Animal Control Officer (Full Time)

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
FLSA Status: Non-exempt (Eligible for overtime pay)

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2026. 

NATURE OF WORK

This position provides the enforcement of laws and regulations regarding both domestic and “wild” animals within the communities served by the South Hills Animal Control Cooperative.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Respond to requests for animal control service for Mt. Lebanon and participating communities.
• Answer complaints regarding animals running at large, abused animals or injured/dead animals.
• Use appropriate judgment in deciding course of action to handle difficult and emergency situations with and without assistance including humane euthanasia of animals.
• Rescue/capture/assist with animals in dangerous situations including, but not limited to:  cats in trees, animals on a roof or window ledge, animal stuck in sewer, wild animals trapped in homes/garages, etc., and assists citizens with the capture of wild animals trapped in homes, garages, etc.
• Obtain accurate information when responding to requests for service including, but not limited to:  complainant information, location, breeds, licenses, owner surrender information, bite case reports, medical history, etc.
• Investigate violations of animal control laws/ordinances and issues warnings or citations as appropriate/required; appear in court or administrative hearings as necessary to testify regarding animal control cases.
• Maintain accurate records and logs; prepares daily, monthly and annual reports of activities and other reports as requested.
• Impound animals transported to shelter and properly restrains the animal for initial medical examination.  Inform veterinary services staff of any health problems or conditions noted in a sheltered or impounded animal.
• Pickup and/or provide transportation for both living and deceased animals.  Properly dispose of unclaimed animals or carcasses.
• Maintenance of the animal shelter, vehicles, office, and all other related equipment.
• Safe operation of Animal Control Department vehicles. 
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs all other work assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of physical and behavioral characteristics of common breeds of dogs and cats; common disease symptoms in domestic animals; animal licensing and regulatory ordinances; various equipment used in animal control; working knowledge of animal restraint and care techniques. Required to learn and perform these functions satisfactorily within the first nine (9) months of employment.
• Skill and ability to safely and effectively use the following tools and equipment: animal control vehicle, animal capture gear/traps, small bore rifle, kennel equipment, police radio, first aid equipment, personal computer using basic reporting/word processing, spreadsheet and database programs, etc. Required to learn and perform these functions satisfactorily within the first nine (9) months of employment.
• Ability to learn applicable skills, laws, ordinances as well as department rules and regulations; ability to testify in court as well as prosecute cases as the citing officer. Required to learn and perform these functions satisfactorily within the first nine (9) months of employment.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships; exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to ask appropriate questions to gather information.  Possess strong interpersonal, written and verbal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a culturally diverse community in a professional, respectful and tactful manner at all times; the ability to remain respectful and calm in stressful situations.
• Ability and comfort working with animals of unknown disposition, medical problems, and aggressive tendencies.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends. Hours of work may be in excess of forty (40) hour per week.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or G.E.D.; two years of experience working with animals or in a field closely related to those duties preferred, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s license is required at time of appointment and must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
• Legal authority to possess a firearm must be maintained throughout employment.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

While performing duties of this job the employee:  routinely works in outside weather conditions and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; requires heavy lifting and/or moving more than 50 pounds; occasionally works in high, precarious places; is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, observe, hear and talk; required to use hands and fingers to handle and operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; physically control and contain live aggressive animals.

The above job description reflects the general information deemed necessary to convey the primary functions of the job and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements inherent to the position.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

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GENERAL DISCLAIMER

I certify that I have given true and complete information in this application process, and it does not contain falsifications, omissions, or concealment of material fact.  If this application leads to employment, I understand that false or misleading information in my application, resume, or interview may result in my employment being terminated.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for Mt. Lebanon to hire me.  If I am hired, I understand that either Mt. Lebanon or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice, unless change by a written agreement signed by a duly authorized representative of Mt. Lebanon.

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Mt. Lebanon will be invested in your success and growth and offers the following benefits to our employees:

Vacation Leave: Starting at 10 days/year. 

Holiday Pay: Mt. Lebanon observes ten (10) paid legal holidays per year.

Sick leave: You will accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave per month. 
Pension Benefits: Employees are eligible for a full defined benefit pension at age 60 with 25 years of service 
Benefits: Mt. Lebanon offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD, FSA, and deferred compensation.

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Mt. Lebanon provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment.  We are committed to valuing the diversity of all individuals without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other classification protected by law.  Reasonable accommodations for the needs of otherwise qualified applicants with disabilities will be made upon request to the Human Resource Office at wpardiny@mtlebanon.org.  

PLEASE NOTE: RESUMES CAN ALSO BE RECEIVED AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING AT 710 WASHINGTON ROAD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15228, ATTENTION: HUMAN RESOURCES.