Animal Response Team Officer

City of Hampton • Hampton, VA

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About The Position

The City of Hampton is seeking an Animal Response Team Officer to protect and serve the public by enforcing state laws and local ordinances governing the control, care, and protection of domestic and wild animals. The position works under the general supervision of the Animal Control Manager and follows established procedures. It involves considerable public contact and travel within the City, rotating shift work that includes nights, weekends, and holidays, and rotating on-call emergency standby. The officer is essential personnel during City emergencies or when directed by the City Manager or designee, which may require long hours and unusual schedules. The officer must maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate, and in other situations where credibility is important. A sustained finding of untruthfulness at the conclusion of an internal investigation may result in immediate termination. The position is safety sensitive and subject to alcohol and controlled-substance testing under the City’s substance abuse policy. The posted salary is effective July 1, 2026.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Successful completion of State-mandated basic training for Animal Control Officer within 180 days of employment.
• Pass a full criminal background check, including an FBI fingerprint check, a check of the National Sex Offender Registry Website, a polygraph, and psychological testing.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton’s criteria.
• Maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate, and in other situations where credibility is important.
• Be available for shift work that includes nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as rotating on-call emergency standby.
• Be able to work long hours and unusual schedules during City emergencies or when directed.
• Undergo alcohol and controlled-substance testing in accordance with the City’s current substance abuse policy.

Nice To Haves

• One year of full-time equivalent experience involving frequent customer, client, or other public contact.
• Prior animal-handling experience, such as work as a veterinarian assistant, kennel attendant, or animal control officer.
• Specialized courses or training equivalent to completion of one year of college, with major emphasis in wildlife management, biology, animal husbandry, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Enforce state laws and local ordinances concerning the control, care, and protection of domestic and wild animals.
• Protect and serve the public in the community.
• Provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate, and in other situations where credibility is important.
• Perform duties during City emergencies or when directed as essential personnel, potentially working long hours and unusual schedules.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED