Division Director of Animal Control

Frederick County Government•Animal Control - Frederick, MD

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Frederick County Division of Animal Control is a dedicated, community-centered agency committed to protecting both animals and residents through compassionate service, humane enforcement, and meaningful outreach. Our mission is to prevent cruelty, abuse, and neglect of animals in Frederick County by enforcing all state, county, and city ordinances. We shelter homeless animals and place them in safe, loving home environments, while educating the public on key animal-related issues to foster a more aware, responsible, and caring community. Guided by these values, the Division works every day to ensure high-quality animal welfare, strengthen public safety, and support positive connections between people and animals across Frederick County. Frederick County Government is seeking a purpose-driven, community-focused professional to serve as the Division Director for the Division of Animal Control, an innovative leader prepared to guide a progressive vision for Animal Control and equip staff to deliver humane enforcement, exceptional animal care, and effective community education throughout the County. This professional, administrative, and supervisory position directs all aspects of the Division’s operations, including humane law enforcement, shelter management, public outreach, and the overall planning and coordination of animal control functions. The Division is committed to reducing animal intake, preventing unwanted litters, and maintaining a compassionate, high-standard approach to animal welfare. The Director will also serve in a critical leadership role during emergencies and community events involving animals or sheltering operations. Supervision is provided to the Deputy Director, specialized managers, Animal Control Officers, and administrative staff, and received from the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. This position serves at the pleasure of the County Executive.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Biology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field
Minimum of 9 years of animal care, animal control management or shelter operations experience
Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience
Minimum of 2 years of budget experience
Possession of a valid driver’s license
Master’s Degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Biology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field with 7 years experience as described above which must include at least 3 years of supervisory experience and 2 years of budget experience
Extensive knowledge of Federal, State, local and municipal laws and regulations governing the enforcement and control of animals and fowl, related DEA policies and requirements, relevant sections of the Frederick County Code and Maryland State Code
Extensive knowledge of requirements for animal care and well-being which includes animal behavior for domestic animals, horses, livestock, exotics, and wildlife
Extensive knowledge of management practices and procedures, including those related to planning, budgeting, personnel, purchasing and acquisitions, contracts and capital improvement expenditures, and general administration
Demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to staff development
Ability to effectively supervise and evaluate the performance of division staff
Ability to effectively administer the division budget and to compile and analyze detailed fiscal and statistical information
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, related boards, co-workers, and the public
Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, including the ability to make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
Ability to effectively access and utilize Microsoft 365 and other systems and equipment, and to learn new software as it is required
Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
Ability to obtain rabies pre-exposure vaccinations after start of employment (at County expense)
Discretion and good judgment in dealing with politically sensitive, confidential and personal information with ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and resolve complex issues
Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear, concise reports and presentations

Nice To Haves

Municipal animal shelter/facility work experience
Current DEA Registration Permit for Controlled Dangerous Substances
Animal-cruelty investigative experience

Responsibilities

Lead with innovation by staying current on industry standards and best practices, incorporating emerging trends and evidence-based approaches into Division planning
Develop, execute, and modify the Division’s Strategic Plan and set the overall direction for the Division through prioritizing projects; provide long and short-range goals and plans for program departments
Using an outcomes-based budgeting approach guide, oversee the development and monitoring of the Operating and Capital Budgets, present to the County Executive and the County Council
Align budgeting with the division’s strategic plan and the County’s goals and priorities
Provide comprehensive leadership over all personnel management functions, including hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, and promoting staff; maintain required records, ensure accurate payroll and timekeeping, monitor staffing needs, and direct professional development to support a high-performing workforce
Promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging practices within the Division; confer with the Chief Equity and Inclusion Office to identify and execute strategies to ensure that all programs are designed and delivered using equitable practices; communicate values and expectations to management staff through policy creation, practice, and guidance; identify mechanism to monitor and evaluate efforts
Oversee and coordinate all investigative efforts involving animal cruelty, neglect, and dangerous dog cases, including evidence collection and the preparation of Statements of Probable Cause, Statements of Charges, and related documentation; work closely with law enforcement, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and, when needed, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and represent Animal Control in court proceedings
Respond to media inquiries on behalf of Frederick County Animal Control
Serve as liaison between Frederick County Government, Frederick Friends of Our County Animal Shelter (FFOCAS), the Frederick County Humane Society, Animal Welfare League and groups interested in the rights and protection of animals
Stay current on changes to federal, state, and county regulations and ensure the Division and its facilities remain fully compliant by monitoring programs and operations for adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies
Develop and supervise standard procedures for facility operations and public relations
Prepare and maintain required operational, data, and statistical reports, including those mandated by the U.S. Department of Justice – Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Maryland State Department of Agriculture – State Board of Veterinary Examiners
Develop, implement, and oversee standard procedures for facility operations and public relations; evaluate Division functions to identify opportunities for quality improvement and innovation; and analyze Division and system-wide service delivery to make and implement policy, procedure, and operational decisions that enhance efficiency and service outcomes
Provide executive oversight of the procurement, inventory management, dispensing, and recordkeeping of controlled dangerous substances, chemical cleaning agents, animal foods, and inoculations, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards, accurate documentation, and safe, responsible stewardship of all materials essential to shelter operations and humane enforcement activities
Complete training and applications necessary to obtain and maintain a DEA Registration Permit for Controlled Dangerous Substances
Oversee the construction and renovation of the Animal Control Pet and Adoption Center by managing scope, monitoring all phases of progress, coordinating with contractors and architects, ensuring uninterrupted core operations and animal welfare, reviewing and assisting with change orders, monitoring quality, and regularly reporting project status to county leaders, elected officials, animal welfare advocates, and constituents
Perform other related duties as required