Highlights

Maintains liaison and meets and confers with officials of contract cities, public law enforcement and wildlife agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other counties and cities, and community groups for the purpose of resolving problems concerning constituent complaints, level of service, response time and interpretation of code sections; assists local agencies in admitting and sheltering animals used as evidence in legal proceedings; disseminates educational information regarding the delivery of animal care and control services. Veteran's Credit: Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy, in all open competitive examinations (i.e., examinations open to everyone), the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran, as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran, who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.

Description

ANIMAL CONTROL MANAGER

Salary

$93,091.68 - $125,449.20 Annually

Location

Los Angeles County, CA

Job Type

Full time

Job Number

O-3004-J

Department

ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL

Opening Date

09/24/2026

Description
Benefits
Questions

Position/Program Information

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL

EXAM NUMBER

O-3004-J

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT

We welcome applications from anyone!

WHEN TO APPLY

The application filing period will begin on September 28, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. (PT) - Continuous. We will keep accepting applications until the position is filled. The application window may close unexpectedly once we have enough qualified candidates.

WHY WORK FOR US?

The County has more than 2,100 different job types, offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. Join us and discover one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the county with a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

For more information about our amazing benefits, please visit us here: https://hr.lacounty.gov/benefits/

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL

The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control is one of the largest and most progressive animal control agencies in the United States. Our seven animal care centers serve over 3 million residents across 43 contract cities and unincorporated areas. We cover a diverse area of more than 3,400 square miles, providing 24/7 animal control and rescue services.

OUR DEPARTMENTS MISSION

An innovative animal care and control agency with state-of-the-art facilities providing animals and residents high quality, effective, and caring service.

THE TEAM MEMBER WE ARE SEARCHING FOR

We are looking for an extraordinarily dedicated and compassionate person who has a demonstrated history in animal care and control. Our ideal applicant is a driven professional with excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders. You should be motivated to effectively carry out animal control strategies and give to making Los Angeles a safer environment for both animals and residents.

Essential Job Functions

Some of your responsibilities will include:

Plans, organizes, and directs the operations and services of an animal care center and all field animal care and control services in an assigned geographical area, or a comprehensive Countywide animal care and control program.
Supervises the enforcement of the Countys Animal Control Ordinance and related State and local laws pertaining to animal licenses, vaccinations, and humane treatment of animals; supervises the collection of delinquent animal license fees and penalties.
Develops animal behavior enrichment and training programs to help rehabilitate behaviorally challenged animals to make them more adoptable.
Establishes protocols and evaluation methods to properly and effectively regulate potentially dangerous or vicious dogs.
Supervises all personnel assigned to the animal care center or a comprehensive Countywide program through subordinate supervisors by evaluating performance, handling grievances, resolving disciplinary problems, or recommending their resolution to higher levels.
Trains staff and volunteers regarding animal behavior using industry accepted humane animal training methodologies.
Establishes patrol areas or programs within the jurisdiction by analyzing such variables as workload statistics, population concentrations, available staff, and traffic patterns.
Assigns staff to shifts and patrol areas to maximize coverage on a seven-day, 24-hour basis; continually revises schedules based on such factors as absences, constituent complaints, health hazards, needs of the animal population, community response, and other emergencies.
Maintains liaison and meets and confers with officials of contract cities, public law enforcement and wildlife agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other counties and cities, and community groups for the purpose of resolving problems concerning constituent complaints, level of service, response time and interpretation of code sections; assists local agencies in admitting and sheltering animals used as evidence in legal proceedings; disseminates educational information regarding the delivery of animal care and control services.
Collaborates with departmental volunteers and non-profit organizations to serve the needs of animals and community members.
Identifies training needs for personnel and volunteers and supervises the conduct of training sessions for all personnel on such subjects as animal behavior, animal care, law enforcement, customer service, loading livestock, and animal capture.
Reviews reports for such things as completeness, quality and uniformity of service and standards, and for indications of training needs and workload trends.
Prepares and submits budget requests for an assigned geographical area or comprehensive Countywide program; ensures operations are maintained within established budget by reviewing and approving requests for overtime, equipment replacement, supplies, building and equipment repairs; and directs the allocation of resources to accomplish budget goals.
Researches, prepares and submits grant requests to department administration for program support and development.
Reviews the results of inspections within subordinates assigned area to ensure that all shifts are in conformance with laws governing feeding, sanitation, security and quarantine of animals.
Oversees the Department's communications, including the supervision of the Department's 24/7 Communication Centers, public information officer and media relations. Acts as a liaison to other agencies and stakeholders to provide public information updates through press releases, interviews, and Public Service Announcements.
Oversees the Department's e-Programs reporting and analytics function, including the development standard and customized reports utilizing the animal care software system and internal reporting dashboards. Informs strategic decision-making and actively monitors key performance metrics across departmental programs.
Oversees the planning, development, and management of a comprehensive volunteer and foster program, including recruitment and training of volunteers, supervising staff members, and supporting volunteers and foster programs across all Animal Care Centers, while also addressing performance concerns and facilitating volunteer separation from the program when necessary.
Perform euthanasia per departmental policy, when necessary.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:

