Under limited supervision, leads, manages, and directs all operations of the County’s Animal Services Department, including the Animal Shelter and Animal Control Unit. Responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws while promoting public safety, humane animal care, and community engagement.

Provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, fiscal management, and supervision of staff and volunteers. Serves as the County’s primary authority on animal services operations and enforcement matters.Leadership & Administration

Directs and manages daily operations of the Animal Shelter and Animal Control Unit
Develops, implements, and evaluates department programs, procedures, and policies
Establishes operational goals aligned with County priorities
Ensures full compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Prepares regulatory reports, compliance documentation, and operational data summaries

Budget & Fiscal Oversight

Develops and administers annual department budget
Monitors expenditures and ensures responsible fiscal stewardship
Reviews and approves invoices and purchasing
Manages inventory of supplies, equipment, medications, and animal food
Oversees accounting and submission of shelter donations, adoption fees, and related revenues

Personnel Management

Supervises full-time, part-time, and volunteer personnel
Recruits, hires, trains, evaluates, and disciplines staff as necessary
Develops work schedules and assigns responsibilities
Submits payroll and ensures accurate personnel documentation
Promotes a culture of professionalism, accountability, and safety

Animal Shelter Operations

Oversees intake, housing, care, behavioral assessments, adoption, transfer, return-to-owner, and euthanasia procedures
Coordinates veterinary care, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, and quarantine observation
Ensures proper storage, administration, and disposal of euthanasia drugs and related equipment
Conducts routine inspections of shelter facilities and systems
Oversees maintenance of filtration, ventilation, cleaning systems, and medical equipment

Animal Control & Enforcement

Directs and supports animal control operations and call response
Reviews investigations and criminal cases; testifies in court as required
Performs duties of Animal Control Officer as necessary
Investigates complaints and enforces local and state animal ordinances
Educates citizens on animal laws and humane treatment

Community Relations & Public Engagement

Serves as department representative to citizens, community groups, and partner organizations
Supports nonprofit partnerships related to shelter operations
Develops volunteer programs and training initiatives
Responds to citizen inquiries and public records requests as applicable

Reporting & Documentation

Prepares and reviews reports including:
- Revenue summaries
- Shelter statistics
- Calls for service
- Intake and disposition reports
- Euthanasia documentation
Maintains required logs and incident reports

Education & Experience

Associate’s degree in animal science, public administration, criminal justice, or related field
Minimum of 5–8 years of progressively responsible experience in animal control, shelter operations, or related enforcement work
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Special Requirements

Valid Virginia driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Must qualify as a sworn Animal Control Officer (if applicable)
Ability to obtain firearms, euthanasia, DEA, and Board of Pharmacy certifications (if required by locality)
Must be bondable and pass background investigation

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Extensive knowledge of animal shelter management and animal control enforcement
Knowledge of local ordinances and state regulations governing animal services
Knowledge of humane care, disease control, and occupational safety practices
Ability to supervise, lead, and evaluate staff effectively
Strong judgment and decision-making skills
Ability to manage complex situations involving aggressive animals or enforcement actions
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to operate animal control equipment, vehicles, and standard office technology

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in both office and field environments. May include exposure to violence, animal bites, bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and traffic hazards.

County of Culpeper

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Director Of Animal Services