Animal Protection Officer/Sworn

Animal Protection Officer/Sworn
Albemarle County Police Department
Full-Time, 12 months
Non-Exempt, VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

THE DEPARTMENT – ALBEMARLE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT:

The mission of the Albemarle County Police Department is to provide for the safety and security of our many diverse citizens and communities while protecting individual rights and delivering quality services.

The Animal Protection Officer/Sworn:

The Albemarle County Police Department is actively recruiting an Animal Protection Police Officer to join our team. The successful candidate will perform general duty police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Performs routine protective service work in the enforcement of ordinances and laws regulating the health and safety of domestic animals within the County; does related work as required. Officer duties involve an element of personal danger, and employees must be able to act without immediate supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. The Animal Control Supervisor or other superior makes specific work assignments, and work methods and results are checked through personal inspections, review of reports and discussions.

THE EXPECTATIONS:

Essential functions and responsibilities of Animal Protection Officer/Sworn include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Impounds abandoned and stray dogs and other domestic animals and livestock.
• Patrols residential leash law areas and County parks.
• Enforces dog licenses and rabies vaccinations.
• Obtains warrants for violations of the Code of Virginia, local ordinances and issues summonses as appropriate.
• Contacts owners of dogs having bitten someone, orders quarantine of such animals; creates a bite investigation report and follows up; returns animals to their owners.
• Receives and investigates citizen’s complaints relating to welfare, neglect and cruelty of dogs, cats, livestock and other domestic animals.
• Destroys injured and diseased wildlife.
• Responsible for keeping reports required by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• Investigates kills of livestock and poultry to determine liability.
• Appears in court on a variety of cases involving enforcement of laws and ordinances.
• Conducts dangerous dog investigations and assists in the registering of dogs that have been declared dangerous by the court.
• Participates in educational outreach programs.
• Works with other agencies and organizations responsible for the care and control of animals.
• Patrols the County to preserve law and order, to identify and solve problems, to prevent and discover the commission of crimes, to serve the public and to direct traffic and enforce motor vehicle laws.
• Answers calls and complaints involving fire, automobile accidents, neighborhood disturbances and other misdemeanor and felony crimes occurring in the County when directed.
• Secures crime scenes, administers first aid, conducts preliminary investigations, gathers evidence, obtains witnesses and makes arrests;
• Testifies in court in connection with arrests and citations.
• Conducts criminal investigations.
• Interviews/interrogates suspects, gathers information, and prepares detailed reports.
• Interviews persons with complaints and inquiries, attempts to make proper disposition, or directs them to proper authorities.
• Give advice on laws, ordinances, and general information to the public.
• Covers an assigned sector/beat in County with primary emphasis on community policing/problem solving.
• Maintains evidence and other property.
• Recruits applicants for police positions;
• Attends regular in-service training classes to maintain state certification.
• Performs crime prevention activities (security surveys, presentations to civic and business groups, etc.
• Conducts follow-up investigations.

Performs related tasks as required.

THE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED; must be at least 21 years of age prior to completion of the training academy. Also requires a combination of education, training and experience equivalent to two years of continuous employment. College-level coursework or prior work experience in law enforcement, corrections or armed services preferred. Successful applicants must pass a written and a physical agility test; possess or be eligible for a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia; be a U.S. citizen; have no conviction of felonies and/or habitual misdemeanors; and pass an extensive background investigation which includes a polygraph, psychological, medical and drug screening. Must also successfully complete appropriate training prescribed by the Commonwealth of Virginia (DCJS Certification) for this level of position and maintain the certification as required by DCJS and must complete a Basic Animal Control Certification course within first year of employment and maintain that certification while employed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

General knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing the control of dogs, cats and domestic animals and the protection of livestock and fowl; general knowledge of the geography of the County; general knowledge of the care, control and handling of animals; ability to deal tactfully with the public. Some knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures, or the ability to acquire this knowledge and apply it to specific situations; some knowledge of the geography of the County and the location of important landmarks and buildings, or the ability to acquire this knowledge rapidly; ability to deal courteously but firmly with the general public; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and to prepare clear and comprehensive reports; physical ability to perform job tasks; and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the general public.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:

Must successfully complete the Police Department physical; must be able to operate motor vehicle under normal and emergency conditions; requires extensive walking, standing, sitting, and frequent lifting; requires working in adverse weather; flexible hours; and stressful and sometime life threatening conditions; must carry a firearm and qualify at least annually with the weapon.

SALARY RANGE:

The hiring range for this position is $24.04 - $40.03 per hour. Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Wednesday, March 8th, 2023.