Deputy Animal Control Officer

About the role

The Prince William County Animal Services Bureau seeks a Deputy Animal Control Officer to join a team dedicated to humane animal treatment and public service.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints of animal control violations and determine appropriate enforcement actions.
• Write police reports, prepare case files, and provide courtroom testimony.
• Handle a wide variety of animals, including those that are sick, injured, or aggressive.
• Keep accurate records and produce reports related to the operations of the bureau.
• Provide vaccinations and basic intake procedures to animals brought to the Animal Services Center.
• Perform humane euthanasia and rabies testing preparation when necessary.
• Participate in rotating on-call schedules to handle emergencies.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year of related experience in law enforcement and/or animal care.
• 2 years of related experience in law enforcement and/or animal care is preferred.
• Familiarity with local and State Ordinances regarding animals.
• Experience with humane euthanasia of animals.
• Work experience in law enforcement.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt quick and reasonable courses of action.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with the public.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of characteristics, behaviors, appearances, and diseases of common breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
• General knowledge of the care, control, and handling of dogs and other animals.
• General knowledge of standard office equipment, including personal computers and applicable software.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt quick and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, both orally and in writing.

Skills

• Proficiency in handling aggressive and/or scared animals.
• Broad knowledge of common and exotic dog breeds.
• Broad knowledge of common and exotic cat breeds.
• Experience in a customer service-related field.
• Experience with the euthanasia of animals.
• Experience handling and caring for livestock.

Benefits

Full-time positions with Prince William County Government offer retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans, paid annual leave, paid personal leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, optional group medical and dental health plans, optional group life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), career development opportunities, and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Pay

ENTRY SALARY RANGE: $29.06 - $34.19

Schedule

The Deputy Animal Control Officer works a 40-hour-per-week rotating schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and an on-call rotation. Essential personnel during county closures.

Special Requirements

• Valid driver's license.
• Pass DMV check, polygraph, background investigation, and employment physical.
• Proficiency in the operation of motor vehicles.
• Successfully complete in-service State training mandated by Title 3.1, chapter 27.4 of the Code of Virginia, as prescribed, within the first year of employment, including euthanasia certification.