Animal Protection Officer

Goochland County•Goochland, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides protective services to citizens and animals by enforcing state laws and county ordinances pertaining to the care, control, and licensing of animals in Goochland County. Work is performed on a rotating schedule that includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays. The role involves responding to animal-related safety concerns, capturing and caring for animals, investigating complaints, enforcing applicable laws, and maintaining records. Employees must complete emergency preparedness and incident management training courses as directed or requested.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid State of Virginia driver’s license and a driving record that meets HR Policy requirements.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Ability to receive rabies vaccinations.
Ability and willingness to obtain training in euthanasia of domestic animals as approved by the State Veterinarian.
Successful completion of a firearms training academy.
Successful completion of the Virginia Basic Animal Control Course.
Successful completion of an emergency vehicle operator certification.
Pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
Knowledge of laws, ordinances, and regulations governing dog control and the protection of livestock and fowl.
Knowledge of the geography of Goochland County.
Knowledge of the care, control, and handling of dogs and other animals.
Knowledge of methods and procedures used to capture and dispose of animals.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Skill in using computers and software applications related to the job’s essential functions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with personnel and the public.
Ability to record activities clearly and accurately.
Ability to recognize symptoms of rabies in a variety of animals.
Ability to perform medium to heavy work, including exerting up to 100 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly; tasks may require prolonged walking or standing, climbing, bending, reaching, handling, and grasping.

Nice To Haves

Prior working experience involving animal care.

Responsibilities

Patrol assigned areas for safety concerns regarding wild animals.
Capture and impound unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals; pick up dead animals; and rescue distressed, sick, or injured animals.
Enforce state and local animal-control laws and issue notices to appear, warnings, or summonses.
Check dog licenses.
Issue appropriate summonses and testify in court.
Contact owners of domestic animals that have bitten someone, order quarantine of those animals, and check their health during and following quarantine.
Prepare suspected rabid animals for testing.
Provide the public with information on laws and regulations governing animal treatment, licensing, care, and control.
Receive and investigate citizens’ complaints related to dogs and other animals.
Maintain and prepare records and reports related to animal-control activities.
Perform other assigned duties.
Complete emergency preparedness and incident management training courses as directed or requested.