Animal Protection and Control (APC) Officer

NOCO Humane is a respected and independent nonprofit organization committed to fostering a compassionate, safe, and responsible relationship between animals and people in northern Colorado. As a trusted community leader, NOCO Humane provides essential programs and services that promote the quality of life for both animals and residents. The organization operates with a strong focus on animal welfare, public safety, and community engagement, advocating for humane treatment while enforcing animal protection laws.

The role of Animal Protection and Control (APC) Officer at NOCO Humane is a full-time, hourly non-exempt position that plays a critical role in upholding state, county, and city ordinances related to animal control. Reporting to the Director of Animal Protection and Control and APC Sergeants, the APC Officer is responsible for enforcing animal control functions such as field enforcement, licensing, handling animals at large, and conducting animal bite investigations. This position combines law enforcement duties with compassionate animal care, requiring officers to patrol jurisdictions, interact with the public, and ensure animals are treated humanely while adhering to legal standards.

In addition to enforcement, the APC Officer performs the important task of an Animal Control Dispatcher. This dual responsibility involves managing animal-related emergency calls, coordinating responses by other officers, overseeing field officer safety, and ensuring effective communication within the department. The officer must handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and demonstrate exemplary professional conduct at all times.

This multifaceted role demands a unique blend of skills including animal handling, legal knowledge, customer service, and emergency response. APC Officers are expected to promote NOCO Humane’s programs, respond to requests from various jurisdictions, maintain accurate records and statistics, and operate specialized equipment and vehicles safely. The job also requires participation in overnight on-call shifts and a flexible work schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Candidates with a background in animal science, criminal justice, veterinary technology, or related fields are preferred, although a minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required. The position values previous experience in animal care, enforcement, dispatch, and familiarity with specialized software such as Chameleon. Bilingual abilities, especially in English and Spanish, are a plus and may come with additional compensation. The position also requires maintaining an insurable driving record and passing state certification examinations within three years of employment.

NOCO Humane values interpersonal skills such as emotional intelligence, integrity, ethics, and the ability to remain calm under stress. The physical demands include handling various animals, operating vehicles for prolonged periods, exposure to outdoor elements, and the ability to lift weights up to 50 pounds. Rabies vaccination and other health precautions are mandatory, reflecting the commitment to both officer and public health safety.

Overall, the APC Officer position at NOCO Humane offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on animal and community welfare. This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about animal protection, skilled in law enforcement and emergency response, and eager to work in a dynamic and supportive environment dedicated to the humane treatment of animals.