OPTION 1

Three (3) years of experience at the level of Los Angeles Countys class of Animal Control Officer IV.

OPTION 2

Five (5) years of experience at the level of Los Angeles Countys class of Animal Control Officer III.

OPTION 3

Three (3) years of experience at the level of Los Angeles Countys class of Supervising Registered Veterinary Technician.

OPTION 4

Three (3) years of experience as a dog behavioralist, dog trainer, or military working dog handler. Two (2) of the three (3) years of experience must have been in a supervisory role in an animal shelter related field.

OPTION 5

Three (3) years of experience at the level of Volunteer Programs Director managing a complex animal welfare volunteer program consisting of at least 800 volunteers.

You may still qualify even if your job title isn't exactly the same as the ones listed. What matters is that your experience is at a similar level - meaning your job involves similar responsibilities, requires comparable skills and knowledge, and takes place within a similar organizational structure. Please provide a clear explanation of your experience to demonstrate that it is at the appropriate level.

PHYSICAL CLASS

Physical Class 2 - Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

LICENSE:

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Out-of-class work experience or withhold will not be allowed for this examination. Required experience must be fully met at the time of filing.

Additional Information

EXAMINATION CONTENT:

This exam will consist of a multiple choice and/or simulation test, weighted 100%, measuring:

Analyzing Information, Empathy, Sharing Knowledge and Guidance, Controlling Emotions, Management Judgement, Management Potential, Achievement, Responsibility, Willingness to Learn, Working Relationships, Learning Quickly, Generating New Ideas, Using Time Efficiently, Working to High Quality Standards, Adapting to Change, and Reading Comprehension.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Requirements, and achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment to be added to the list.

MULTIPLE-CHOICE AND /OR SIMULATION ASSESSMENTS ARE NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19.

TRANSFER OF TEST COMPONENTS:

If you have taken identical components recently for other exams, your responses may be automatically transferred to this examination. This exam contains test components that might be used on future exams, and your responses could be transferred to that exam. Scores cannot be given over the telephone.

TEST PREPARATION:

We provide study guides and other test preparation resources to help candidates prepare for employment tests. While the guides will help you prepare for the test, we recommend reviewing all related materials that seem necessary.

An interactive, Online Test Preparation System for taking practice tests may be accessed on the Department of Human Resources website at http://hr.lacounty.gov/. Please click on "Find A Job" and then "Job Search Toolkit." Test preparation information is located under the "Employment Test Assistance" section.
Additional online practice tests are available at https://www.shldirect.com/en-us/practice-tests/. You can also access test preparation for the computerized portion of the test by going to http://www.shldirect.com/practice_tests.html.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

Appointees may be required to work any shift including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION:

Applicants who passed the assessment(s) are placed on the list in the order of their score group for a period of twelve (12) months. Applications will be processed as they are received and added to the list accordingly. We will use this list to fill vacancies in the Department of Animal Care and Control as they occur.

