Orange County Government
Animal Services Officer - Kennel, $1000 Sign On Incentive
Orange County Government, Orlando, Florida, us, 32885
Overview
At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.
Job Description General Functions Ensures compliance with animal services ordinances and resolutions, patrols Orange County (including incorporated areas), responds to complaints pertaining to animals and ensures the safety and welfare of citizens. Transport, handle, and shelter animals. Work is performed under the direction of the Senior Animal Services Officer and is reviewed by observation, written reports, and effectiveness of results achieved.
Conditions of Work This work is subject to varying posts or assignments, irregular hours and on-call or call back status and irregular schedules including completion of work assignments on weekends or holidays. Exposure to adverse weather conditions in extreme hot climates; exposure to remote, isolated areas within the county; exposure to fumes as a result of euthanasia of animals or odors emanating from deceased animals/carcasses; exposure to potentially violent, unruly and sick, diseased and parasitic infested animals and infectious fluids and materials; and exposure to irate and/or aggressive individuals. Requires occasional - frequent moderate lifting of 25‑50 pounds and periodically handling/moving of objects in excess of 50 pounds.
Representative Duties/Assignments
Enforce the provisions of all applicable animal services ordinances, codes, laws, resolutions, and regulations; initiate actions to correct deviations or violations; issue warning notices or citations as appropriate.
Respond to incoming calls concerning various animal issues, such as bites, cruelty/abuse, animals in distress, stray/nuisance animals, barking dogs, sick/injured animals, behavior problems, or animal control laws.
Provide information, assistance, and education to the public concerning animal services issues, county ordinances and resolutions, humane treatment of animals, animal behavior problems; make presentations to schools, civic groups, and community organizations.
Mediates and resolves citizen disputes regarding animal incidences.
Conduct investigations and perform follow‑up as needed; determine whether court action is appropriate; assist in preparing for court cases and participate in court activities as needed.
Patrol county roads to locate and pick up stray animals; assist animals in problem situations; capture domestic, wild, dangerous, aggressive, or injured animals; set and monitor traps; load/unload animals into/out of cages; transport animals to shelter or other locations; relocate displaced wildlife; remove dead animals from roadways.
Handle, lift, and carry animals, restraining as appropriate including frightened, fractious, and injured animals. Check animals for rabies tags, owner identification, signs of rabies, disease or other illnesses; quarantine exposed animals. Identify dog and cat breeds and their characteristics. Recognize normal and abnormal behavior in domestic and wild animals.
Perform kennel duties including morning feedings and waterings, cleaning, disinfecting, medical treatments, laboratory work, bathing animals in tick dips, and all aspects of animal care for animals in custody of Animal Services.
Manage inventory levels of equipment, tools, and supplies to ensure availability for kennel activities.
Perform euthanasia and incineration; prepare deceased animals for examination; treat suspected rabid animals.
Participate in training new employees or work for coworkers in their absence or as required.
Operate machinery, equipment, and tools associated with animal services activities including vehicles, restraint equipment, traps, catchpoles, nets, and radio communication equipment.
Prepare, complete, and receive various forms, reports, correspondence, court records, animal complaints, policies, procedures, general orders, laws, codes, manuals, maps, and other documentation.
Communicate with supervisors, employees, other departments, law enforcement personnel, other animal control agencies, veterinarians, citizens, violators, community organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Maintain current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations, new procedures, trends, and advances in the profession.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of experience working with the public resolving problems/complaints or dealing with enforcement related issues.
Basic knowledge in the care of animals.
Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, and to follow and understand procedures.
Maintain a home telephone number and possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
Within one year of hire:
Successfully complete a mandatory forty (40) hour Animal Control course as required by Florida State Statute.
Successfully complete Orange County Animal Services Officer training course.
Successfully complete a sixteen (16) hour Chemical Capture course.
Obtain State of Florida incinerator certification or complete training to obtain certification within one year.
Successfully complete a sixteen (16) hour euthanasia certification course.
Application Deadline Open Date: 1 / 9 / 2026 Close Date: 1 / 23 / 2026 This posting is subject to close without prior notice.
Salary Information Pay Grade: 113 – From $23.84 to $31.10 FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt Placement based on education and experience
Benefits
10 paid holidays and up to 2 floating holidays annually.
18 days paid time off per year.
Longevity bonus based on years of service.
6 days of paid term (sick) time annually.
Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and additional life insurance.
Free basic life, long‑term disability, and employee assistance for all family members effective on day one.
Participation in the Florida Retirement System.
Employee assistance program includes multiple free one‑on‑one sessions with licensed counselors and online tools for legal advice, financial planning, personal life balance, etc.
Free access to Wellworks gyms and Orange County Recreation Centers.
Free onsite wellness coaching, including dietician and nurse.
Tuition reimbursement programme.
Earn service time to forgive student loans.
Disclaimer: Benefits may vary for employees under collective bargaining agreements. For more information on Benefits visit: https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx
Veterans Preference If you are claiming Veterans’ Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder. Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans’ Preference. Please note that Veterans’ Preference applies only to a Veterans’ first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.
Educational Requirements If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine U.S. equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.
Notes Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete the pre‑employment drug, physical, and background check.
Seniority Level Not applicable.
Employment Type Full‑time.
Job Function Other, Information Technology, and Management.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Description General Functions Ensures compliance with animal services ordinances and resolutions, patrols Orange County (including incorporated areas), responds to complaints pertaining to animals and ensures the safety and welfare of citizens. Transport, handle, and shelter animals. Work is performed under the direction of the Senior Animal Services Officer and is reviewed by observation, written reports, and effectiveness of results achieved.
Conditions of Work This work is subject to varying posts or assignments, irregular hours and on-call or call back status and irregular schedules including completion of work assignments on weekends or holidays. Exposure to adverse weather conditions in extreme hot climates; exposure to remote, isolated areas within the county; exposure to fumes as a result of euthanasia of animals or odors emanating from deceased animals/carcasses; exposure to potentially violent, unruly and sick, diseased and parasitic infested animals and infectious fluids and materials; and exposure to irate and/or aggressive individuals. Requires occasional - frequent moderate lifting of 25‑50 pounds and periodically handling/moving of objects in excess of 50 pounds.
Representative Duties/Assignments
Enforce the provisions of all applicable animal services ordinances, codes, laws, resolutions, and regulations; initiate actions to correct deviations or violations; issue warning notices or citations as appropriate.
Respond to incoming calls concerning various animal issues, such as bites, cruelty/abuse, animals in distress, stray/nuisance animals, barking dogs, sick/injured animals, behavior problems, or animal control laws.
Provide information, assistance, and education to the public concerning animal services issues, county ordinances and resolutions, humane treatment of animals, animal behavior problems; make presentations to schools, civic groups, and community organizations.
Mediates and resolves citizen disputes regarding animal incidences.
Conduct investigations and perform follow‑up as needed; determine whether court action is appropriate; assist in preparing for court cases and participate in court activities as needed.
Patrol county roads to locate and pick up stray animals; assist animals in problem situations; capture domestic, wild, dangerous, aggressive, or injured animals; set and monitor traps; load/unload animals into/out of cages; transport animals to shelter or other locations; relocate displaced wildlife; remove dead animals from roadways.
Handle, lift, and carry animals, restraining as appropriate including frightened, fractious, and injured animals. Check animals for rabies tags, owner identification, signs of rabies, disease or other illnesses; quarantine exposed animals. Identify dog and cat breeds and their characteristics. Recognize normal and abnormal behavior in domestic and wild animals.
Perform kennel duties including morning feedings and waterings, cleaning, disinfecting, medical treatments, laboratory work, bathing animals in tick dips, and all aspects of animal care for animals in custody of Animal Services.
Manage inventory levels of equipment, tools, and supplies to ensure availability for kennel activities.
Perform euthanasia and incineration; prepare deceased animals for examination; treat suspected rabid animals.
Participate in training new employees or work for coworkers in their absence or as required.
Operate machinery, equipment, and tools associated with animal services activities including vehicles, restraint equipment, traps, catchpoles, nets, and radio communication equipment.
Prepare, complete, and receive various forms, reports, correspondence, court records, animal complaints, policies, procedures, general orders, laws, codes, manuals, maps, and other documentation.
Communicate with supervisors, employees, other departments, law enforcement personnel, other animal control agencies, veterinarians, citizens, violators, community organizations, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Maintain current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations, new procedures, trends, and advances in the profession.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of experience working with the public resolving problems/complaints or dealing with enforcement related issues.
Basic knowledge in the care of animals.
Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, and to follow and understand procedures.
Maintain a home telephone number and possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
Within one year of hire:
Successfully complete a mandatory forty (40) hour Animal Control course as required by Florida State Statute.
Successfully complete Orange County Animal Services Officer training course.
Successfully complete a sixteen (16) hour Chemical Capture course.
Obtain State of Florida incinerator certification or complete training to obtain certification within one year.
Successfully complete a sixteen (16) hour euthanasia certification course.
Application Deadline Open Date: 1 / 9 / 2026 Close Date: 1 / 23 / 2026 This posting is subject to close without prior notice.
Salary Information Pay Grade: 113 – From $23.84 to $31.10 FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt Placement based on education and experience
Benefits
10 paid holidays and up to 2 floating holidays annually.
18 days paid time off per year.
Longevity bonus based on years of service.
6 days of paid term (sick) time annually.
Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and additional life insurance.
Free basic life, long‑term disability, and employee assistance for all family members effective on day one.
Participation in the Florida Retirement System.
Employee assistance program includes multiple free one‑on‑one sessions with licensed counselors and online tools for legal advice, financial planning, personal life balance, etc.
Free access to Wellworks gyms and Orange County Recreation Centers.
Free onsite wellness coaching, including dietician and nurse.
Tuition reimbursement programme.
Earn service time to forgive student loans.
Disclaimer: Benefits may vary for employees under collective bargaining agreements. For more information on Benefits visit: https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx
Veterans Preference If you are claiming Veterans’ Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder. Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans’ Preference. Please note that Veterans’ Preference applies only to a Veterans’ first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.
Educational Requirements If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine U.S. equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.
Notes Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete the pre‑employment drug, physical, and background check.
Seniority Level Not applicable.
Employment Type Full‑time.
Job Function Other, Information Technology, and Management.
#J-18808-Ljbffr