Deputy Animal Control Officer

Prince William County is a growing, diverse, and dynamic community located within easy commuting distance of Northern Virginia and Washington, DC.  If you enjoy working with animals and the public, welcome a challenging and dynamic environment, and are committed to humane animal treatment, we encourage you to apply to the Prince William County Animal Services Bureau. We are seeking a Deputy Animal Control Officer to join our team of hard-working and caring staff who work to provide a high level of service for both our community members and our animals.  The qualities most commonly identified by staff include a deep love for animals, strong leadership skills, and a dedication to helping care for those in need. Animal Control Officers enforce the Prince William County and State codes relating to the humane treatment and impounding of animals, as well as promoting and educating the public on common animal welfare issues that both directly and indirectly affect animals and/or citizens in Prince William County.

All interviews will be conducted in person at the Animal Services Center. The selected candidate will work out of the Prince William County Animal Shelter located just south of Manassas, VA.

ABOUT THIS ROLE:
Animal Control Officers perform responsible work in the Animal Services enforce the Prince William County and State codes relating to the humane treatment and impounding of animals, as well as educating the public on common animal welfare issues that both directly and indirectly affect animals and/or residents in Prince William County.

Typical tasks performed include:

• Investigating complaints of violations of animal control-related laws and determining appropriate enforcement action.
• Writing police reports, preparing case files, and providing courtroom testimony.
• Handling a wide variety of breeds and species of animals, which may be sick, injured, or aggressive.
• Keeping appropriate records and producing reports relating to operations of the bureau, such as investigative reports, administrative reports, and state-mandated reports of accountability.
• Providing vaccinations and basic intake procedures to animals that have been brought to the Animal Services Center.
• Performing humane euthanasia and rabies testing preparation when necessary.
• Officers participate in rotating being on-call after regular working hours to handle emergencies.

To view our hiring standards, click here.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or G.E.D. and 1 year of related experience in law enforcement and/or animal care experience.

PREFERENCES:

• 2 years of related experience in law enforcement and/or animal care experience.
• Familiarity with local and State Ordinances regarding animals.
• Work experience with the humane euthanasia of animals.
• Work experience in law enforcement.
• Ability to navigate difficult customer service situations including interactions with community members under high stress.
• 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.
   

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: 

The Deputy Animal Control Officer works a 40-hour-per-week rotating schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and an on-call rotation. In the event of county closures, Deputy Animal Control Officers are designated as essential personnel and must report for duty as assigned.

• May be subject to emergency callout after hours.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must pass DMV check, polygraph, background investigation, and employment physical.
• Must be proficient in the operation of motor vehicles.
• Must 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.

ENTRY SALARY RANGE: $29.06 - $34.19

We also offer great benefits including:

• 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

Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here PSLF for additional information.

NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Salary : $23 - $45