Animal Control Manager

Animal Care and Control
600 S River St
Aurora, IL 60506, USA

The City of Aurora is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Animal Control Manager in the Animal Control Division.

Under the general supervision and direction of the Chief Community Services Officer, the Animal Control Manager is responsible for the planning, management, and operations of the Animal Control Division. Responsible for enforcement of Animal Control ordinances, laws, and regulations. Performs related duties as required and outlined in the City of Aurora Animal Control Ordinance Chapter 9.

The duties of this position include but are not limited to:
Plans, directs, manages, and evaluates the operations and activities of the Animal Control Division;
Provides supervision and directions to staff and volunteers;
Oversees and assists staff to ensure the Animal Control facility and grounds are properly maintained to preserve a safe, sanitary environment for staff, citizens, and animals;
Actively monitors employee performance and provides periodic evaluations;
Manages the division employee development program, providing opportunities for employee skills enhancement while ensuring employees successfully complete all required training and are in possession of requisite certifications;
Works with staff, stakeholders, and community partners to develop a vision, mission, and comprehensive plan for the division and its programs;
Ensures development and implementation of division policies and procedures;
Supervises the issuance of summons for violations of applicable laws and ordinances and provides humane sanitary conditions for impounded animals;
Investigates and ensures vaccination of all animal bite incidences, and cases of livestock death or injury;
Impounds animals where rabies or other contagious disease is suspected;
Actively monitors animal control policy issues affecting the City and its residents on the local, state, national and international level;
Responsible for overseeing staff who respond to citizen complaints of animal abuse, “running-at-large” or other suspected ordinance infractions;
Ensures appropriate action is taken following legal guidelines, when necessary;
Attempts to identify and notify owners of lost animals and orders/performs the euthanasia of animals, as necessary;
Responsible for the development, administration and monitoring of the division’s budget;
Responsible for monitoring and assuring adequate financial controls for fees received for division’s services;
Performs regular evaluation of service fees and makes recommendations to the Department Head for needed adjustments;
Prepares and maintains requisite records, reports, and files in accordance with State and local laws;
Performs other duties as required or assigned.

This position requires a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration or Business Management from a four (4) year college or university, or any other combination of education and work experience for managing a public animal shelter. Experience in providing animal control and/or closely related public or community health programs/services. Requires a valid Illinois driver’s license. Experience in a local animal control agency, preferred.

Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience, preferred.

Must successfully pass pre-hire requirements including but not limited to physical, drug screen, and background check.

This is a full-time, executive position. The annual salary range is $98,696.00 – $ with starting rate dependent on experience and qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint range.

The City of Aurora offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and eligible part-time employees in accordance with the City’s Executive Pay Plan.

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurances
• Annual pay increases
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
• Paid vacations, holidays, floating holidays, personal days, and sick leave
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• May be eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program (if requirements are met)

Applications should be submitted online by 3 PM on February 12, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.