Animal Control Officer - Sheriff's Office

This position is responsible for conducting a full range of animal care and control functions. Work is frequently performed in the field under minimal supervision. This position is in frequent contact with members of the public and requires exceptional customer service skills and a genuine desire to have a positive impact in the community. Animal Control Officers are responsible for enforcing state laws and local ordinances in order to protect the safety and rights of the public and welfare of animals. It is the expectation of the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office employees present a positive, professional demeanor in all interactions, both internally and externally.

This position is open until filled. First review of applicants will be on August 11th, 2026.

1. Performs a variety of animal control functions, including:
   • Apprehension, control, and confinement of loose, injured, abandoned or dangerous animals (both domestic and non-domestic)
   • Investigate reports of animal cruelty, neglect, and vicious/dangerous animals
   • Pick up/retrieval of deceased animals
2. Respond to citizen calls for service, complaints, and request from other agencies.
3. Explain laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures to members of the public.
4. Mediate and use discretion to help resolve conflicts between parties involving animal control issues including, but not limited to, property damage, barking, cruelty, degree of animal confinement, potential or actual danger and injury to or by animals.
5. Assist Health Officials in issues involving animal bites and possible rabies infection.
6. Inspect kennels within the jurisdiction of Cowlitz County.
7. May be tasked with oral presentations to schools and community groups in an effort to inform the public about pertinent animal control issues.
8. Issue notices of violation, civil infractions, criminal citations, serve civil process documents and testify in legal proceedings.
9. Prepare investigative case reports, which are grammatically correct and require a high degree of accuracy. 
10. Assist law enforcement agencies, City Attorney’s Office and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as required in cases involving animals.
11. Use of common office equipment including, computers, accessing public and private databases and two-way radio system.
12. Safely and responsibly operate assigned animal control vehicle. 
13. Other duties as assigned.

1. High School Diploma or G.E.D. and have successfully completed a probationary period as an animal control officer at an agency responsible for enforcing animal control ordinances on behalf of a public entity (State, County or City).
2. Possess and maintain a valid unrestricted driver's license (except for vision)

Special Requirements:

1. Must pass a comprehensive pre-employment medical examination and maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the required duties of this position.
2. Must pass a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation which includes a polygraph exam and psychological testing.
3. Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays and be available for on call after hours.

1. Principles of public relations including public speaking and conflict resolution/de-escalation.
2. Principles and practices associated with the criminal justice system.
3. Familiarity with the Revised Code of Washington, Washington Administrative Code and County ordinances as the pertain to animal control.
4. Familiarity with County roads, geographic locations, and physical addresses.
5. Animal identification, behavior, and control methods and/or techniques.
6. The safe and efficient operation of a motor vehicle.
7. Keyboard and computer use for operating required systems and processing associated data.
8. Obtain information through investigation, interviews, and observation.
9. Represent Cowlitz County in a manner that is consistent with the policies of the Sheriff’s Office.
10. Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
11. Prepare clear and comprehensive written reports and other required documentation.
12. Deal tactfully and courteously with members of the public.
13. Use independent judgment in making appropriate decisions.
14. Establish and maintain effective, productive, and cooperative working relationships with other agencies and jurisdictions.
15. Effectively manage work time and work independently with minimal supervision.
16. Operate and utilize various department maintained electronic databases and electronic equipment or other specialty equipment used in investigations.
17. Make presentations to public and community groups.
18. Work effectively as a member of a team.
19. Work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays and responding to call outs on an as needed basis.
20. Apply and explain laws, codes, ordinances, and procedures.
21. Exercise judgement, tact, and courtesy in sensitive or controversial situations.
22. Maintain composure and act quickly in an emergency.
23. Effectively coordinate, perform, and complete multiple duties/assignments concurrently in a timely manner.
24. Meet the travel requirements of the position (mandatory training etc.).
25. Physically perform the essential job functions of the animal control officer position.