Animal Control Officer

Dinwiddie County; Virginia; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Dinwiddie County seeks an experienced Animal Control Officer to enforce laws, respond to calls, and maintain essential records. The role requires independence and the ability to work with minimal supervision in diverse field conditions.

Responsibilities include investigating cruelty and rabies concerns, transporting and euthanizing as needed, and educating residents on animal welfare and safety. A valid Virginia driver’s license and required certifications are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires valid Virginia driver’s license and clean driving history.
• Certifications are required within specified timelines after employment.
• Ability to obtain firearms, euthanasia, and drug administration credentials.

Responsibilities

• Enforce state and county animal laws; investigate cruelty and bites.
• Respond to service requests; trap, confine, and transport animals.
• Prepare and present information in court; issue warnings and subpoenas.
• Maintain files, records, and reports; manage lost and found records.
• Educate animal owners and assist with shelter operations.
• Perform related duties including euthanasia and disposal when required.

Skills

Animal control

Public safety

Record keeping

Public education

Education

High School diploma or GED

Virginia driver’s license

Basic Animal Control Officer certification

Special Conservator of the Peace certification

Firearms certification within 60 days

Euthanasia certification within 1 year

DEA drug administration certification within 1 year

ICS-100

ICS-700

Job description

Employment Opportunities

Welcome to Dinwiddie County’s employment application process! We are currently enhancing our application process to better serve interested applicants. In the event you experience challenges in the application process, please contact Human Resources at [phone] Ext. 2161.

Dinwiddie County is currently accepting applications for the positions listed below. Individuals interested in employment with Dinwiddie County must submit an on-line application prior to the advertised closing date. While resumes are not a substitute for a completed application, applicants are welcome to include them as a supplemental document.

Dinwiddie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Dinwiddie County to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

The purpose of this job is to conduct protective service work responding to animal control calls, investigating animal bites, preparing and maintaining records and files, and performing related work as assigned. This job enforces animal control laws and ordinances.

This position works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Travels the County and enforces state and county animal laws; conducts door to door canvasses ensuring dogs are properly vaccinated and registered; investigates cruelty complaints; investigates claims of suspected rabies and animal bites.
• Responds to requests for service; destroys, captures and confines stray, injured, diseased, and destructive animals; sets up and maintains traps; captures and quarantines animals as appropriate.
• Issues warnings and summons for ordinance related violations; prepares and presents information in court.
• Transports stray animals for impoundment; transports animals to the vet; administers medications; operates microchip scanner.
• Prepares and maintains files, records and reports; maintains lost and found records.
• Euthanizes animals; disposes of carcasses.
• Gathers information and educates animal owners.
• Cleans and maintains shelter, truck, and equipment.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.

Experience: One (1) year of experience working with animals; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess and maintain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving history.
• Certification as Basic Animal Control Officer within one year of employment.
• Certification as a Special Conservator of the Peace within one year of employment.
• Qualification and certification with all required firearms within 60 days of issuance.
• Possession of or ability to obtain euthanasia certification within one year of employment.
• Possession of or ability to obtain drug administration certification from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the State Board of Pharmacy within one year of employment.
• ICS-100 and ICS-700.

Physical Demands

Very Heavy Work – Involves lifting objects weighting more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing 50 pounds or more.

Work Environment (Unavoidable Hazards)

Involves routine and frequent exposureto toxic/caustic chemicals; animals/wildlife.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Dinwiddie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Dinwiddie County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.