Animal Services Officer

Chesterfield County • Chesterfield, VA

4h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for responding to complaint calls related to animals, investigating complaints, and capturing and impounding unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals. The role involves using specialized equipment for animal and wildlife capture, investigating reports of animal bites, cruelty, and neglect, and observing areas of alleged violations while interviewing witnesses. The officer will also testify in court, clean the shelter, feed and water animals, answer questions about the animal control program, conduct tours, and prepare required reports. This position is part of an approved Career Development Plan (CDP) offering career progression and potential salary incentives based on performance, qualifications, and experience. The work location is Chesterfield County.

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 animal behavior.
• Some knowledge of the safe and humane methods of capturing and controlling animals.
• Some knowledge of the 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.
• Must not have a DUI conviction in the past four years.
• Pre-employment drug testing required.
• FBI criminal background check required.
• Education/degree verification required.
• Must be a US citizen or a lawful permanent resident eligible for naturalization.
• Must pass a more stringent criminal background check due to CJIS Security Policy requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Training to include a three-week Animal Services Officer Academy.
• Firearms training.
• Pepper-spray training.
• Self-defense tactics training.
• Operation of a county vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Respond to complaint calls related to animals.
• Investigate complaints.
• Capture and impound unlicensed, stray, and uncontrolled animals.
• Use specialized equipment to capture animals and wildlife, including catch poles and trapping devices.
• Investigate reports of animal bites, cruelty, and neglect.
• Observe areas of alleged violations and interview witnesses to determine if laws are being violated.
• Testify in court.
• Clean shelter, feed, and supply water to animals.
• Answer questions and provide information on the animal control program.
• Conduct tours.
• Prepare state and local reports as required.
• Perform other work as required.

Benefits

• Career progression opportunities
• Salary incentives (as funding permits)

What This Job Offers

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