Animal Protection Officer (CD)

Hanover County Government•Ashland, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a public safety position that performs routine, semi-skilled tasks to ensure the public health and safety of animals and citizens. The position is part of Hanover County’s Career Development Program, whose Animal Protection Officer ladder has four levels, from Animal Protection Officer I to Senior Animal Protection Officer. Incumbents report to the Animal Protection Field Manager and supervise no staff. Senior-level officers may provide workflow guidance to lower-level officers. The role involves responding to public inquiries and service calls; patrolling assigned areas; capturing and impounding stray or uncontrolled animals; rescuing distressed, sick, and injured animals; enforcing state and local animal-protection laws; investigating complaints; and appearing in court to testify and present evidence. Officers maintain records, reports, and equipment and perform related work as assigned. The work environment is approximately 20% office and 80% field. Officers may encounter vicious, diseased, or sick animals and must be able to navigate at least 50 pounds and restrain at least 125 pounds. The position is non-exempt and includes shift work, which may involve weekends, holidays, and nights. The position is subject to departmental on-call procedures and is designated as essential staff. A uniform is required. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 18 years of age.
Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License.
Ability to navigate at least 50 pounds and restrain at least 125 pounds.
Complete a criminal background investigation, including fingerprinting.
Complete a pre-employment physical examination, drug test, and alcohol screening.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination and hepatitis B vaccination, with repeat vaccinations in accordance with policy thereafter.
Must wear a uniform.
Subject to shift work, including weekends, holidays, and nights, and to the department's on-call procedures.
Twelve-month probationary period.

Nice To Haves

Related experience is desired.
Knowledge of state and local animal-protection laws is preferred.
Additional training and certifications are required for advancement on the Career Development Program ladder.

Responsibilities

Respond to inquiries from the public.
Patrol assigned areas for safety concerns.
Capture and impound stray and uncontrolled animals.
Rescue distressed, sick, and injured animals.
Respond to calls for service involving injured, stray, or dangerous animals and violations of state and local ordinances.
Enforce state and local animal-protection-related laws, including issuing notices to appear, warnings, or summonses.
Investigate public or law-enforcement complaints concerning violations of animal-protection-related laws or ordinances.
Appear in court to testify and present evidence concerning animal-protection-related laws and ordinances.
Maintain and prepare records and reports related to animal-protection activities.
Maintain equipment as needed to perform essential functions.
Perform related work as assigned.
Senior-level officers may provide workflow guidance to lower-level officers.