Job Summary

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.

Job Functions

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

Qualifications

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

Working Conditions & Disclaimer

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications as required of employees assigned to this job.

Culpeper County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Culpeper County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

County Of Culpeper Benefits

Full-time employees have access to a wide variety of benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, life insurance, optional life and disability insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, and a deferred compensation program.

RETIREMENT As a condition of full-time employment, each individual is enrolled in a retirement plan with the Virginia Retirement System that provides a monthly benefit to all retirees for life. VRS Plans 1 and 2 and the VRS Enhanced Hazardous Duty plans are defined benefit plans. The VRS Hybrid plan consists of both a defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan.

All individuals are required to contribute 5% of their gross salary to their retirement account each month as a condition of employment.

LIFE INSURANCE The County of Culpeper provides a basic life insurance plan for all eligible employees. The coverage amount is an employee's annual salary, rounded up to the next highest thousand, then multiplied by 2. The County pays 100% of the cost of this benefit. Additional coverage may be purchased.

MEDICAL INSURANCE The County offers two (2) medical plans: an HMO & an HSA.

DENTAL INSURANCE The County offers three comprehensive dental plans for employees and their eligible dependents.

HOLIDAY/VACATION/SICK ACCRUALS The County follows the state calendar for paid holidays. Vacation and sick accrual depend on the agency, office, or department in which an individual is employed.

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE The County currently utilizes a merit pay system to determine employee salary increases. This does not apply to Culpeper Human Services.

SHORT TERM DISABILITY The County offers basic income protection in the event an employee is unable to perform the essential functions of his or her position. The County pays for this coverage for all VRS members.

LONG TERM DISABILITY The County also offers additional income protection that will continue beyond the short term disability period until an employee is able to return to work or reaches retirement age. This coverage is provided for a nominal cost to employees covered under VRS Plans 1 and 2 and the VRS Enhanced Hazardous Duty plan. This coverage is provided at no cost to all employees covered under the VRS Hybrid plan.

VOLUNTARY INSURANCE PROGRAM The County offers voluntary insurance programs through a variety of insurance carriers. These include:

Accident Plan

Cancer Plan

Whole Life Insurance

Critical Illness Plans

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT The County offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) that allows employees to set aside up to $2,500 annually, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deductions, to pay for eligible medical, dental, or vision expenses. The IRS regulates this program and runs concurrently with the benefit plan year.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The County offers a Dependent Care Assistance Program that allows employees to set aside up to $5,000 annually, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deductions, to pay eligible dependent care expenses. The IRS regulates this program and runs concurrently with the benefit plan year. Open enrollment is held annually.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION The County offers a 457 as another alternative to set aside money for retirement.

This employer uses E-Verify

For more information please go to: http://www.uscis.gov

County of Culpeper

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