Animal Protection Officer

JOB LOCATION 15750 E 32nd Ave Aurora, Colorado 80011-1518 City of Aurora, Colorado It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply. Why Work for Aurora? Make a difference in the lives of real people every day Diverse community Competitive total compensation package Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan Light rail station minutes away On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement Access to innovation workspaces PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Salary to be commensurate with experience The hiring range for this position is $24.55 - $30.69/hourly The deadline to submit applications is June 10, 2026. Please note, The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT Housing and Community Development Services consists of four divisions: Neighborhood Support, Animal Services, Housing and Community Development, and Community Engagement. The mission of the Housing and Community Development Department is to maintain community appearance and enhance the quality of life in Auroras neighborhoods. This is accomplished through a combination of community outreach, education, code enforcement, and numerous neighborhood improvement programs and services. The staff is dedicated to forming partnerships with neighborhoods, residents, and community groups to strengthen and enhance both the social fabric and physical aspects of Aurora neighborhoods Aurora Animal Protection Officers provide protection for animals throughout the city, ensuring safe enclosures, food, water, vaccinations, and homes free from abuse by enforcing the ordinances the City of Aurora has set forth and educates the public about responsible pet ownership. PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Animal Handling Impounds, confiscates or quarantines stray, injured or aggressive domestic or wild animals Performs euthanasia as required Education Promotes responsible pet ownership to city residents through presentations in classrooms, at booths, fairs, neighborhood/ward meetings, etc., as needed Investigation Investigates citizen complaints pertaining to animal related calls, such as barking, running at large, cruelty, mistreatment/neglect and prohibited animals Conducts inspections and investigations by gathering evidence, issuing warnings/summonses, writing formal reports and testifying in court Relays facts of the case and makes recommendations to the City Attorney while attending court proceedings Driving Operates a variety of City vehicles for daily response to dispatched calls Adheres to vehicle maintenance schedule and performs daily vehicle and standard equipment safety checks Other Duties Performs duties as the dispatcher for the Animal Protection Officers in the field, as needed Performs basic computer operations for Inputting, updating and maintaining information about field cases, kennel updates and animal activities Provides assistance to other animal welfare, law enforcement agencies, and the fire department May perform additional duties as assigned Performs other related duties as assigned MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Education: High School diploma or equivalent Experience: Previous animal handling experience Previous ordinance/law enforcement experience Preferred Qualifications: Experience: Associates Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Animal Sciences, Criminology or related field At least two (2) years progressively responsible experience in animal care/control, code enforcement, and/or related work Knowledge: Animal behavior Animal first aid Court procedures Human psychology General shelter operations Officer Saftey Skills: Strong interpersonal skills Strong customer service skills Skill in customer relations, crisis communications management, public speaking Skill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errors De-escalation skills Strong defensive driving skills Map reading skills Abilities: Active Learning: Willingness to be trained and ability learn new processes Animal Handling: Ability to work with a wide variety of animals including domestic animals, livestock and wildlife Communication: Attention to detail and ability to communicate effectively; both verbally and in writing for report writing, data entry, investigations Judgment: Ability to make competent decisions and remain calm and professional during high stress/tense situations Navigation: Capability to navigate through the city to respond to any address within the jurisdiction in the timeliest manner Perceptiveness: Must have situational awareness and critical thinking capabilities to make reasonable judgements and work under limited supervision Problem Solving: Exceptional interpersonal and mediation skills to verbally de-escalate situations Safety: Ability to perceive and identify public safety hazards and dangerous surroundings Teamwork: Ability to work in a team or with a wide variety of people and be collaborative Values: Should abide by the Citys core 4 values in all situations with peers, citizens, and the general public Licenses and Certifications Required: Driver's License with a good driving history. Interviewed candidates will be required to submit a copy of their driving record. Euthanasia certification to be obtained within a year of employment State certified officers through the Colorado Animal Welfare organization preferred or ability to obtain it within 18 months of employment RCB and OC spray certifications within one year WORKING CONDITIONS Essential Personnel: When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel. Physical Demands: Heavy physical work requiring ability to lift and carry animals and/or objects weighing up to 100 pounds with or without assistance Frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds with or without assistance Regular walking and standing Full range of body movements including pushing, pulling, bending, kneeling, stooping/crouching, crawling, and climbing Hand/eye coordination for data entry and frequent operation of motor vehicle, radios, cellular phones and computers What physical activity will be performed day to day? Frequent lifting, carrying, walking and standing Occasional running May require frequent pushing, pulling, bending and stooping Clear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documents Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens Hand/eye coordination for operation of computer keyboard Work Environment: Essential duties performed inside and outside in all types of weather including inclement weather, chemicals and other hazardous conditions Works in a noisy environment with exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, animal dander, odors, fumes, aggressive/dangerous and sick animals Extensive time spent driving a City vehicle Equipment Used: Operates a motor vehicle Uses a variety of hand tools and equipment common to animal control operations such as a catch pole, syringe for vaccinations/euthanasia, wire cutters and shovel, live-capture humane traps Portable and/or mobile two-way radio, telephone, digital camera, computer, crematory, and Hotsie machine/pressure washer vehicle This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24. For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission. Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired. Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References: As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check. Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others. Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity Respect Professionalism Customer Service And we welcome all who share these values to apply. Why Work for Aurora? Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community Growing city and employee population Competitive total compensation package Rich benefits package with low employee costs Generous paid leave program 100% funded Employee and Family Care Leave Program Retirement pension plan and 457b plans available Subsidized recreation center pass, on-site fitness centers and wellness programs Continued education and career advancement opportunities Learn more about city of Aurora benefits Please show all your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application. Leaving blanks or omitting previous employment may result in your disqualification from employment. City policy requires that selected candidates provide documentation in the form of official transcripts of the highest level of education attained by the candidate that is listed on their application materials. Applicants who hold a Commercial Drivers License will also be required to undergo alcohol testing using an Evidential Breath Testing Device. The city of Aurora uses E-Verify to determine if employees are legally eligible to work in the United States. Know your rights! The city of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability or military status. The city shall develop and maintain a plan for diversity. Through its staff, the city shall periodically analyze its employment related practices and its plan for diversity to ensure compliance with this policy. If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation for completing this application, please feel free to contact our office at: 303.739.7225 or visit us at 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Suite 3500, Aurora, CO 80012.