Animal Welfare Officer - City

PAY AND FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) STATUS :

Pay Range: 413

Hourly Rate: $21.66 - $33.62

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City’s step placement policy.

ELIGIBILITY LIST PREFERENCE ORDER

Full-time City employees will receive preference in the following order: major division first, then department, then all other full-time City employees. Part-time/year-round City employees will receive preference next. If there are no qualified full-time City employees or part-time/year-round City employees, external applicants will then be considered (when the vacancy is open to external applicants).

APPLICATION, HIRING, AND BACKGROUND

• When completing the application, applicants will be asked to respond to application questions. These application questions are based on the Job Requirements for the position.
• Completion of the application questions is required.
• Applicant responses to the application questions must specifically answer the questions asked.
• Responses to application questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume, sufficient to demonstrate qualifications for the position.
• Applicants may upload only two attachments. Attachments may include, but are not limited to a resume, cover letter, DD214 or NGB Form 22, transcripts, etc. Applicants may also choose to combine documents into one field for upload.
• Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to application questions have not been provided.
• Each application submission is reviewed independently.

For detailed information about the City’s hiring and background processes, check out the : Quick Guide to Hiring and Background Checks

If you have questions, check out the: Frequently Asked Questions

TOTAL REWARDS

At the City of Oklahoma City, our Total Rewards package is designed to honor your service, fuel your growth, and support every part of your life. We offer:

• Competitive pay
• An average of $22,000 annually contributed toward your benefits and retirement
• A comprehensive package designed to support your health and wellness, financial security, work-life balance, and personal and professional growth and development

Explore all the ways we invest in you: City of Oklahoma City Total Rewards

SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION

• Applicants are required to complete an online job knowledge test at the time of application.

• There are 42 items on this job knowledge test, and completion will require up to 60 minutes. This time is in addition to the time needed to complete the application and respond to the supplemental questions.

• The Criteria testing platform is 100 percent web-based. For an optimal experience, Criteria recommends using the most up-to-date version of one of the following browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge.

• Applicants can contact Criteria candidate support using the chat in the bottom right corner of the testing center screen, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. When the Support team is not available, there are help guides, a link to Frequently Asked Questions, and a chat bot to assist applicants, until the Support team comes back online.

• Applicants must receive a score of 70 percent or better on this job knowledge test, be eligible for employment with the City of Oklahoma City, and meet the minimum qualifications to receive further consideration in the employment process.

• The use of devices, artificial intelligence, or any other form of assistance to research test answers is strictly prohibited by the City of Oklahoma City and will result in applicants being disqualified from consideration.

• Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process are encouraged to notify a Human Resources Department Representative by calling 405-297-2530.

POSITION DESIGNATION

This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., § 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019. This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

JOB SUMMARY

This posting will be used to fill a current vacancy in the Animal Welfare Division of Development Services Department within the City of Oklahoma City. An eligibility list will be established or supplemented for filling future vacancies per provisions of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Animal Welfare Officer is responsible for performing tasks related to the control and rescue of animals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Issuing citations and enforcing ordinances and laws pertaining to the welfare of animals.
• Responding to calls involving injured, sick, dangerous, or stray animals, as well as barking dogs, leash, sanitation, and other violations.
• Investigating reports of animal abuse and cruelty and taking appropriate actions.
• Performing safe and humane rescue of stray, dangerous, nuisance, sick/injured, and other animals.
• Performing routine care and control of violent animals to include tranquilizing or medicating animals.
• Performing physical examinations and ensuring quarantine of animals involved in biting incidents.
• Educating and counseling the public on animal care and welfare.
• Completing and maintaining accurate reports and forms.
• Assisting in training new or less experienced staff.
• Patrolling assigned geographical areas and responding to public inquiries and complaints.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid Driver License (Operator).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic and wild animals.
• Knowledge of basic methods of animal welfare and care.
• Knowledge of small animals and livestock behavior and care.
• Skill in communicating with tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in handling animals safely and humanely.
• Ability to conduct routine investigations relating to animal welfare and/or code and ordinance violations.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to interact effectively with the public.
• Ability and willingness to perform the prescribed animal welfare and control activities.
• Ability to work with animals of various sizes and temperaments.
• Ability to handle and care for sick, injured, and aggressive animals.
• .Ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the Animal Care Specialist I and II.
• Ability and willingness to follow safety rules and regulations.

NOTE: The incumbent will be required to successfully complete a prescribed course of training administered by the Animal Welfare Division. The training will consist of information regarding the safe and proper handling of animals, applicable laws or regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.

