Animal Services Officer (Animal Control Officer I)

Fairfax County • Fairfax (Ej13), VA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Animal Services Officer (ASO) in the newly created Field Services Division of Fairfax County Animal Services. This entry-level position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of animal welfare and public safety, with a clear path for growth and advancement to higher-level positions as the division expands. Leadership roles within the division will be available soon. Fairfax County Animal Services cares for 4,000–5,000 animals annually and maintains a consistent live release rate of over 90%.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or a GED issued by a state department of education.
• Driver's License (Required)
• Certification in Animal Control Officer (ACO) Basic Training, approved by the Virginia State Veterinarian s Office, is required within 12 months of employment, with recertification required every 36 months.
• Virginia Humane Euthanasia Competency Certification is required within six (6) months of employment, with recertification required every 36 months.
• Virginia Chemical Capture Competency Certification within six (6) months of employment, with recertification required every 36 months.
• Fear Free Shelter Certification is required within three (3) months of employment, with recertification as required.
• Certification in long rifle firearms proficiency is required within six (6) months of employment, with recertification every 24 months.
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification is required six (6) months of employment, with recertification required every 24 months.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification is required within six (6) months of employment, with recertification required every 24 months.
• First Aid certification is required within six (6) months of employment, with recertification required every 24 months.
• Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN) is required within six (6) months of employment, with recertification every 24 months.
• The appointee to this position will be required to complete criminal background check, driving record check, psychological examination, and pre-employment medical evaluation to the satisfaction of the employer.
• Must have current pre-exposure rabies vaccination or obtain within three (3) months of hire.
• Positions within this class are considered “Emergency Service Personnel” and must have the ability to report to work in emergency conditions and on holidays.
• Ability to work effectively in emotionally charged and/or highly stressful situations.
• Ability to work outdoors as well as indoors and be subject to variable weather conditions and exposure to potentially infectious diseases, viruses, noxious fumes and chemicals or allergies, as well as wetness and moisture.
• Must not have allergies to animals or animal supplies (ex: hay, peanut butter, etc.) that will impede working in an animal environment.
• Create materials and operate equipment necessary to complete work tasks.
• Drive county or personal vehicle to travel throughout Fairfax County and other jurisdictions to meet the ongoing business needs of the organization.
• Engage with residents, businesses, visitors, staff, volunteers, and others in person, via e-mail, and over the phone.
• Deliver presentations and/or testify in person and virtually.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions (reasonable accommodation may be made on a case-by-case-basis).
• Must have the ability to safely capture/impound, lift, carry, handle, move, and restrain animals of various species, sizes, conditions, and temperament including fractious and dangerous animals over 100 pounds; negotiate various terrain, bend, stand, stoop, kneel, reach, crawl, climb stairs, walk, sit, run, and be comfortable doing these activities for extended periods of time; hear, speak, touch, feel, smell, see with close vision, depth perception, color vision, adjust focus; frequently exposed to loud noises above 95 decibels such as barking of dogs and other animal noises; and firmly grasp, handle, feel and have wrist extension and rotation on a frequent basis.
• Maneuver safely in/on resident/business property, kennels, dog play yards, cat rooms, small animal room, off-site events, etc.
• This is a physically demanding occupation with the risk of injury.
• Must possess the ability to manage criticism and hostility from the public with tact and good judgment.

Nice To Haves

• A general interest in animal welfare, animal sheltering, and public service.
• Two (2) years of experience in one of the following areas: Animal handling or animal care, preferably within facilities such as animal shelters or veterinary clinics; or Public-facing work, such as community outreach or criminal justice.
• Bilingual in English and another language.

Responsibilities

• Investigates and responds to a wide range of animal-related complaints, including dangerous animals, animal cruelty and neglect, and rabies control.
• Safely rescues and transports domestic animals and wildlife safely, and perform humane euthanasia when necessary, ensuring the well-being of the animals and the community.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with the public, fellow employees, and officials, explaining ordinances, violations, corrective actions, and programs such as spay/neuter initiatives and rabies control.
• Gathers evidence, prepare detailed reports, issues summonses, and provides testimony in court related to animal-related offenses.
• Collaborates with various Fairfax County agencies, including the police department, fire and rescue, health department, code compliance, and others.
• Conducts educational outreach to promote animal welfare and inform the community about responsible pet ownership and local ordinances.
• Provides direct care and enrichment for animals within the shelter, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Benefits

• Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
• Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act.

What This Job Offers

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