Animal Care and Control Officer/Kennel Staff

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Job Description Summary:

Are you passionate about animal welfare and public service? Do you thrive in environments where every day brings new challenges, opportunities to learn, and meaningful interactions with the community? Join St. Louis County Animal Care & Control as an Animal Care & Control Officer/Kennel Staff member and make a direct impact on both animal safety and community well being.

Job Description:

In this role, you will play a vital part in protecting public health, promoting responsible pet ownership, and ensuring safe, humane treatment of animals in our care. Our ideal candidate is a dedicated team player who communicates well, stays calm under pressure, and is driven by a strong commitment to animal welfare and community service.

Starting Salary: $21.17 hourly

Work Location: St. Louis County Animal Shelter

Schedule:

• Kennel staff: Four 10‑hour shifts; shelter operates 24/7
• Field staff: Five 8‑hour shifts; schedule varies; shelter operates 24/7

This role will require working in both field and kennel assignments based on operational needs. Candidates must have the ability to work all 3 shifts as determined by operational need and understand the schedule is subject to change.

Why You Should Consider a Career with Animal Care & Control

Meaningful Community Impact:

Help protect residents and animals by responding to service calls, promoting public safety, and ensuring the humane treatment of animals.

Hands-On Work with Animals:

Engage daily in animal handling, care, enrichment, and welfare efforts.

Professional Growth:

Develop skills in animal behavior, public interaction, safety procedures, investigations, and crisis de-escalation.

Team & Work Environment

• Team consists of approximately 14 kennel staff and 12 field staff, each supported by two supervisors
• Highly collaborative and communication-driven
• Fast-paced, dynamic environment where adaptability is key

Unique Perks:

• Opportunities to work independently (field) or enjoy a consistent 3 days off (kennel), subject to change based on operational need.
• Daily interaction and enrichment work with animals

Key Responsibilities:

• Patrol neighborhoods to locate stray, diseased, or aggressive animals
• Provide technical guidance to animal owners and promote animal welfare
• Support public health efforts by encouraging and ensuring vaccinations in compliance with County ordinances
• Investigate animal-related complaints, including neglect, bites, and abuse
• Perform kennel duties including cleaning, feeding, watering, and monitoring animal well‑being
• Educate residents on County ordinances and issue notices for non‑compliance
• Assist veterinarians by administering medications, microchips, immunizations, and preparing specimens for rabies testing
• Perform additional duties as required for the job class

Additional Responsibilities:

• Complete and maintain hourly kennel checklists
• Conduct routine wellness checks and report concerns promptly
• Provide daily enrichment through walking, playtime, and safe handling
• Assist in intake, kennel placement, labeling, and documentation
• Support inventory management and supply restocking
• Guide volunteers on proper animal handling
• Assist with transports, retrievals, and other support tasks as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of experience with animals or equivalent training and experience
• Valid driver's license

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift 100lbs, bending, twisting, kneeling, be on your feet a majority of your shift.

Must be comfortable working with all types of domestic animals and livestock. This position will have regular contact with cats and dogs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience handling domestic animals
• Experience working with the public
• Familiarity with Chameleon software (a plus)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to safely handle aggressive, fearful, or injured animals
• Strong written communication skills for reports and citations
• Customer service and de-escalation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Time management and professionalism
• Ability to perform cleaning and sanitation duties in a fast-paced, loud environment

Pre-Employment Process Requirements:

Applicants will be evaluated based on relevant education, experience, responses to supplemental questions, and other work-related information provided on the application. Resumes are supplementary and do not replace the required application.

All candidates will receive notifications regarding application status once determined. Status updates are provided via email and can be found within each candidate's Workday profile.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. Interview scores will determine the applicant's final grade; a minimum score of 70 is required for hiring consideration. The five highest-ranking candidates will be referred to the Department Director/Appointing Authority for final selection.

Pre-Employment Screening:

Candidates extended a conditional offer must successfully complete all required pre‑employment screenings. These screenings include a drug test administered at no cost to the candidate by a certified laboratory and a background check evaluating the recency and relevance of the candidate's history to the position. Candidates must complete the drug test within 48 hours of receiving a conditional offer; failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the offer.

At St. Louis County, we're not just about jobs, we're about opportunity.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

St. Louis County is committed to fair and equitable employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, or political affiliation.

St. Louis County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application or hiring process should contact the St. Louis County ADA Coordinator at 314-615-1796 or call Relay MO at 711 or 1-800-735-2966 (TTY) or email dlancaster@stlouiscountymo.gov.