Part-Time Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

Overview

Protect animals and serve our community.

Description

As our Animal Control Officer, you'll help protect animals and people across (you’ll help protect animals, advocate for all communities, and help keep pets and people together, across) Chelan and Douglas Counties by sharing information, educating the public, and upholding the laws that keep our community safe.

The Animal Control Officer is a pivotal member of our team, providing education and resources to the community, while conducting investigations, enforcing local ordinances of each jurisdiction we serve, as well as the Washington State law.

Commissioned under oath by the Superior Court for Chelan County, Douglas County, and Washington States, this role combines sound judgment, clear communication, hands-on animal care, and steady composure.

You will work closely with the Animal Care & Control Team; including the Corporal, the Wenatchee Humane Society Team, including vet staff, client service representatives, and Shelter Leadership; as well as partner organizations, and other Law Enforcement and First Responder Agencies.

What You'll Do

• Respond promptly to calls, gather evidence, and investigate reports, in order to keep animals and people safe from injury, nuisances, and neglect.
• Enforce animal control and welfare regulations with integrity, empathy, and an unbiased mindset. As well as issue warnings, citations, and licenses in a courteous, professional, but firm manner.
• Educate the public on animal welfare laws and ordinances, on proper animal care, responsible ownership, and answer questions about our services and resources.
• Work with prosecutors and testify in court to help bring cases to an appropriate conclusion.
• Safely locate, contain, scan for microchips/ID, return lost pets home, and transport impounded and stray animals back to the Shelter. Safely examine animals for signs of disease/illness and injury, then administer vaccinations, and provide humane care and treatment.
• Follow protocols for sick, injured, and animals that pose a public or staff safety risk. Become certified to perform humane euthanasia for animals that meet strict criteria.
• Complete paperwork, and write reports, violation notices, and all database record keeping, in an organized, efficient, accurate manner that meets agency standards. As well as keeping your assigned patrol truck and equipment stocked, clean, and in safe working order.

What You'll Bring

You're steady, fair, and self-motivated, with the composure to stay calm and professional in stressful or frustrating situations. You work well as part of a team, accept direction and constructive feedback, and know when to ask for help. You'll bring a high school diploma, excellent English verbal and written communication skills, the ability to type and keep organized records, the ability to understand and apply applicable laws and regulations, a good driving record, a valid Washington State driver's license, a minimum age of 21, the ability to safely lift and carry 75 pounds including live and dead animals, the ability to be certified for euthanasia and legend drug administration, the ability to cope with death from injury, illness, or euthanasia, and a willingness to work holidays, weekends, and rotating on-call shifts.

Preferred, but not required: Bilingual English/Spanish skills, a bachelor's degree or animal control experience, knowledge of common breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals, skill in animal handling and care, and knowledge of animal care and control equipment.

Why Work With Us?

This is an opportunity to do hands-on work that directly protects animals and the people who care about them. You'll collaborate with fellow officers, dispatchers, shelter staff, law enforcement, and first responder partners such as Rivercom, CPS, APS, and BHU to resolve situations and support our community. You'll join a mission-focused organization where professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and compassionate service matter.

Work Environment

This role involves irregular hours, including morning, mid, and night shifts, potential weekends, holidays, and on-call time, with work in the field, in patrol trucks, and at the shelter. It requires resolving conflict in a fast-paced atmosphere, multi-tasking, and being a calming presence for people and animals under stress, along with frequent use of computer screens, cell phones, department issued tactical devices, and other digital devices. You'll regularly interact with the public, shelter staff, law enforcement, first responders, and partner agencies, and you'll be expected to present a professional appearance and attitude at all times. Candidates must be able to pass a Washington State Patrol background check. Candidates must have or be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License.