Animal Protection Officer Lead

JOB LOCATION 15750 E 32nd Ave Aurora, Colorado 80011-1518 City of Aurora, Colorado It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply. Why Work for Aurora? Make a difference in the lives of real people every day Diverse community Competitive total compensation package Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan Light rail station minutes away On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement Access to innovation workspaces PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Salary to be commensurate with experience The hiring range for this position is $27.89 - $34.87/hourly The deadline to submit applications is April 6, 2025. Please note, The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT Housing and Community Development Services consists of four divisions: Neighborhood Support, Animal Services, Housing and Community Development, and Community Engagement. The mission of the Housing and Community Development Department is to maintain community appearance and enhance the quality of life in Aurora's neighborhoods. This is accomplished through a combination of community outreach, education, code enforcement, and numerous neighborhood improvement programs and services. The staff is dedicated to forming partnerships with neighborhoods, residents, and community groups to strengthen and enhance both the social fabric and physical aspects of Aurora neighborhoods The Animal Protection Lead Officer enforces animal-related ordinances for the City to protect the public, manage the animal population and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. They will also lead, monitor, and coordinate the activities of Animal Care Officers engaged in field operations in the enforcement of animal control ordinances for the City. PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to the Animal Protection Officer duties, direct leadership of Animal Protection Officers and assistance to the Field Supervisor: Maintains skills, knowledge, and abilities of Animal Protection Officers Ensures coverage for dispatch, euthanasia, cremation when assigned or Supervisor is not available Maintains roll call when supervisor is not available Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to processing Access Aurora, permitting, case tracking, etc. Customer/Community Service: Conducts daily and weekly briefing and debriefings Ensures effective enforcement of municipal and state animal services ordinances Knows safety regulations and procedures, and reports violations to the supervisor Conducts field investigations/inspections This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Education: Associates Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Animal Sciences, Criminology or related field or equivalent experience Experience: At least three (3) years progressively responsible experience in animal care/control, code enforcement, and/or related work Be a field training officer with the City of Aurora Animal Services for at least one (1) year Knowledge: City of Aurora animal control ordinances and state laws pertaining to animals Kennel operations practices and procedures Care and handling of animals Portable and mobile radio operations and procedures Licenses and permits issued by Animals services (ESA, Service animal, Stable, Fanciers, Dangerous dog, Potentially dangerous and aggressive) City and department policies Skills: Handling animals Provide excellent service to customers Excellent interpersonal communication skills Operation of equipment and tools of assigned function Abilities: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, citizens, and peers in the animal welfare industry Handle difficult or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing Prioritize, coordinate, and make work assignments Fulfill goals and objectives Direct and effectively train other employees as a training officer Be an example of the CORE4 values Licenses and Certifications Required: Driver's License Colorado Association of Animal Control Officer Certification (CAACO) must be in good standing at the time of application Has completed the City's CORE 4 Values training Ability to train and assist others All above certifications must be obtained and maintained WORKING CONDITIONS Essential Personnel: When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. Physical Demands: Heavy physical work requiring ability to lift and carry animals and/or objects weighing up to 100 pounds with or without assistance Frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds with or without assistance Regular walking and standing Full range of body movements including pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, stooping/crouching, and climbing Foot/eye coordination to operate equipment and motor vehicle Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees, citizens and animals Work is subject to bodily injury when dealing with animals Repetitive motion associated with medical and surgical care Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment Vision to read reports, instructions and other written material as well as to record and interpret information Work Environment: Work in inclement weather Exposure to dust, water, animal dander, odors, cleaning chemicals, feces, and fumes Work performed in high noise level areas Equipment Used: Uses a variety of hand tools and equipment common to the animal services field Motor vehicle This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24. For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission. Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired. Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References: As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.

Created: 2026-03-11