City of Worcester
Animal Control Officer
Worcester Police Department – City of Worcester
The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of
Animal Control Officer
for the Worcester Police Department within the Animal Control Division. The Animal Control Officer facilitates programs for animal control and welfare in the City, and maintains Worcester as a safe environment for people, pets and other animals, through an educational and enforcement approach.
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
Essential Elements
Enforce state laws and City Ordinances pertaining to animals; including issuing violation notices as needed
Rescue and transport healthy, injured and/or sick domestic pets and wildlife
Respond to citizen requests for services regarding animal bites, loose animals, barking or dangerous dogs, and injured animals
Ensure proper care and attention is provided to all animals in custody of Animal Control
Investigate disputes involving animals (domestic and wild)
Maintain relationships with other public service organizations, municipal governments and the community in relation to the Animal Control Division's responsibilities and objectives
Prepare and write reports related to incidents and enforcement issues
Perform related duties as required
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to handle exposure to all weather conditions at all times of year
Ability to lift up to 150lbs
Meet physical demands such as climbing, squatting, stretching, pushing, pulling, and lifting as required
Ability to climb a ladder
Ability to use animal control equipment in quick moving motions to keep animals controlled and placed in cages/kennels
Ability to be available outside of normal working hours on a regular basis to address operational needs, off-hours incidents, and events
Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and calmly with residents, pet owners, and community members in a wide range of situations
Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite particularly Word and Excel
Regular onsite attendance is required
Minimum Requirements
High School Diploma or equivalent
One (1) year of related work experience in animal care and control
Ability to complete ACOAM Academy for Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts, training required per MGL Chapter 140, Sec 151C, within 12 months of hire
Ability to pass a comprehensive criminal history background check
Valid Massachusetts Driver's License
Excellent communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Associate’s Degree in Animal Science or Related Field
Two (2) years of related work experience in animal care and control
Completion of ACOAM Academy for Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts
Completion of a Valid Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC), within 6 months of hire
Salary Range Non-Licensed: $27.27 - $32.91 per hour, full-time, excellent benefits package.
Licensed: $28.09 - $36.63 per hour, full-time, excellent benefits package.
How to Apply To apply, please visit www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608.
OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on Friday, January 2, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents.
The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.
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Animal Control Officer
for the Worcester Police Department within the Animal Control Division. The Animal Control Officer facilitates programs for animal control and welfare in the City, and maintains Worcester as a safe environment for people, pets and other animals, through an educational and enforcement approach.
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
Essential Elements
Enforce state laws and City Ordinances pertaining to animals; including issuing violation notices as needed
Rescue and transport healthy, injured and/or sick domestic pets and wildlife
Respond to citizen requests for services regarding animal bites, loose animals, barking or dangerous dogs, and injured animals
Ensure proper care and attention is provided to all animals in custody of Animal Control
Investigate disputes involving animals (domestic and wild)
Maintain relationships with other public service organizations, municipal governments and the community in relation to the Animal Control Division's responsibilities and objectives
Prepare and write reports related to incidents and enforcement issues
Perform related duties as required
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to handle exposure to all weather conditions at all times of year
Ability to lift up to 150lbs
Meet physical demands such as climbing, squatting, stretching, pushing, pulling, and lifting as required
Ability to climb a ladder
Ability to use animal control equipment in quick moving motions to keep animals controlled and placed in cages/kennels
Ability to be available outside of normal working hours on a regular basis to address operational needs, off-hours incidents, and events
Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and calmly with residents, pet owners, and community members in a wide range of situations
Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite particularly Word and Excel
Regular onsite attendance is required
Minimum Requirements
High School Diploma or equivalent
One (1) year of related work experience in animal care and control
Ability to complete ACOAM Academy for Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts, training required per MGL Chapter 140, Sec 151C, within 12 months of hire
Ability to pass a comprehensive criminal history background check
Valid Massachusetts Driver's License
Excellent communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Associate’s Degree in Animal Science or Related Field
Two (2) years of related work experience in animal care and control
Completion of ACOAM Academy for Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts
Completion of a Valid Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC), within 6 months of hire
Salary Range Non-Licensed: $27.27 - $32.91 per hour, full-time, excellent benefits package.
Licensed: $28.09 - $36.63 per hour, full-time, excellent benefits package.
How to Apply To apply, please visit www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608.
OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on Friday, January 2, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents.
The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr