Animal Control Officer Trainee

Overview & Benefits Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan's leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: General Summary $46,603- $46,603 Interested in starting a meaningful career protecting animals and serving your community? As an Animal Control Officer Trainee with the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, you'll gain hands-on experience and formal training that prepares you for a career in animal control. This role is designed to build your knowledge of Michigan animal laws, shelter operations, animal care, and law enforcement procedures setting you up for long-term success as a certified Animal Control Officer. What You'll Do • Study Michigan animal-related laws, regulations, ordinances, and relevant court cases • Job shadow shelter staff to learn daily shelter operations and animal intake processes • Work alongside shelter veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians to learn about: oShelter animal health and behavior oHumane euthanasia and sedation oBasic shelter medicine and animal care practices • Job shadow Animal Control Officers responding to citizen calls, including: oHandling stray and owner-surrendered animals oConducting shelter and vehicle biosecurity oFollowing up on dog and kennel licensing oIssuing citations and enforcing ordinances • Observe and learn law enforcement procedures by spending time with: oLocal law enforcement agencies oLocal prosecutors oCourt processes, warrants, evidence handling, and case preparation Why You'll Love It • You'll receive structured, hands-on training that leads to a clear career path • You'll learn from experienced Animal Control Officers, veterinarians, and law enforcement professionals • You'll gain exposure to both animal welfare and law enforcement work • You'll build the skills and certifications needed to advance into a full Animal Control Officer role • You'll make a meaningful impact while developing a long-term public service career Minimum Qualifications EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Must be at least twenty - one (21) years old and be a United States Citizen. (In compliance with Michigan Compiled Laws 28.426). Be a high school graduate or have a certificate of successful completion of the General Education Development (G.E.D.) Test. Have no felony convictions. Misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine qualifying status. (Criminal Law generally includes all offenses except traffic laws, conservation law and liquor law. In general, conviction for a violation of criminal law is automatically disqualifying). Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. Out of Country driver's license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver's license before the hire date. Pass the complete examination, including the employment physical required for this classification. Successfully complete the six month probationary period. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Shadows staff to learn the basic duties and responsibilities and the laws and regulations pertaining to an Oakland County Animal Control Officer. Accompanies Oakland County Animal Control Officers as they respond to citizen calls, perform shelter and vehicle biosecurity, follow up on dog and kennel licenses, issue citations and take in owner surrendered animals and strays running at large. Interacts with shelter veterinarians and licensed veterinarian technicians, to learn about shelter animal concerns and care, shelter, medicine, humane euthanasia, sedation, and other issues related to animal care. Updates and maintains daily work logs and records. Applies for and obtains a Certificate from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) indicating a successful completion of the mandated 100 hours of training approved by that organization. Completes the paperwork required by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office to initiate the prescribed background check for an Animal Control Officer. Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments. ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to remain in a seated position for extended periods of time due to being a passenger in a vehicle. Ability to assist staff walk, lift, restrain and position animals into vehicles, pens, or other examination rooms. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger. WORKING CONDITIONS Work may be performed indoors or in an outdoor environment with exposure to heat, cold and other weather elements. May work with domestic animals or livestock inside an office building or in an outside environment, exposed to odors, animal hair and laboratory chemicals. May be exposed to situations where people could become confrontational. May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work. IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor. ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of the geographical area of Oakland County. Reasonable agile, dexterous physical condition. Reasonable ability to follow oral and written instructions. Reasonable ability in preparing and presenting oral and written routine reports of daily activities to supervisors. Reasonable ability to make decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures. Reasonable ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees, and the public. Reasonable knowledge of State animal laws and regulations. Some previous experience in the care and handling of livestock, dogs, or other animals. Some knowledge of procedural aspects of criminal courts. Familiar with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software. Additional Minimum QualificationsUnion BU11 - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers: Animal Control (IBEW) If applicable EEO Statement We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Inclusion Statement Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.

Created: 2026-03-04