Animal Control Supervisor I

Nash County•Nashville, NC

About The Position

The Animal Control Supervisor oversees daily field operations for four Animal Control Officers. The position coordinates animal control response, enforces applicable animal ordinances and North Carolina laws, supports public safety, ensures humane animal handling, and leads staff engaged in animal welfare and enforcement activities. The supervisor performs both supervisory and field duties, including responding to complex or high-risk calls, investigating complaints, preparing reports and case documentation, assisting with court-related matters, and supporting the Animal Services Director with planning, training, policy implementation, and operational oversight. The regular work schedule is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but the schedule varies and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, emergency response, and on-call duty. Work is generally performed indoors and outdoors and involves substantial physical activity and exposure to dust, dirt, noise, and inclement weather. The employee must be able to work with animals that may be dangerous and to move or control resistant or immobilized animals.

Requirements

High school graduation.
Three years of experience in Animal Control, Animal Shelter operations, or Law Enforcement, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
A valid driver’s license at the time of hire, maintained throughout employment.
Thorough knowledge of animal control operations, humane animal handling, field enforcement practices, and shelter-related procedures.
Working knowledge of North Carolina animal-related laws, rabies control requirements, dangerous dog provisions, animal cruelty statutes, and local ordinances.
Knowledge of investigative techniques, evidence collection, report writing, citation procedures, and courtroom testimony.
Ability to supervise, schedule, train, coach, and evaluate employees.
Ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure, emotionally charged, or potentially dangerous situations.
Ability to safely capture, restrain, transport, and handle domestic animals, livestock, and other animals encountered in the field.
Ability to recognize signs of animal illness, injury, neglect, cruelty, aggression, or behavioral concerns.
Ability to communicate effectively with the public, elected officials, law enforcement, public health personnel, veterinarians, staff, and community partners.
Ability to interpret and consistently and fairly apply ordinances, statutes, policies, and procedures.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and detailed reports, case files, citations, correspondence, and records.
Ability to use computers, mobile devices, radios, animal services software, mapping tools, and standard office applications.
Ability to de-escalate conflict and provide professional customer service in difficult situations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
Ability to work independently, prioritize calls, and coordinate multiple field activities simultaneously.
Physical strength and agility to move or control resistant or immobilized animals and to move, push, pull, lift, or carry up to 75 pounds unassisted on a frequent basis.
Coordination and manual dexterity to maneuver a net, rope, or other animal-capture devices.
Ability to tolerate indoor and outdoor work conditions, including contact with dust, dirt, noise, and inclement weather.
Regular and reliable attendance at the work location.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct the activities of the Animal Control Division.
Develop policies and procedures for efficient operation of the Animal Control Program.
Assign, direct, inspect, and evaluate the performance of four Animal Control Officers; coach, counsel, and discipline staff; and develop their on-call schedules.
Coordinate daily animal control operations, service calls, patrol activities, investigations, and emergency response.
Prepare reports and correspondence and maintain Animal Control files and records.
Promote responsible pet ownership, public education, compliance with animal ordinances, and positive community relations.
Attend training courses, seminars, and conferences to maintain job-related knowledge and skills.
Coordinate the annual rabies vaccination clinic with local veterinarians and ensure it is adequately advertised.
Testify in court, administrative hearings, dangerous dog hearings, and other proceedings as required.
Communicate and coordinate with law enforcement, public health officials, veterinarians, emergency management, rescue organizations, municipal staff, county departments, and other partner agencies.
Support development and implementation of standard operating procedures, training materials, safety protocols, and operational improvements.
Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and field training of new Animal Control Officers.
Monitor officer compliance with departmental policies, safety procedures, animal handling protocols, records management requirements, and customer service expectations.
Review incident reports, citations, notices, bite reports, investigation files, photographs, camera footage if applicable, and other documentation for accuracy and completeness.
Provide field guidance and support for complex investigations, aggressive animal situations, bite cases, cruelty complaints, and citizen disputes.
Ensure officers follow humane, safe, and legally compliant practices for animal capture, restraint, transport, impoundment, and handling.
Enforce local animal control ordinances and applicable North Carolina laws related to animal welfare, rabies control, dangerous dogs, public health, and public safety.
Ensure Animal Control timesheets are accurate and submit them to the Animal Services Director each pay period.
Inspect Animal Control vehicles weekly to ensure they meet established cleaning standards.
Assist the Animal Services Director in gathering materials for public records requests and submit them in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.