Animal Control Officer

General Description

The purpose of this job is to conduct protective service work responding to animal control calls, investigating animal bites, preparing and maintaining records and files, and performing related work as assigned. This job enforces animal control laws and ordinances.
This position works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

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  Travels the County and enforces state and county animal laws; conducts door to door canvasses ensuring dogs are properly vaccinated and registered; investigates cruelty complaints; investigates claims of suspected rabies and animal bites.
• Responds to requests for service; destroys, captures and confines stray, injured, diseased and destructive animals; sets up and maintains traps; captures and quarantines animals as appropriate.
• Issues warnings and summons for ordinance related violations; prepares and presents information in court.
• Transports stray animals for impoundment; transports animals to the vet; administers medications; operates microchip scanner.
• Prepares and maintains files, records and reports; maintains lost and found records.
• Euthanizes animals; disposes of carcasses.
• Gathers information and educates animal owners.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent supplemented by one (1) year of experience working with animals; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Physical Demands:
Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing and raising objects and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.
• Electrical shock; Heights.
• Radiation; Disease/pathogens.
• Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
• Other extreme hazards not listed above.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving history.
• Certification as Basic Animal Control Officer within one year of employment
• Certification as a Special Conservator of the Peace within one year of employment
• Qualification and certification with all required firearms within 60 days of issuance
• Possession of or ability to obtain euthanasia certification within one year of employment
• Possession of or ability to obtain drug administration certification from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the State Board of Pharmacy within one year of employment.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

Dinwiddie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Dinwiddie County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

This position is eligible for the County's employee benefit package.

Miscellaneous Information

Job Location: Dinwiddie, Virginia