Animal Services Officer

Chesterfield County, VA•Chesterfield, VA

47d•Onsite

About The Position

Training to include a 3-week Animal Services Officer Academy as well as firearms training, pepper-spray training, self-defense tactics, and the operation of a county vehicle. Respond to complaint calls related to animals; investigates complaints, and as necessary, captures and impounds unlicensed, stray and uncontrolled animals. Use specialized equipment to capture animals and wildlife to include catch pole and trapping devices; investigates reports of animal bites, cruelty and neglect; observes areas of alleged violations and interviews available witnesses to determine if laws are being violated. Testifies in court. Cleans shelter, feeds and supplies water to animals. Answers questions and provides information on the animal control program. Conducts tours. Prepares state and local reports as required. Perform other work as required. This position is part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) and offers career progression opportunities and salary incentives, as funding permits, based on performance, qualifications, and experience.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age
High school diploma or GED; one year of experience involving work with animals; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
Some knowledge of animals and animalsand animal behavior
Some knowledge of the safe and humane methods of capturing and controlling animals
Some knowledge of geography of the County
Some knowledge of state laws as they pertain to animal control violations
Ability to investigate complaints
Ability to capture and control animals
Ability to operate firearms
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Good driving record required. Must not reflect a total accumulation of more than six demerit points in the past twelve months or a DUI conviction in the past four years
Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required
This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug testing and alcohol testing. The use of illegal drugs, and/or the use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited. Employees must not consume or be under the influence of alcohol while on duty, on work premises, or operating agency equipment
This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the US Department of Justice's "Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy" and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent criminal background check
Must be a US citizen or be a lawful permanent resident eligible for naturalization

Responsibilities

Respond to complaint calls related to animals
Investigates complaints
Captures and impounds unlicensed, stray and uncontrolled animals
Use specialized equipment to capture animals and wildlife to include catch pole and trapping devices
Investigates reports of animal bites, cruelty and neglect
Observes areas of alleged violations and interviews available witnesses to determine if laws are being violated
Testifies in court
Cleans shelter
Feeds and supplies water to animals
Answers questions and provides information on the animal control program
Conducts tours
Prepares state and local reports as required
Perform other work as required