issues warnings and summonses as appropriate. Investigate possible municipal ordinance violations and take appropriate enforcement action. Issues summonses and provide case preparation and testimony in court, as required. Assists police agents in situations when animals are an issue. Maintains knowledge of the procedures and policies of Foothills Animal Shelter and abides by those procedures. Performs special projects or assignments as assigned by the Animal Control Supervisor. Provides assistance, education, presentations (both formally and informally) and information to citizens. Humanely euthanizes sick or injured wildlife. Writes detailed reports and establishes probable cause for the issuance of summonses and complaints. Uses computer (over 5 hours per shift) writing reports, running history searches, dog licensing compliance and responding to official animal control notices that have been posted for the resident to contact animal control on a frequent basis. Writes daily log, manual notices and miscellaneous forms, and bite reports on a frequent basis. Educates citizens, City Council and other City employees regarding all animal control enforcement-related ordinances and topics. Works with and provides assistance to peers, as well as police agents and other Police Department employees. Quarantines any animal capable of carrying rabies, following the confirmation of a human bite for rabies monitoring. Writes recommendations guiding the prosecutors for disposition of plea bargain cases as well as after a finding of guilt. Must be able to interact with others in a positive, collaborative and respectful manner. Requires dependable, reliable and prompt attendance. Must maintain and utilize City-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when conducting activities where the employee is exposed to risks above those encountered in a traditional office setting. If injured on-the-job due to failure to utilize PPE a safety violation can be taken.

An ACO II demonstrates leadership and an understanding of contemporary supervisory techniques. Possesses the ability to give direction and guidance to other employees. Serves as a role model, resource and mentor for other Animal Control Officers. Serves as the acting supervisor of the Animal Control Unit as necessary. Serves as a field training officer. Assists with interviewing and selecting new employees as appropriate. Demonstrates a commitment to all aspects of animal control and consistent proficiency as an ACO. Demonstrates support for the unit, division and organization through action and words.

Maintains clean and professional appearance including proper care of uniform, boots/shoes and duty belt and equipment. Maintains vehicle and equipment in operational readiness. Maintains a clean and sanitary vehicle to prevent spreading diseases to other animals. Utilizes the City computer to do background investigations on complaints. Ensures open cases receive further investigation.

Education: High school education or equivalent. Two years of college education is desirable. Bachelor's degree is highly desirable.

Experience: Experience dealing with the public in adverse or volatile situations and deals with those situations in a professional manner with the goal of problem resolution. An ACO II: In addition to the above, three (3) years of experience as an Animal Control Officer, which includes one year experience as an Animal Control Officer for the City of Lakewood.

Licensure/Certification/Registration: Valid driver's license and good driving record required. An ACO II: In addition to the above, an ACO II must hold state certification as an animal control officer.

Other knowledge, skills and abilities: Ability to maintain professional composure in unpleasant and sometimes appalling situations and demonstrate tact in emotional situations. Ability to perform duties with little or no supervision. Demonstrate self-initiative to complete investigations, perform license compliance follow up and proactively patrol high complaint areas. Ability to develop strong and consistent discretionary skills. Ability to work through a problem objectively to ensure an effective solution. Ability to handle a large volume of calls in a single shift. Ability to complete required paperwork. Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills to write accurate and professional reports regarding situations for each call for service received and other field-generated or initiated calls. Must possess a positive, respectful, collaborative and customer service focus and attitude. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely under high-pressure, unusual situations and inclement weather. Must be able to write effective reports for use in establishing cases and courtroom testimony. Polygraph and psychological examinations, oral board interview, background investigation and reference checks, physical, respiratory exam, and hair follicle drug test are required. Must possess an affinity for animals. Ability to pick up domestic and small wildlife carcasses and transport for disposal and tolerate unpleasant smells including vomit, feces and skunk smells. A willingness to pursue and attend continuing pertinent animal-related training, as approved or directed by supervisor. Must occasionally decapitate animals for rabies testing.

Very heavy work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa. Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels up to 50 lbs. Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels over 51 lbs. with assistance. Sit, stand or be stationary. Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, turn or twist all of which may include awkward positions on both even and uneven terrain. Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information. Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, reach, grasp, move, feel, and inspect, etc. Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color. Walk, ascend or descend on both even and uneven terrain. Environmental conditions may include confined spaces, extreme cold or heat, frequent vibrations due to equipment use, fumes or airborne particles, moderate to extremely loud noise environment, outdoor weather conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, wet or humid conditions, work in high, precarious places. Physical requirements: Must lift floor level or from below the knee; knee through chest level and above the shoulder level that may weigh in excess of 80 pounds. May manipulate (push, pull or carry) items weighing in excess of 100 pounds with assistance. Must be able to carry items distances of plus/minus 50 feet. Positions may include awkward postures, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, stretching. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Hearing and vision test.

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions.

Animal Control Officer

Hiring range: $29.40 - $32.67/hour

Location: Lakewood, CO

Job type: Full-Time

Closing date: 6/16/2026 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time (US & Canada)

An Animal Control Officer (ACO) for the Lakewood Police Department will apprehend animals, investigate violations, interact frequently with citizens, and provide assistance and information on animal-related issues. The ACO's duties include writing reports and memos regarding animals, mediation of complaints, education of citizens, issuing summonses, case preparation and testimony in court.

