Animal Services Officer

Are you passionate about animal welfare and ready to make a meaningful impact in our community? Join our team as an Animal Services Officer (ASO) in the newly created Field Services Division of Fairfax County Animal Services!

About Us:
With a population of 1.2 million people, our community is rich with companion animals, livestock, and diverse wildlife, making every day as an ASO 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 entry-level position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of animal welfare and public safety, with a clear path for growth and advancement to higher-level positions as the division expands. Leadership roles within the division will be available soon. 

What You’ll Do:
Animal Services Officers are responsible for enforcing the animal control laws and regulations in Fairfax County. As an ASO, you’ll be directly involved in essential responsibilities such as capturing stray animals, rescuing sick or injured wildlife, investigating cases of animal cruelty and dangerous animals, and responding to animal bites and exposure incidents. Additionally, you will educate the public, provide vital resources to the community, and, when necessary, perform humane euthanasia, all while making a tangible impact on both animal welfare and public safety. 

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:

• Investigate and respond to a wide range of animal-related complaints, including dangerous animals, animal cruelty and neglect, and rabies control.
• 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, 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. 

Flexibility is required, as the role may include working shifts and/or being reassigned to different department facilities as necessary.  

This job announcement may be used to fill future full-time Animal Services Officers (Animal Control Officer I) vacancies. 

 Salary: The salary offer will be in the minimum to midpoint ($55,789.55 to $74,386.00) of the advertised compensation range. Promotional rules apply for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees. Eligible employees certified as using a second language in their job (35% or more of their worktime) may receive a foreign language stipend in the amount of $1,300 annually where scheduled work time is more than 20 hours per week ($650 annually when scheduled work time is 20 hours or less per week). 

Schedule: Schedule will vary depending on staffing levels and department needs as Animal Services Officers are considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster). Required to work early mornings, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays.

 Why Join Us?

• 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.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or a GED issued by a state department of education.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• 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 within 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. 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A general interest in animal welfare, animal sheltering, and public service.
• Two (2) years of experience in one of the following areas:
• Animal handling or animal care, preferably within facilities such as animal shelters or veterinary clinics; or
• Public-facing work, such as community outreach or criminal justice. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 over 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 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.