Animal Control Officer Trainee

Summary

Salary: $49,141.00 - $63,118.00 Annually
Location : Rochester, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26DM422DRA22
Department: Department of Recreation & Human Services
Bureau: Commissioner' Office
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

General Description

This is a trainee position designed to teach incumbents how to perform duties in the capture, admission, and care of animals as well as community outreach and the enforcement of laws and ordinances governing animals in the City of Rochester. Supervision is received from higher-level Animal Services personnel and the Assistant Director for Animal Control. Related duties are performed as required. *Most of the work involves dogs but also includes other domestic animals and wildlife*

The traineeship lasts (12) twelve months. Upon completion of the traineeship, the supervisor will determine if the incumbent has developed the full performance knowledge, skills, and abilities for the title of Animal Control Officer. If the incumbent has, they will automatically transition into that title. If the incumbent's performance does not reflect the full performance knowledge, skills, and abilities at the end of the traineeship, the duration of the training may be extended, or if deemed necessary, terminated, based on the supervisor's assessment.

Under the NY HELPS Program, the Civil Service Exam for this title has been waived. For additional information regarding the NY HELPS Program, please visit:
Typical Work Activities

• Responds to calls for service involving stray, injured, or threatening animals (mostly canines but includes other domestic animals and wildlife);
• Captures and transports animals to the shelter for care and treatment;
• Assists the public with animal-related concerns;
• Issues citations and warnings to animal owners in violation of City ordinances;
• Investigates constituent complaints of animal-related incidents and activity;
• Refers suspected animal cruelty or neglect situations to appropriate personnel;
• Shares information with pet owners to support the appropriate care of their pets;
• Patrols city neighborhoods to enforce City animal ordinances and perform proactive outreach and pet owner assistance;
• Attends training deemed necessary by management;
• Writes routine reports and completes written and electronic forms, working within the records management database;
• Collaborates with sworn City personnel when requested;
• Safely operates a vehicle to transport animals, pick-up supplies, and conduct community outreach;
• Maintains interior and exterior of facility for the safety of employees and public as requested by supervisory personnel;
• Testifies in court, as required;
• Assists with administering vaccinations and medications upon intake;
• Assists with euthanasia of animals, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent, PLUS:

Six (6) months of work experience (full-time or part-time equivalent) which involved the care, treatment, handling, or transport of animals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver's license at time of appointment;
• Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association I (NACA I) certification within one (1) year of appointment;
• Possession of a valid Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator license, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, within one (1) year of appointment;
• All licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

Job Description

Salary: $49,141.00 - $63,118.00 Annually
Location : Rochester, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26DM422DRA22
Department: Department of Recreation & Human Services
Bureau: Commissioner' Office
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

General Description

This is a trainee position designed to teach incumbents how to perform duties in the capture, admission, and care of animals as well as community outreach and the enforcement of laws and ordinances governing animals in the City of Rochester. Supervision is received from higher-level Animal Services personnel and the Assistant Director for Animal Control. Related duties are performed as required. *Most of the work involves dogs but also includes other domestic animals and wildlife*

The traineeship lasts (12) twelve months. Upon completion of the traineeship, the supervisor will determine if the incumbent has developed the full performance knowledge, skills, and abilities for the title of Animal Control Officer. If the incumbent has, they will automatically transition into that title. If the incumbent's performance does not reflect the full performance knowledge, skills, and abilities at the end of the traineeship, the duration of the training may be extended, or if deemed necessary, terminated, based on the supervisor's assessment.

Under the NY HELPS Program, the Civil Service Exam for this title has been waived. For additional information regarding the NY HELPS Program, please visit:
Typical Work Activities

• Responds to calls for service involving stray, injured, or threatening animals (mostly canines but includes other domestic animals and wildlife);
• Captures and transports animals to the shelter for care and treatment;
• Assists the public with animal-related concerns;
• Issues citations and warnings to animal owners in violation of City ordinances;
• Investigates constituent complaints of animal-related incidents and activity;
• Refers suspected animal cruelty or neglect situations to appropriate personnel;
• Shares information with pet owners to support the appropriate care of their pets;
• Patrols city neighborhoods to enforce City animal ordinances and perform proactive outreach and pet owner assistance;
• Attends training deemed necessary by management;
• Writes routine reports and completes written and electronic forms, working within the records management database;
• Collaborates with sworn City personnel when requested;
• Safely operates a vehicle to transport animals, pick-up supplies, and conduct community outreach;
• Maintains interior and exterior of facility for the safety of employees and public as requested by supervisory personnel;
• Testifies in court, as required;
• Assists with administering vaccinations and medications upon intake;
• Assists with euthanasia of animals, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent, PLUS:

Six (6) months of work experience (full-time or part-time equivalent) which involved the care, treatment, handling, or transport of animals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver's license at time of appointment;
• Possession of a valid National Animal Control Association I (NACA I) certification within one (1) year of appointment;
• Possession of a valid Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator license, issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, within one (1) year of appointment;
• All licenses and certificates must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

This position is not eligible for benefits.