Animal Services Investigator (Animal Control Officer III)

Fairfax County • Fairfax (Ej13), VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Fairfax County Animal Services (FCAS) is hiring an Animal Services Investigator (Animal Control Officer III) in its Field Services Division, which enforces animal-related laws and regulations throughout Fairfax County. The investigator conducts complex and specialized investigations involving animal cruelty, neglect, dangerous animals, and other animal welfare matters, and works to ensure compliance with state and local laws. The position also serves as a department and regional leader, offering expertise, training, and mentorship to strengthen investigative practices and outcomes. The investigator works with residents, government agencies, and regional partners to promote responsible animal ownership, public safety, and animal welfare. The role also includes animal care and support for animals in FCAS custody.

This is an essential emergency-services position. Work schedules and facility assignments may change based on operational needs, including during employment. The schedule varies and includes early mornings, evenings, overnight hours, weekends, holidays, and an on-call rotation. Employees must report during countywide unscheduled leave periods, including emergencies, and may need to respond immediately in the field. The position may be filled from this announcement for future full-time vacancies.

The advertised compensation range is $73,567.94 to $101,156.02; the salary offer will be between the minimum and midpoint of that range. Current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees are subject to promotional rules.

The minimum qualifications are an associate’s degree in animal science, veterinary science, zoology, wildlife management, or law enforcement from an accredited college or university, plus three years of qualifying experience in law enforcement, military service, animal services, animal control, or other animal-related work involving animal care and handling. At least one year must be related team-lead or supervisory experience. A valid driver’s license is required at application. Multiple professional certifications must be earned within specified periods after employment and maintained through recertification.

The work involves indoor and outdoor settings, variable weather, exposure to potentially infectious diseases, animal noises, and other environmental hazards. It is physically demanding and requires safely capturing, handling, restraining, lifting, carrying, and moving animals, including dangerous animals weighing over 100 pounds, as well as working across varied terrain and animal-care facilities. The appointee must complete a criminal background investigation, driving record check, pre-employment medical evaluation, and psychological exam. A panel interview will be used, and the selection process may include a practical exercise.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in animal science, veterinary science, zoology, wildlife management, or law enforcement, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Three years of experience in law enforcement, military service, animal services, animal control, or other animal-related experience involving animal care and handling.
• At least one year of related experience in a team-lead or supervisory role.
• Valid driver’s license at the time of application.
• Obtain Animal Control Officer Basic Training certification approved by the Virginia State Veterinarian’s Office within 12 months of employment; recertification every 36 months.
• Obtain Virginia Humane Euthanasia Competency Certification within six months of employment; recertification every 36 months.
• Obtain Virginia Chemical Capture Competency Certification within six months of employment; recertification every 36 months.
• Obtain Fear Free Shelter Certification within three months of employment; recertification as required.
• Obtain long rifle firearms proficiency certification within six months of employment; recertification every 24 months.
• Obtain Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification within six months of employment; recertification every 24 months.
• Obtain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification within six months of employment; recertification every 24 months.
• Obtain First Aid certification within six months of employment; recertification every 24 months.
• Obtain Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN) certification within six months of employment; recertification every 24 months.
• Complete a criminal background investigation, driving record check, pre-employment medical evaluation, and psychological exam to the employer’s satisfaction.
• Have current pre-exposure rabies vaccination or obtain it within three months.
• Work effectively in emotionally charged or highly stressful situations and manage public criticism and hostility with tact and good judgment.
• Work indoors and outdoors in variable weather and tolerate exposure to potentially infectious diseases, viruses, noxious fumes, chemicals, allergies, wetness, and moisture; animal or animal-supply allergies must not impede work.
• Create materials and operate equipment necessary to complete work tasks.
• Drive a county or personal vehicle throughout Fairfax County and other jurisdictions, including in emergency conditions.
• Engage with residents, businesses, visitors, staff, volunteers, and others in person, by email, and by phone; deliver presentations and testify in person and virtually.
• Work a shift schedule that includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, with schedules subject to change, and participate in an evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday on-call rotation.
• Safely capture or impound, lift, carry, handle, move, and restrain animals of varied species, sizes, conditions, and temperaments, including fractious and dangerous animals weighing over 100 pounds.
• Negotiate varied terrain and perform physical activities including bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, crawling, climbing stairs, walking, sitting, and running for extended periods.
• Meet sensory and physical demands including hearing, speaking, touching, feeling, smelling, seeing with close vision, depth perception and color vision, adjusting focus, and frequently grasping and handling objects and rotating or extending the wrist.
• Work safely in or on resident and business properties, kennels, dog play yards, cat rooms, small-animal rooms, and off-site events; the position has a risk of injury.
• Perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• General interest in animal welfare, animal sheltering, and public service.
• At least five years of experience in animal control or animal crimes, with a focus on investigations and/or training others in investigative techniques.
• Bilingual ability in English and another language is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced investigations and respond to animal-related cases, including dangerous animal, cruelty, and neglect cases.
• Provide training, mentorship, and expertise to strengthen investigative practices and outcomes within the department and region.
• Safely rescue, handle, and transport domestic animals and wildlife, and perform humane euthanasia when necessary in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Communicate with the public, coworkers, and government officials about animal-related laws, violations, corrective actions, and programs such as spay/neuter initiatives and rabies prevention.
• Gather evidence, prepare detailed investigative reports, issue summonses, and testify in court proceedings involving animal-related offenses.
• Collaborate with county agencies and external partners, including the Police Department, Department of Wildlife Resources, Fire and Rescue Department, Health Department, and Code Compliance.
• Conduct educational outreach promoting animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Provide direct care, enrichment, and support for animals in FCAS custody to ensure their health, safety, and well-being.
• Report to work during designated countywide unscheduled leave periods and emergency conditions, and participate in an on-call rotation that may require an immediate field response.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree