Animal Control Officer

About the role

The City of Richmond is seeking dynamic candidates for the position of Animal Control Officer. We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce.

Responsibilities

• Investigating complaints, picking up stray and dead animals
• Patrolling the city for violations of animal ordinances
• Aiding animals in distress, transporting stray animals to the kennel, and caring for kenneled animals
• Addressing citizen inquiries and informing them of animal control laws
• Humanely tranquilizing and euthanizing unhealthy animals and wildlife
• Attending applicable training and educational workshops
• Working weekends and holidays as needed
• Enforcing the Animal Welfare Laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Codes for the City of Richmond pertaining to animals
• Coordinating investigations of incidences of cruelty to animals
• Assisting residents with dangerous wild and/or exotic animals
• Responding to calls for assistance regarding the potential exposure to rabies
• Providing animal care, vaccinations, and medications for animals
• Performing euthanasia and lab specimen preparation
• Investigating citizen complaints related to companion animal concerns
• Assisting residents with their companion animal's needs and concerns
• Offering education on responsible pet ownership and care requirements
• Preparing reports and records on a daily basis
• Composing court records and files and testifying in court regularly
• Responding to the need for service as an emergency responder
• Updating animal/client records to reflect the most current status and information available
• Driving a City of Richmond vehicle
• Performing other related duties as assigned

Qualifications, Special Certifications And Licenses

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• One (1) year of experience handling animals and/or enforcing animal laws
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department)
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire
• Animal Control Officer certification within one year of hire
• Euthanasia certification within one year of hire

Skills

• Understanding and appreciation of animals
• Capturing and impounding dangerous or stray animals
• Answering calls regarding animals in the City
• Communicating with various internal and external departments
• Driving a City of Richmond vehicle
• Enforcing licensing laws
• Ensuring animal owners are in compliance with the animal control laws
• Identifying different breeds and types of animals
• Investigating cases of animal cruelty
• Maintaining a professional attitude and a positive relationship with citizens
• Using communication skills to deescalate situations
• Providing expert testimony in court cases
• Providing humane care to animals
• Rescuing trapped animals
• Using a variety of animal control equipment such as control pole leash, animal trap, nets, mace, gloves, snake and cat tongs, etc.
• Using discretion to decide whether to seize an animal from a location pending an investigation
• Using discretion to decide whether to issue a summons to a citizens or provide them a chance to come into compliance
• Writing reports such as an incident report

Benefits

The City of Richmond Animal Care and Control offers several benefits to its employees, including:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program