Under the supervision of the Community Services Lieutenant, apprehends, confines, cares for and disposes of stray and unlicensed animals; and performs all other duties as assigned.

Enforces animal control laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Fairfax.

Investigates animal related violations; responds to animal related complaints; investigates possible rabies exposures. Responds to calls for sick/injured wildlife.

Manages and coordinates animal adoptions; keeps animal adoption web sites up to date with currently available animals; run special events including adoption clinics and our department booth at Fall Festival.

Manages other social media sites such as Facebook and the animal control section of the City's website.

Mediates and advises citizens how to cohabitate with local wildlife; provides public education on animal related issues.

Issues summons for animal related violations; testifies in court on animal related cases.

Investigates complaints received by telephone, e-mail or personal contact concerning the control of animals running at-large, neglect, cruelty, excessive barking, animal bites, etc.

Exercises independent judgment in the proper handling of cases.

Patrols the streets for stray and/or unlicensed companion animals and takes them to the animal shelter if necessary.

Assists in the location and return to the owner of lost animals and the proper disposition within a prescribed time frame of those animals.

Notifies owners when their animals are running at-large.

Confers and cooperates with the Health Department and other local and regional agencies concerned with animal complaints/problems such as public health.

Euthanizes animals, when necessary, in accordance with the State Veterinarian Regulations.

Checks on reported animal bites and oversees the case to ensure the animal has current rabies vaccines and is confined as prescribed by Health Department regulations.

Maintains records as required.

Assists with public education concerning animal control laws.

Releases animals to owners when appropriate.

Captures sick/injured wildlife and disposes of them according to law.

Updates the City and Petfinder websites with information on an adoptable animal.

Completes PD-104 Incident Reports and other related documents on calls for service when required.

The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.

U.S. Citizenship required at time of application.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of and interest in small animals.

Comfortable handling companion animals and various types of wildlife.

Considerable knowledge of good safety practices dealing with the handling of animals.

Skill in the operation of a large pickup Truck with utility body.

Skill in the operation of a two-way radio.

Ability to learn how to use Animal Capture devices.

Ability to learn and deal with local and regional agencies involved in animal care.

Ability to establish and maintain a satisfactory, effective working relationship with other employees and the public.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to learn the geography of the City.

Ability to prepare clear, concise reports.

Ability to learn, understand, and enforce animal laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Fairfax.

Additional Desirable Qualification:

Ability to communicate effectively in a second language.

Certified Virginia Animal Protection Police Officers or Animal Control Officers preferred.

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Requires a driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must maintain a safe driving record.

Requires completion of basic animal control academy.

Hours: Monday – Sunday on a set rotation. Subject to callout.

Conditions of employment include successful completion of a background investigation which includes drug history and a polygraph exam. Must pass a physical exam by a City elected physician. Although individuals with minimum qualifications may apply, those with the highest levels of job related experience, education and qualifications will receive favorable consideration.

City of Fairfax

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Animal Control Officer