Deputy Sheriff - Animal Control Officer (ACO)

Stafford County•Stafford County, VA

About The Position

Performs intermediate protective service work enforcing County ordinances regulating the keeping of animals. The work involves an element of personal danger and is performed under the regular supervision of the Animal Control Sergeant. The position is designated as essential and must report during local government or agency closures. The employee is subject to call back and hold over to maintain minimum staffing 24/7 and must be available any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. The position pays $29.36 per hour, or $61,078.78 annually with no prior road patrol experience. Credit is given at a 1:1 rate for years of Virginia DCJS road patrol law enforcement service, up to 10 years or 50%, whichever is greater. The stated salary range is $61,078.78–$112,021.10. Additional compensation may be earned through shift schedule, night differential, holiday, and premium pay. The successful applicant must complete physical abilities testing, an interview, a polygraph examination, a full background investigation including a criminal history check, a physical examination, a psychological examination, and drug and alcohol testing. Stafford County deputies must reside in Virginia and possess a valid Virginia driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Driver's license valid in Virginia.
Must obtain and maintain all Stafford County Sheriff's Office and State Criminal Justice System training and education requirements for the position.
Must be a United States citizen.
Must be at least 21 years old prior to academy graduation.
Must reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia and obtain a valid Virginia driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency.
Must complete physical abilities testing, interview, polygraph examination, full background investigation including a criminal history check, physical examination, psychological examination, and drug and alcohol testing.
Thorough knowledge of laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the control of dogs.
General knowledge of the care, control, and handling of dogs and other animals; ability to recognize rabies symptoms and some knowledge of applicable methods and procedures.
Some knowledge of police methods, practices, and procedures; general knowledge of County geography and the locations of important buildings; and some knowledge of Sheriff's Office rules and regulations.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and prepare clear, comprehensive reports.
Ability to deal courteously, firmly, and tactfully with the public; analyze situations; and adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action with due regard to hazards and circumstances.
Physical agility and endurance; skill in the use of firearms and operation of a motor vehicle.
Possess all qualifications required by the Code of Virginia, the Department of Criminal Justice Services, and the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including occasional exertion of 100 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds, constant exertion of up to 20 pounds, and occasional lifting or dragging of 165 pounds for short distances.

Responsibilities

Respond to animal control calls and patrol to observe animal violations.
Pick up animals running loose and sick or injured animals.
Receive and investigate citizen complaints about dogs and other animals during regular working hours and after hours.
Impound abandoned and stray dogs and other animals.
Provide public information concerning County ordinances.
Carry out euthanasia procedures.
Investigate and process dog bite cases.
Prepare and maintain appropriate records, files, and reports.
Feed and water animals at the shelter and clean kennels.
Set up traps.
Assist the humane officer.
Issue summonses and appear in court on cases involving enforcement of Animal Control Ordinances.
Perform related tasks as required and other law enforcement duties as assigned.