Animal Control Lieutenant

The Animal Control Lieutenant serves as a member of the management team for Regional Animal Services (RASKC) and is responsible for promoting the community service and animal welfare mission for RASKC both internally and to the public. Responsibilities include supervising Animal Control Sergeants. Specifically, coordinate workload priorities, cruelty case investigations and large-scale impoundments, address complaint response for public inquiries, recommend best practices for field operations, evaluate, develop, train and motivate staff and provide exemplary customer service.

We seek candidates who demonstrate a commitment to King County’s mission, vision, principals and goals for reforming animal services. Candidates will have the ability to influence culture change, be experienced in operating in an environment where there are high expectations of accountability, transparency and adherence to performance measurements and demonstrate an ability to meet high standards, demonstrate the necessary skills and abilities to manage a diverse body of employees in an environment that is dynamic and under a great deal of public scrutiny; and amenable to the idea that the program is currently evolving and will continue to evolve significantly in the next few years

The RASKC team provides pet shelter and field services to 24 cities and unincorporated King County. Their services include pet adoption, responding to animal assistance calls in the field, pet licensing and much more. Please join the RASKC team and help us fulfill our mission of ensuring the humane treatment of animals and the protection of the health and safety of the public.

• KEY DELIVERABLES AND EXPECTATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate skill and ability to: 

  • Operational Oversight; Ensure day-to-day field operations are efficient, effective, and aligned with agency policies, contract obligations and public service expectations.
  • Personnel Management; Supervise Animal Control Sergeants, Corporals, and Officers. Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective action when necessary. Lead recruitment, onboarding, and training of new staff.
  • Case Oversight and Quality Control; Review complex enforcement cases, including animal cruelty, dangerous dog determinations, and criminal investigations. Ensure thorough documentation and legal compliance in reports and evidence handling.
  • Interagency Coordination; Serve as liaison with law enforcement, fire departments, prosecutors, and public health. Represent RASKC at community events and meetings. 
  • Policy implementation and compliance; implement and enforce policies, procedures, and labor contract provisions. Monitor and ensure compliance with state and local laws.
  • Data Reporting and Analysis; Monitor data for trends in service calls, response times, bite incidents, and compliance rates. Prepare reports for leadership, city partners, and the public as required.
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response; Ensure team readiness for emergency or disaster response involving animals. Participate in drills and coordinate with Emergency Management teams.
  • Budget and Resource Management; Monitor use of equipment, vehicles, and other resources. Assist in procurement and inventory tracking for field operations.

   

• Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Proven experience in a supervisory or management role, preferably in animal control, animal welfare, public safety, or a regulatory enforcement setting.
• Experience motivating, and developing staff, including performance management, coaching, and fostering a positive team environment.
• Experience setting priorities, and making data-informed operational decisions.
• Demonstrated experience in managing sensitive personnel matters, including participation in or direct handling of human resources investigations, disciplinary processes, and conflict resolution.

• Proficient in interpreting and applying laws related to animal cruelty, public nuisance, dangerous animals, and potentially criminal behavior (e.g., RCW 16.52, local animal ordinances).
• Experience working directly and collaboratively with prosecutors, law enforcement, and courts in the development and prosecution of animal-related cases.

• Strong understanding of the legal process related to investigations (both criminal and noncriminal), infractions, citations, warrants, hearings, including proper evidence collection, photography, witness/victim interviews, report writing, and case presentation to prosecutors.
• Experience in public education, de-escalation techniques, and culturally competent service delivery.
• Ability to interpret data and produce clear, actionable summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience ensuring team compliance with safety standards, legal requirements, and ethical practices in field operations and shelter settings.
• Familiarity with labor contracts and experience working in unionized environments.

WORK SCHEDULE: The work week is 40-hours, typically Monday – Friday, and may include work on weekends, holidays, and on-call evening schedules. This position is covered by the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible and at times may be mandatory.

UNION REPRESENTATION: This position is represented by the Animal Control Officers Guild.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Must pass a pre-employment physical including the ability to perform moderate to difficult strenuous manual tasks including lifting animals weighing up to sixty (60) pounds on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to pass a background check/fingerprint check. 
• Have or be able to obtain a Euthanasia Drug Certification.
• Have or are able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License at the time of hire, with no moving violations within the past year.
• Must be able to work mandatory overtime, evenings, and holidays including on-call availability.

This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies for up to six months.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  This exciting opportunity is open to all qualified candidates. Please apply online at kingcounty.gov/jobs. A completed King County Application is required. If you have any questions, please contact Brittney Marzest at [email protected].

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Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.