COMPETENCIES

• One City, One Team (Teamwork/Team Oriented) (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed; (7) [Core Value One City, One Team] shares information, resources and solutions across departments; (8) [Core Value One City, One Team] asks for help early and offers it often; (9) [Core Value One City, One Team] collaborates across teams before decisions are made.
• Service First (Customer Centric) (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City's mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind; (5) [Core Value Service First] acts quickly and follows through until the job is complete; (6) [Core Value Service First] serves everyone with genuine respect, diligence and professionalism; (7) [Core Value Service First] makes decisions with the people we serve in mind.
• Respect Always (Conduct) (1) Conducts oneself with the utmost integrity and professionalism; (2) demonstrates humility; (3) encourages people to share their perspectives, ideas, and opinions; (4) makes decisions based on a sense of shared purpose; (5) takes responsibility for actions and decisions; (6) resilient; (7) leans in to challenges and problems with creative solutions; (8) speaks up and challenges the status quo; (9) relies on the character, ability, strength, truth, and transparency of others and the organization; (10) [Core Value Respect Always] listens with curiosity and speaks with care; (11) [Core Value Respect Always] embraces different perspectives and lived experiences; (12) [Core Value Respect Always] gives feedback constructively and receives it openly.
• Own the Outcome (Execution and Results) (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job (as specified on the approved job description) and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required; (6) [Core Value Own the Outcome] takes initiative to fix it or escalates issues; (7) [Core Value Own the Outcome] follows through on commitments; (8) [Core Value Own the Outcome] speaks up when accountability is missing.
• Keep Getting Better (Workplace Standards) (1) Takes meal periods and breaks according to policy; (2) ensures sick leave usage does not negatively impact productivity of work unit; (3) notifies supervisor of unscheduled absences; (4) accepts suggestions and supervision with a positive approach; (5) completes work timely and correctly; (6) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] takes time to reflect and act on what is working and what is not; (7) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] learns from mistakes without blaming; (8) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] supports self and other’s development and growth.
• Safety (1) Complies with all safety policies and practices; (2) promotes a safe work environment; (3) participates in safety meetings; current on completion of safety trainings.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Outside and frequently exposed to heat, cold, humidity, rain, etc.
• Frequent exposure to the possibility of animal bites.
• Subject to working near moving objects such as traffic and machinery.
• Frequent exposure to steady and loud noises.
• Exposure to large amounts of dust.
• Frequent exposure to allergy-causing agents including dust, insect stings (e.g., bees or wasps), and vegetatin such as poison oak, ivy, and sumac.
• Occasional exposure to chemical irritants such as disinfectant, bleach and flea dip.
• Occasional exposure to large concentrations of noxious odors.
• Possibility of infections or illnesses caused by disease-carrying animals.
• Required to use and maintain immobilization (tranquilizer) equipment.
• Local travel on a daily basis.
• Constant contact with slick surfaces, floors, and uneven surfaces Will care for and handle large animals, including livestock of all types.
• Will care for and handle wildlife.
• Occasional exposure to toxins such as chemicals used in the euthanization process.
• Required to work weekends, holidays, irregular hours, and occasional overtime.

Note : Typical City employee working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, working hours vary (may require work to begin before 8:00 a.m. and/or end beyond 5:00 p.m., and/or may require work on weekends and holidays), and are subject to change, based on the duties and location of the position and the business needs of the assigned work unit/department.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Strength enough to lift, push, and pull objects such as animals weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Stamina to exert oneself physically throughout the workday.
• Flexibility enough to bend, twist, and reach to perform duties such as loading and unloading animals on and off a truck and in and out of carriers, cages, and kennels.
• Mobility enough to continually move oneself from place to place.
• Significant body coordination and balance enough to remain upright while capturing large animals such as cattle, horses, etc.
• Manual dexterity enough to perform duties such as placing identification collars on animals, typing, and completing forms.
• Near vision enough to read items such as forms, tags, or animal identification numbers, etc.
• Far vision enough to be able to perform duties such as identifying species of animal from a distance (e.g., skunk vs. cat).
• Visual color discrimination enough to perform duties such as distinguishing the color of animals for identification purposes.
• Hearing enough to distinguish sounds in a noisy environment.
• Speech and hearing enough to communicate clearly and distinctly in person and by two-way radio.

Note : The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

OTHER DETAILS

Eligibility List: An eligibility list will be established from this posting consisting of applicants who receive a score of 70 percent or better. Multiple selection procedures may be utilized; a minimum of 70 percent or better will be required on each; and the results of multiple selection procedures will be equally weighted. The eligibility list will be in effect for 90 days from the date of the final selection procedure and will be used to fill future vacancies.

Pay Method: City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Former Employees: If this position is open to external applicants and you are a former employee, you must be eligible for rehire to participate in any selection process. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the Human Resources Department at (405) 297-2530. If your rehire status has been coded “Not Eligible,” “Eligible 3,” or “Conditional,” you will need to request a review of your rehire status through the Human Resources Department’s Employee and Labor Relations Division.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination: Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.

If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants.

If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test. A copy is also available at the link below:

AFSCME CBA Addendum C: Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy

If the position accepted is cyber security sensitive, internal and external applicants will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check. Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass an online certification test.

If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

If you require reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process, please notify one of the Human Resources Department Representatives by calling 405-297-2530. The City of Oklahoma City will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, actual or perceived sexual orientation, and gender identity and/or expression), national origin, age, disability (mental or physical) and genetic information (including family medical history).

About Us

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States and is the 20th largest city in the nation. For nearly two decades our residents have continually invested in our community to make it a place people can find belonging, visit and call home. Our employees are at the heart of those investments–delivering essential services our residents expect and creating a strong and thriving city for all people. Visit Oklahoma City-A Great Place to Live and Work! to learn more about our city.

Our Vision: A vibrant, diverse, safe, and welcoming community

Our Mission: Deliver exceptional service to residents and visitors

Our Values: One City, One Team. Service First. Respect Always. Own the Outcome. Keep Getting Better.

We are proud to be recognized by Forbes as #20 on the list of America’s Best Employers by State (2025) and even prouder of the people who make that possible. Join our team and build a fulfilling career in public service, alongside talented, hardworking, and dedicated coworkers who provide essential services to thousands of residents and visitors every day.

Our Total Rewards package (full-time employees) reflects our deep investment in our employees’ health, growth, and future, with an average of $22,000 per employee annually in benefits and retirement. Why? Because when our employees thrive, our city thrives.