08/11/2026
NOTICE OF VACANCY
TITLE: Full-time Animal Control Officer
DEPARTMENT: Salem Police Department
REPORTS TO: Community Services Division Officer
POSITON STATUS: Full-time, non-union role with full benefits, Monday – Friday, actual hours TBD
SALARY: Up to $68,899.00, DOQ
POSITION SUMMARY
The Animal Control Officer (ACO) will enforce laws concerning the care and treatment of animals, protect and rescue domesticated animals, and maintain public health standards.
DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES
Receives calls from dispatch or members of the public regarding animal control issues and drives assigned vehicle to location.
Investigates alleged animal abuse, violations of ordinances related to animal care or behavior, or reports of injured, stray, sick or dangerous animals; interviews individuals having contact with the animal, such as the owners. After investigation, takes possession of animals that display signs of neglect, abuse, inhumane treatment, disease or malnutrition.
Although primarily concerned with domesticated animals, the ACO will be required to respond, as needed, to calls for service regarding wildlife.
Conducts inspections of kennels and chicken coops to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations and city ordinances.
Transports animals to an agency, shelter or veterinarian, as appropriate, while attempts to locate owners are made and/or when the animal needs to be impounded or investigated for diseases such as rabies.
Patrols assigned areas in an animal control vehicle, seeking animals that are stray, sick, injured, or deceased. Is observant for violations of animal control laws and ordinances and takes appropriate action.
Completes records and forms and prepares reports concerning daily activities, fees collected, citations issued and investigations conducted. Provides information on and answers inquiries concerning licensing, vaccinations, euthanasia, adoptions, spraying and neutering and other animal control related matters.
Testifies in legal proceedings. Speaks to community groups about the proper care and feeding of pets and the value of pet population control. Works collaboratively with the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Community Impact Unit (CIU), police administrative office, City of Salem departments such as the Board of Health and Building Inspector and state animal control officials.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Must be a legally authorized to work in the United States. Must successfully pass a background check conducted by the Salem Police Department.
Must enjoy working with animals and have an understanding and working knowledge of animal control procedures, to include handling animals in distress in a safe and humane manner. Ability to learn and recognize physical and behavioral characteristics of animals.
Ability to learn and recognize signs of rabies and other common animal illnesses and, if required, the ability to euthanize animals that are dangerous or sick/injured.
Ability to communicate with members of the public and to obtain their cooperation and remain calm and patient in trying situations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must be able to elicit information and document investigative activity. Ability to read, comprehend, and explain state and local laws, regulations and ordinances as they pertain to animal control. Must possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
Must successfully complete training requirements to become an ACO in Massachusetts within one year of hire date; see https://www.mass.gov/info-details/aco-resources -requirements-.
Special Requirement
As exposure to vectors of the rabies virus can be frequent, must be inoculated for the rabies virus within six months of hire date; see: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/hcp/clinical-care/pre-exposure-prophylaxis.html
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office suite or similar software.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or equivalent required. Successful completion of on-the-job training as determined by the Community Services Division Officer, or their designee. Animal care or law enforcement background is strongly preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be mobile, stoop, squat, crawl, climb, and perform other physical duties as needed to investigate locations and animals, apprehend animals when needed, and communicate with others. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Employee will perform work indoors, outdoors, and in all variations of weather. Some work will take place in a typical office at the police station, with some noise depending on circumstances. Noise levels will fluctuate depending on where work is performed.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply to the City using this email address: [email protected]; position is open until a qualified candidate is selected.
____________________________________
Lisa B. Cammarata, Director, Human Resources
98 Washington Street, 3rd floor
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
DATED: August 7, 2026
The City of Salem is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran history/military status or genetic information.
