Animal Services Investigator (Animal Control Officer III)

Are you passionate about animal welfare and making a real difference in the community? Join Fairfax County Animal Services as an Animal Services Investigator in our newly established Field Services Division!

About Us:
With a population of 1.2 million people, our community is rich with companion animals, livestock, and diverse wildlife, making every day both challenging and rewarding. Our department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and residents in Fairfax County. With two shelter campuses, we care for 4,000-5,000 animals annually and maintain a consistent live release rate of over 90%.

This specialized position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of animal welfare and public safety.

What You'll Do:
In the Animal Services Investigator (ASI) role, you will enforce animal control laws and regulations by conducting complex investigations into cases of animal cruelty, dangerous animals, and other technical animal matters. As an ASI, you will serve as a leader within the department, providing expertise and guidance while working to protect both animals and the community. You will also act as a trainer and resource for the public and regional agencies, helping to promote responsible animal ownership and improve community safety. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day by advancing animal welfare, safeguarding public safety, and strengthening the bond between people and animals in Fairfax County.

For more information about a career with Field Services, visit here. To learn more about Fairfax County Animal Services, please visit our webpage here.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct advanced investigations and respond to a broad range of animal-related cases, including dangerous animals, cruelty and neglect.
• Serve as a leader within the department and region by training others and strengthening the quality of investigations.
• Safely rescue and transport domestic animals and wildlife safely, and perform humane euthanasia when necessary, ensuring the well-being of the animals and the community.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with the public, fellow employees, and officials, explaining ordinances, violations, corrective actions, and programs such as spay/neuter initiatives and rabies control.
• Gather evidence, prepare detailed reports, issues summonses, and provide testimony in court related to animal-related offenses.
• Collaborate with various Fairfax County agencies, including the Police Department, Department of Wildlife Resources, Fire and Rescue, Health Department, Code Compliance, and others.
• Conduct educational outreach to promote animal welfare and inform the community about responsible pet ownership and local ordinances.
• Provide direct care and enrichment for animals within the Shelter, ensuring their safety and well-being.

• Be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference for animals and the community.
• Enjoy a challenging, rewarding career with clear opportunities for growth.
• Contribute to a department known for its innovative practices and high standards in animal welfare.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description. The Illustrative Duties of previous Animal Control Officer levels are also required.)

Supervises animal services and control teams;
Handles complex animal services and control cases;
Implements policies and procedures;
Ensures compliance and documentation;
Coordinates and manages special events;
Provides field support and backup;
Develops and conducts training programs;
Represents the department in legal and community matters;
Maintains equipment and vehicles;
Responds to emergencies.

Animal Services Investigator:
Conductscomprehensive investigations;
Enforces animal welfare laws;
Prepares and presents legal cases;
Coordinates with law enforcement and agencies;
Develops and implements investigation strategies;
Engages in public education and outreach;
Maintains accurate records and documentation;
Provides expert consultation and support;
Responds to emergency animal welfare situations;
Develops and maintains professional knowledge.

(The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of Animal Control Officer levels are also required.)

Knowledge of animal welfare laws and regulations;
Knowledge of investigative techniques;
Knowledge of supervisory and management principles;
Knowledge of animal behavior and handling;
Skill in crisis management and problem-solving;
Skill in communication and public relations;
Skill in training and development;
Skill in managing administrative and operational tasks;
Ability to supervise effectively;
Ability to analyze and interpret data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Graduation from an accredited college or university with associate's degree in animal science, veterinary science, zoology, wildlife management, or law enforcement; plus, three (3) years in law enforcement, military service, animal services, animal control, or other animal-related experience involving animal care and handling; including at least one (1) year of related experience in a team lead or supervisory role.

• Valid Driver's License (Required at the time of application)
• Certification in Animal Control Officer (ACO) Basic Training, approved by the Virginia State Veterinarian's Office, is required within 12 months of employment, with recertification required every 36 months.
• Virginia Humane Euthanasia Competency Certification is required within six (6) months of employment, with recertification required every 36 months.
• Virginia Chemical Capture Competency Certification within six (6) months of employment, with recertification required every 36 months.
• Fear Free Shelter Certification is required within three (3) months of employment, with recertification as required.
• Certification in long rifle firearms proficiency is required within six (6) months of employment, with recertification every 24 months.
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification is required six (6) months of employment, with recertification required every 24 months.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification is required within six (6) months of employment, with recertification required every 24 months.
• First Aid certification is required within six (6) months of employment, with recertification required every 24 months.
• Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN) is required within six (6) months of employment, with recertification every 24 months.

• This position is considered Emergency Service Personnel to ensure the continuity of essential operations, and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).
• The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer:

• A general interest in animal welfare, animal sheltering, and public service.
• At least five years of experience in animal control or animal crimes, with a focus on conducting investigations and/or training others in investigative techniques.

• Ability to work effectively in emotionally charged and/or highly stressful situations.
• Ability to work outdoors as well as indoors and be subject to variable weather conditions and exposure to potentially infectious diseases, viruses, noxious fumes and chemicals or allergies, as well as wetness and moisture. Must not have allergies to animals or animal supplies (ex: hay, peanut butter, etc.) that will impede working in an animal environment.
• Create materials and operate equipment necessary to complete work tasks.&
• Drive county or personal vehicle to travel throughout Fairfax County and other jurisdictions to meet the ongoing business needs of the organization.
• Engage with residents, businesses, visitors, staff, volunteers, and others in person, via e-mail, and on the phone. Deliver presentations and/or testify in person and virtually.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions (reasonable accommodation may be made on a case-by-case-basis).
• Must be able to work a shift work schedule which includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays; shift work schedule is subject to change; and on-call rotation that includes evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday hours which may require immediate response into the field. This position is considered "Emergency Service Personnel" and must report to work and drive an animal control vehicle in emergency conditions and on holidays.
• Must have current pre-exposure rabies vaccination or obtain within three (3) months.
• Must have the ability to safely capture/impound, lift, carry, handle, move, and restrain animals of various species, sizes, conditions, and temperament including fractious and dangerous animals over 100 pounds; negotiate various terrain, bend, stand, stoop, kneel, reach, crawl, climb stairs, walk, sit, run, and be comfortable doing these activities for extended periods of time; hear, speak, touch, feel, smell, see with close vision, depth perception, color vision, adjust focus; frequently exposed to loud noises above 95 decibels such as barking of dogs and other animal noises; and firmly grasp, handle, feel and have wrist extension and rotation on a frequent basis. Maneuver safely in/on resident/business property, kennels, dog play yards, cat rooms, small animal room, off-site events, etc. This is a physically demanding occupation with the risk of injury.
• Must possess the ability to manage criticism and hostility from the public with tact and good judgment.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.?

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov. EEO/AA/TTY.

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Requisition 25-01771