Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

Salary

$24.67 - $33.59 Hourly

Location

City of Sioux Falls, SD

Job Type

General AFSCME

Job Number

202600104

Department

Police

Opening Date

07/22/2026

Closing Date

8/4/2026 5:00 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

Do you enjoy a dynamic, team-driven, and fulfilling, work environment? One where you would uphold public and pet safety in your community?

If so, the role of SFPD Animal Control Officer may be the perfect fit for you!!

STARTING WAGE: $24.67 hourly

Why SFPD Animal Control?

• Robust Health and Wellness Benefits -You will have access to our therapy dog "Leo", employee assistance program, peer support team, and an on-site fitness center. At the SFPD, we care about you!!
• Family-Oriented Work Environment - In the Animal Control section, you will serve as part of the team comprised of 8 Officers, our Lead Officer [Thomas], and our Supervisor [Patty], who offer stability, support, and consistency in this section.
• Paid Training Experience -The Animal Control team authorizes three months of on-the-job training to prepare you for the position. They will also facilitate your completion of NACA ACO I & II certifications, at no expense to you!!
• Work/Life Balance - Annual shift bid process that offers set week dates and hours for each calendar year to offer you consistency in your scheduling, in addition to generous vacation time, sick leave, and personal days.

[There may be additional obligations during peak volumes, emergencies, and on-call weeks]

No state income tax (in South Dakota)

As of 7/22, our plan is to have applicant review done by Thursday, August 6th, 2026. Thereafter, invites to the interview phase and declines will be sent.

Interview slots will be first-come/first-serve, and will be available all day on Friday, August 14th, 2026.

Job Responsibilities

1. Investigate complaints, enforce animal control ordinances, write citations and arrest reports, and testify in court.

2. Capture at-large animals and deliver them to designated animal shelter and prepare necessary reports.

3. Pick up and dispose of dead animals found within the city limits. Respond to accidents involving animals and determine appropriate action.

4. Assist public when called to trap nuisance animals, trapped animals, and respond to questions regarding Animal Control policies and ordinances.

5. Capture animals that have bitten, determine animal health status, impound animals, interview bite victims, collect data, and write bite reports; perform follow up with attending physician and/or veterinarian.

6. Use firearms to control unwanted pests and animals.

7. Prepare dead animals for rabies testing and arrange shipping to appropriate laboratory.

8. Serve on rotating standby duty responding to emergency night calls.

9. Perform other such duties as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED certification with a minimum of one (1) year of experience working with animals and the general public; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Must possess, or be able to attain within one (1) year of hire, certification by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA).

Must possess or be able to obtain prior to hire a valid driver's license.

Must be willing to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and overtime as required.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of animal diseases communicable to man, especially rabies.

• Knowledge of animal care and handling.

• Ability to maintain calm and authoritative, but diplomatic, manner under stress.

• Basic law enforcement knowledge.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, keep records, and make comprehensive reports.

• Ability to utilize radio communication techniques and equipment.

The City of Sioux Falls takes pride in being an Employer of Choice including our Culture, Values, and Compensation and Benefits. Apply today to become part of ONE Team and help us take care of today for a better tomorrow!

• Competitive salary with other public and industry positions, including step advancements.
• The City participates in the South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive a 6% match. Additionally, employees may choose to enroll in a Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Competitive rates for single, 2-party, and family.
• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal leave days each calendar year.
• New employees are granted 40 hours of vacation at time of hire and accrue an additional 2 weeks in their first year.
• Sick leave accrues over 96 hours per year.
• The City of Sioux Falls is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

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SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS - Animal Controls hours of operation are 6am to 10:30pm, daily. Officers, once out of training, will take part in an annual shift bid. Within that shift bid, you may bid for either 6a-2:30p, or 2p-10:30p, which will remain your shift for the full calendar year. You will not routinely rotate between the two, creating stability in your schedule!! In addition to the bid for hours, youll bid for days off. Animal Control Officers will work 5-consecutive days, with 2-days off subsequently. Given the seniority-based process behind shift bid, we cannot guarantee you either shift at the point of application, or hire. However, it is most likely (not guaranteed though) that as a new recruit you will land on the 2p-10:30p shift your first full year, and may have days off on Tuesday/Wednesday, Wednesday/Thursday, Thursday/Friday, etc. It is uncommon for new recruits to get a Sat/Sun, or both, off their first year. Also, OT opportunities will be available dependent on staffing levels. Lastly, Animal Control has an on-call rotation. On-call is for a full week (7-days 24/7), and does offer an additional pay stipend of $280 for the full week, plus pay at the guaranteed overtime rate of 1 1/2 times your regular base hourly rate for the number of standby hours worked outside of your scheduled work hours, while on standby. The number of weeks in-between on-call weeks is dependent on total staffing levels - at full staffing, it would be every 8th to 9th week. Between 10:30p-6a, this would be for emergency call outs...during this on-call time, you will get to bring an Animal Control vehicle home with you for ease of access and for quick turnaround times!! We will discuss this further in the interview phase - Animal Control Supervisor, Patty Beckman, will bring a copy of the current shift bid to review with you.

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Required Question

Employer City of Sioux Falls

Address 224 W 9th St

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104-6407

Phone 605-367-8740

Website siouxfalls.gov