Introduction
Prince William County is a growing, diverse, and dynamic community located within easy commuting distance of Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. If you enjoy working with animals and the public, welcome a challenging and dynamic environment, and are committed to humane animal treatment, we encourage you to apply to the Prince William County Animal Services Bureau. We are seeking a Deputy Animal Control Officer to join our team of hard-working and caring staff who work to provide a high level of service for both our community members and our animals. The qualities most commonly identified by staff include a deep love for animals, strong leadership skills, and a dedication to helping care for those in need. Animal Control Officers enforce the Prince William County and State codes relating to the humane treatment and impounding of animals, as well as promoting and educating the public on common animal welfare issues that both directly and indirectly affect animals and/or citizens in Prince William County.
All interviews will be conducted in person at the Animal Services Center. The selected candidate will work out of the Prince William County Animal Shelter located just south of Manassas, VA.
About This Role
Animal Control Officers perform responsible work in the Animal Services enforce the Prince William County and State codes relating to the humane treatment and impounding of animals, as well as educating the public on common animal welfare issues that both directly and indirectly affect animals and/or residents in Prince William County.
Typical Tasks Performed Include
- Investigating complaints of violations of animal control-related laws and determining appropriate enforcement action.
- Writing police reports, preparing case files, and providing courtroom testimony.
- Handling a wide variety of breeds and species of animals, which may be sick, injured, or aggressive.
- Keeping appropriate records and producing reports relating to operations of the bureau, such as investigative reports, administrative reports, and state-mandated reports of accountability.
- Providing vaccinations and basic intake procedures to animals that have been brought to the Animal Services Center.
- Performing humane euthanasia and rabies testing preparation when necessary.
- Officers participate in rotating being on-call after regular working hours to handle emergencies.
To view our hiring standards, click here.
Minimum Education, Training And Experience Requirements
High school diploma or G.E.D. and 1 year of related experience in law enforcement and/or animal care experience.
Preferences
- 2 years of related experience in law enforcement and/or animal care experience.
- Familiarity with local and State Ordinances regarding animals.
- Work experience with the humane euthanasia of animals.
- Work experience in law enforcement.
- Ability to navigate difficult customer service situations including interactions with community members under high stress.
- General knowledge of characteristics, behaviors, appearances, and diseases of common breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
- General knowledge of the care, control, and handling of dogs and other animals.
- General knowledge of standard office equipment, including personal computers and applicable software.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently.
- Ability to analyze situations and adopt quick and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.
- Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, both orally and in writing.
Schedule Requirements
The Deputy Animal Control Officer works a 40-hour-per-week rotating schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and an on-call rotation. In the event of county closures, Deputy Animal Control Officers are designated as essential personnel and must report for duty as assigned.
Special Requirements
- May be subject to emergency callout after hours.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Must pass DMV check, polygraph, background investigation, and employment physical.
- Must be proficient in the operation of motor vehicles.
- Must successfully complete in-service State training mandated by Title 3.1, chapter 27.4 of the Code of Virginia, as prescribed, within the first year of employment, including euthanasia certification.
ENTRY SALARY RANGE: $29.06 - $34.19
We Also Offer Great Benefits Including
- Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
- 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans
- Paid Annual Leave
- Paid Personal Leave
- Paid Sick Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans
- Optional Group Life Insurance
- An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Career Development Opportunities
Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here PSLF for additional information.
NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click
here
Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Prince William County Government offers medical plans with corresponding pharmacy and basic vision coverage, as well as dental plans and a separate vision plan.
Full-time and part-time Prince William County Government employees are eligible to participate in our plans; however, the level and cost of benefits depends on the classification of the position.
The following positions do not accrue leave and are not eligible for holidays or other fringe benefits:
- Temporary
- Provisional
- Seasonal employees
Click on the link below to explore our plans and rates.
Prince William County Benefit Programs
01
By submitting this application, I understand the following: 1). Only the information provided on my application is used to determine my qualifications; 2). My resume will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application; 3). Only responses to Supplemental Questions that can be verified in my submitted education and work experience will be credited and 4). If selected, my employment dates will be verified back three (3) years (if applicable), with a required reference from my current or most recent employer.
- Yes, I acknowledge and understand the above statement and wish to continue in this process.
- No, I do not wish to proceed any further in this process.
02
Honesty and integrity are core values in police work. False statements, lying, knowingly providing inaccurate information, as well as the misrepresentation of facts will not be tolerated. The information you provide below will be checked and validated. If this information is found to be false, it may lead to you being removed from the hiring process and REJECTED from further consideration.
- I understand and acknowledge the above standard in furnishing the most accurate information in the applicant hiring process with the Prince William County Police.
- I decline to proceed any further in this process.
03
This position requires a high school diploma or G.E.D. Select the choice that best describes your highest level of completed education.