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:

WE ONLY ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FILED ONLINE. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY U.S. MAIL, FAX, OR IN PERSON ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

Apply online by clicking on the green "Apply" tab for this posting. You can also track the status of your application using this website.

Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employers name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.

Resumes may be added to your application but cannot be substituted for the Experience portions of the County application nor for the completion and submission of the supplemental questions. If your application is incomplete, it will be rejected.

Plan to submit your online application well in advance since verifying your email might be necessary. This only needs to be done once per email address, and if you already have a job seeker account on www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacounty, you can verify at any time by logging in and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of your online application and to ensure you do not enter an incorrect email address.

We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying VERBIAGE from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience WILL NOT BE sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an INCOMPLETE APPLICATION and may lead to disqualification.

We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicants responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part. Register the below domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail.

SPerez@animalcare.lacounty.gov
info@governmentjobs.com
talentcentral@shl.com
donot-reply@amcatmail.com

New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to governmentjobs.com and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER: Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.

NO SHARING OF USER ID AND PASSWORD: All applicants must file their application online using their own user ID and password. Using a family members or friends user ID and password may erase a candidates original application record.

It is your responsibility to take the above steps to view correspondence. Los Angeles County will not consider claims of not viewing or receiving notification to be a valid reason for late test administration or rescheduling of a test component.

Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI):

The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. The Department of Animal Care and Control is committed to promoting Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst races. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.

Testing Accommodation:

If you require an accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the assessment process, you will be given the opportunity to make a request when completing your application. Please note, you may be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for a testing accommodation.

Testing Accommodations Coordinator: TestingAccommodations@hr.lacounty.gov

Department Contact Phone: (562) 534-1402

Department Contact Email: SPerez@animalcare.lacounty.gov

ADA Coordinator Phone: (562) 256-7100

California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922

Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099

Alternate TTY Phone: (800) 897-0077

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

Employment Information

Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.

This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles. Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement:

The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce, regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information, please visit: https://employee.hr.lacounty.gov/eeo-programs/.

Testing Accommodations for Applicants:

The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. For more information on accommodations, please visit: https://hr.lacounty.gov/accessibility/.

Fair Chance:

The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, which may include, but is not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).

Employment Eligibility:

Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States.

Career PathFinder:

Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles, please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at http://career-pathfinder.hr.lacounty.gov.

Veteran's Credit:

Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy, in all open competitive examinations (i.e., examinations open to everyone), the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran, as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran, who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.

For more information on veteran's credit, please visit: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/205102_PPG_115.pdf

Revised September 2025

For detailed information, please click here

The information you provide on this supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the examination process. CHECK YOUR ANSWER CAREFULLY. Any mistakes you make and/or any incomplete responses you provide in completing these questions will be used to disqualify your application even if you possess the qualifying experience. Be specific as possible and include all information requested. Comments such as "see resume or application" will not be considered as a response. All information is subject to verification at any time in the examination and hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.

I understand the above information and instructions.

All notifications, including test invitation letters, will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. DO NOT select "off" under Email Preferences within your profile or click "unsubscribe" on our notices if you would like the County of Los Angeles to notify you regarding your application status, test schedules, and other important information pertaining to your candidacy for this position. Please add the below email addresses to your email address book and list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail: sperez@animalcare.lacounty.gov, info@governmentjobs.com, talentcentral@shl.com, and donot-reply@amcatmail.com

I understand the above information and instructions.

If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for veterans credit, which is an additional 10% of the total points added to a passing score. We will need a copy of your form DD214 to review, so please include that with your application or email it to Sandra Perez at SPerez@animalcare.lacounty.gov as soon as possible.

I understand the above information and instructions.

Do you have three (3) years of work experience at the level of Los Angeles Countys class of Animal Control Officer IV?

If you answered Yes to question #4, please provide a detailed description of your full time experience providing technical supervision in the operation of an animal care center or a comprehensive Countywide program including responsibility for investigation of violations of animal care and control regulation and court prosecution.