08/13/2026
Application available in City Hall or online at mechanicvilleny.gov
Job Opportunity: Part-Time Animal Control Officer (ACO)
Organization: City of Mechanicville
Department: Department of Parks and Rec and Community Services
Position Type: Part-Time / On-Call / Emergency Response
Location: Mechanicville, NY
Position Overview
The City of Mechanicville is seeking a compassionate, assertive, and responsible individual to fill the role of Part-Time Animal Control Officer (ACO).
Working under the general direction of the Department of arks and Rec and Community Services , the Animal Control Officer enforces city ordinances and New York State Agriculture and Markets Laws regarding domestic animals. This position plays a critical role in promoting public safety, responsible pet ownership, and the humane treatment of animals throughout the community.
Key Responsibilities
• Enforce Local & State Laws: Respond to and investigate reports regarding stray, aggressive, abandoned, or unleashed animals in accordance with City of Mechanicville codes and NYS Agriculture & Markets Law (Article 7).
• Animal Capture & Handling: Safely and humanely capture, restrain, and transport stray, injured, or nuisance animals using appropriate safety equipment.
• Public Complaints & Inquiries: Respond promptly and courteously to citizen complaints regarding animal noise, roaming pets, dangerous animals, or neglect.
• Shelter Coordination: Coordinate the transport and intake of captured animals to designated local animal shelters or veterinary facilities.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate logs of calls, animal intakes, citations issued, and investigation reports for municipal and police records.
• Community Education: Educate the public on local leash laws, dog licensing requirements, rabid animal awareness, and responsible pet care.
Qualifications & Requirements
• Education & Experience: High School Diploma or GED required. Previous experience working with animals (veterinary clinic, animal shelter, code enforcement, or public safety) is preferred.
• Driver’s License: Valid New York State Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Animal Handling Skills: Knowledge of physical animal behavior, safe handling techniques, and humane capture equipment.
• Physical Capabilities: Ability to lift heavy objects or animals (up to 50 lbs), work outdoors in varying weather conditions, and handle physically demanding situations safely.
• Availability: Flexible schedule, including availability for evening, weekend, or emergency on-call response when urgent animal safety incidents occur.
• Clearances: Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
Key Skills & Personal Attributes
• Strong verbal communication and conflict-resolution skills when dealing with concerned or agitated citizens.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, composure, and decisiveness in high-stress situations involving aggressive or injured animals.
• Commitment to public safety and ethical, humane animal treatment.