- Bachelor's Degree or higher in a field related to the care of animals
- Associate's Degree in a field related to the care of animals
- Some College
- High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- None of the above
04
This position requires 1 year of related experience. Please quantify your years of experience in law enforcement and/or animal care.
- More than 4 years
- 3-4 years
- 1-2 years
- Less than 1 year
05
All employees considered for hire by the Police Department are subject to a Polygraph Examination and to a thorough Background Investigation (Federal clearances do not substitute for either). Would you be willing to participate in both these processes?
06
Are you willing and able to work a rotating schedule that includes holidays, weekends and overnight on call responsibilities?
07
From the options below, select the response that best represents your highest level of completed experience in professionally caring for and handling animals.
- 5 years or more of job-related experience in caring for and handling animals.
- 4 years of job-related experience in caring for and handling animals.
- 3 years of job-related experience in caring for and handling animals.
- 2 years of job-related experience in caring for and handling animals.
- 1 year of job-related experience in caring for and handling animals.
- Less than 1 year of job-related experience in caring for and handling animals.
08
Please describe your level of skill in handling aggressive and/or scared animals.
- EXPERT-Has worked with a variety of different types of species of animals in a facility, such as a shelter, veterinarian clinic, boarding facility, pet store, etc. and Is proficient in the use of a catch pole or other safety equipment to handle aggressive animals; Good understanding of canine and feline body language and how to detect precursors to aggressive behavior, familiarity with different types of aggressions and triggers for it; Proficient in leash handling and other methods of restraint.
- SKILLED-Has worked with a variety of different species of animals and is familiar with the use of different safety tools to handle aggressive animals; Understanding of canine and feline body language and signs to look for to detect aggressive behaviors and familiarity with different types of aggression and triggers for it; Has proper leash handling skills and experience in other methods of animal restraint.
- BEGINNER-Is familiar with different species of animals and their normal behaviors; Has basic leash handling skills and familiar with other types of restraint; Has a basic understanding of canine and feline body language and signs to detect aggression and some ability to recognize aggressive behaviors .
- No skill in handling aggressive and/or scared animals.
09
Which best describes your proficiency with identification of dog breeds?
- Broad Knowledge of Common and Exotic
- Familiar with Most
- Some Familiarity
- None
10
Which best describes your proficiency with the identification of cat breeds?
- Broad Knowledge of Common and Exotic
- Familiar with Most
- Some Familiarity
- None
11
Please quantify your years of experience in a customer service-related field.
- 5 years or more of customer service experience
- 4 years of customer service experience
- 3 years of customer service experience
- 2 years of customer service experience
- 1 year of customer service experience
- Less than 1 year of customer service experience
12
Have you had any experience with the euthanasia of animals?
13
If you have experience with the euthanasia of animals, identify the type of setting. Please select all that apply.
- Working in an Animal Shelter environment participating in euthanasia
- Working in a Veterinary clinic
- Working on a farm, for livestock and/or fowl
- Hunting
- Personal pets
- No experience with the euthanasia of animals
14
Please describe your level of experience in the handling and care of Livestock.
- Expert-Has worked with a variety of different types of species of livestock, either on a farm, with a veterinary practice or at an animal shelter, and Is proficient in the use of ropes, halters and lead ropes and safety equipment used to handle livestock; Good understanding of livestock body language and how to detect precursors to aggressive or passive behavior, familiarity with different types of aggressions and triggers for it; Proficient in rope handling and other methods of restraint. Able to recognize illness in livestock and is familiar with treatment.
- SKILLED-Has worked with a variety of different species of livestock and is familiar with the use of different safety tools to handle livestock; Has proper rope handling skills and experience in other methods of animal restraint.
- BEGINNER-Is familiar with different species of livestock and their normal behaviors; Has basic rope handling skills and familiar with other types of restraint; Has a basic understanding of livestock body language and signs to detect aggression and some ability to recognize aggressive behaviors.
- No skill in handling livestock.
15
Please describe your level of experience in the handling and care of Wildlife.
- EXPERT-Has worked with a variety of different types of species of livestock, either on a farm, with a veterinary practice or at an animal shelter, and Is proficient in the use of ropes, halters and lead ropes and safety equipment used to handle livestock; Good understanding of livestock body language and how to detect precursors to aggressive or passive behavior, familiarity with different types of aggressions and triggers for it; Proficient in rope handling and other methods of restraint. Able to recognize illness in livestock and is familiar with treatment.
- SKILLED-Has worked with a variety of different species of livestock and is familiar with the use of different safety tools to handle livestock; Has proper rope handling skills and experience in other methods of animal restraint.
- BEGINNER-Is familiar with different species of wildlife and their normal behaviors; Has basic handling skills and familiar with equipment used for handling; Has a basic understanding of wildlife and their care.
- No skill in handling wildlife.
- Required Question
