Animal Response Team Officer

City of Hampton, Virginia; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hampton is seeking an Animal Response Team Officer to protect and serve the public by enforcing state laws and local ordinances for the control, care, and protection of domestic and wild animals. The class works under the general supervision of the Animal Control Manager according to set procedures.

Posted salary effective as of July 1 2026. Requires a high school diploma or GED, background checks, and willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call emergencies.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Background checks including FBI fingerprint and polygraph may be required.
• Experience in animal handling is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Protect and serve the public by enforcing state laws and local ordinances for animal control.
• Work under supervision of the Animal Control Manager according to procedures.
• Participate in on-call emergency standby and shifts including nights and weekends.

Skills

Integrity

Strong communication

Public contact experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Wildlife/biology related coursework

Job description

“Join the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring.”

Are you committed to public service, professionalism, and a peaceful community? Make a real difference to the people in your community, immediately. If you possess integrity, and strong communication skills, you can make a difference with the Hampton Police Division.

The City of Hampton is seeking an Animal Response Team Officer to protect and serve the public by enforcing State laws and local ordinances for the control, care, and protection of domestic and wild animals. The class works under the general supervision of the Animal Control Manager according to set procedures.

*Posted salary effective as of July 1 2026.

MinimumQualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• One year of full-time equivalent experience involving frequent customer, client, or other public contact preferred.
• Prior experience in animal handling as a veterinarian assistant, kennel attendant, or animal control officer is preferred.
• Specialized courses/training, equivalent to completion of one year of college, with major emphasis in wildlife management, biology, animal husbandry or a closely related field preferred.
• Successful completion of State-mandated basic training for Animal Control Officer within 180 days of employment.
• Must pass a full criminal background check to include an FBI fingerprint check, a check of the National Sex Offender Registry Website, a polygraph, and psychological testing.
• This position is safety sensitive and is subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City’s current substance abuse policy.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.

Additional Requirements

• Requires considerable public contact and considerable travel within the City.
• Requires shift work to include nights, weekends, holidays and on call emergency standby on rotating basis.
• Must be able to maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate and in other situations where credibility will be of importance. A sustained finding of untruthfulness at the conclusion of an internal investigation may result in immediate termination.
• The incumbent will be considered “essential personnel” during City emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager or designee which may include long hours and unusual schedules. Must be able to maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate and in other situations where credibility will be of importance.