Essential functions include apprehending and confining animals that are sick or injured, evaluating animal injuries, providing first aid and transporting to veterinary facilities or performing field euthanasia. Apprehend and impound animals that attack or injure humans or other animals. Apprehend and impound dogs and livestock that are off their property and unrestrained by their owners. Communicate details of incidents and situations to other animal control officers and supervisors. Determine the violation, gather evidence, follow up on conditions of animals and execute proper procedures for removal of animals from harmful situations. Investigate and mediate neighborhood complaints pertaining to violations, such as animals disturbing the neighborhood. Issues warnings and summonses as appropriate. Investigate possible municipal ordinance violations and take appropriate enforcement action. Issues summonses and provide case preparation and testimony in court, as required. Assists police agents in situations when animals are an issue. Maintains knowledge of the procedures and policies of Foothills Animal Shelter and abides by those procedures. Performs special projects or assignments as assigned by the Animal Control Supervisor. Provides assistance, education, presentations (both formally and informally) and information to citizens. Humanely euthanizes sick or injured wildlife. Writes detailed reports and establishes probable cause for the issuance of summonses and complaints. Uses computer (over 5 hours per shift) writing reports, running history searches, dog licensing compliance and responding to official animal control notices that have been posted for the resident to contact animal control on a frequent basis. Writes daily log, manual notices and miscellaneous forms, and bite reports on a frequent basis. Educates citizens, City Council and other City employees regarding all animal control enforcement-related ordinances and topics. Works with and provides assistance to peers, as well as police agents and other Police Department employees. Quarantines any animal capable of carrying rabies, following the confirmation of a human bite for rabies monitoring. Writes recommendations guiding the prosecutors for disposition of plea bargain cases as well as after a finding of guilt. Must be able to interact with others in a positive, collaborative and respectful manner. Requires dependable, reliable and prompt attendance. Must maintain and utilize City-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when conducting activities where the employee is exposed to risks above those encountered in a traditional office setting. If injured on-the-job due to failure to utilize PPE a safety violation can be taken.

An ACO II demonstrates leadership and an understanding of contemporary supervisory techniques. Possesses the ability to give direction and guidance to other employees. Serves as a role model, resource and mentor for other Animal Control Officers. Serves as the acting supervisor of the Animal Control Unit as necessary. Serves as a field training officer. Assists with interviewing and selecting new employees as appropriate. Demonstrates a commitment to all aspects of animal control and consistent proficiency as an ACO. Demonstrates support for the unit, division and organization through action and words.

Maintains clean and professional appearance including proper care of uniform, boots/shoes and duty belt and equipment. Maintains vehicle and equipment in operational readiness. Maintains a clean and sanitary vehicle to prevent spreading diseases to other animals. Utilizes the City computer to do background investigations on complaints. Ensures open cases receive further investigation.

Education: High school education or equivalent. Two years of college education is desirable. Bachelor's degree is highly desirable.

Experience: Experience dealing with the public in adverse or volatile situations and deals with those situations in a professional manner with the goal of problem resolution. An ACO II: In addition to the above, three (3) years of experience as an Animal Control Officer, which includes one year experience as an Animal Control Officer for the City of Lakewood.

Licensure/Certification/Registration: Valid driver's license and good driving record required. An ACO II: In addition to the above, an ACO II must hold state certification as an animal control officer.

Other knowledge, skills and abilities: Ability to maintain professional composure in unpleasant and sometimes appalling situations and demonstrate tact in emotional situations. Ability to perform duties with little or no supervision. Demonstrate self-initiative to complete investigations, perform license compliance follow up and proactively patrol high complaint areas. Ability to develop strong and consistent discretionary skills. Ability to work through a problem objectively to ensure an effective solution. Ability to handle a large volume of calls in a single shift. Ability to complete required paperwork. Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills to write accurate and professional reports regarding situations for each call for service received and other field-generated or initiated calls. Must possess a positive, respectful, collaborative and customer service focus and attitude. Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely under high-pressure, unusual situations and inclement weather. Must be able to write effective reports for use in establishing cases and courtroom testimony. Polygraph and psychological examinations, oral board interview, background investigation and reference checks, physical, respiratory exam, and hair follicle drug test are required. Must possess an affinity for animals. Ability to pick up domestic and small wildlife carcasses and transport for disposal and tolerate unpleasant smells including vomit, feces and skunk smells. A willingness to pursue and attend continuing pertinent animal-related training, as approved or directed by supervisor. Must occasionally decapitate animals for rabies testing.

Very heavy work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa. Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels up to 50 lbs. Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels over 51 lbs. with assistance. Sit, stand or be stationary. Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, turn or twist all of which may include awkward positions on both even and uneven terrain. Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information. Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, reach, grasp, move, feel, and inspect, etc. Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color. Walk, ascend or descend on both even and uneven terrain. Environmental conditions may include confined spaces, extreme cold or heat, frequent vibrations due to equipment use, fumes or airborne particles, moderate to extremely loud noise environment, outdoor weather conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, wet or humid conditions, work in high, precarious places. Physical requirements: Must lift floor level or from below the knee; knee through chest level and above the shoulder level that may weigh in excess of 80 pounds. May manipulate (push, pull or carry) items weighing in excess of 100 pounds with assistance. Must be able to carry items distances of plus/minus 50 feet. Positions may include awkward postures, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, stretching. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Hearing and vision test.

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions.

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