Animal Services Officer (Animal Control Officer I)

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!

This job opportunity is being reannounced. Previous applicants need not reapply.

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:

• Investigates and responds to a wide range of animal-related complaints, including dangerous animals, animal cruelty and neglect, and rabies control.
• Safely rescues and transports domestic animals and wildlife safely, and perform humane euthanasia when necessary, ensuring the well-being of the animals and the community.
• Communicates 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.
• Gathers evidence, prepare detailed reports, issues summonses, and provides testimony in court related to animal-related offenses.
• Collaborates with various Fairfax County agencies, including the police department, fire and rescue, health department, code compliance, and others.
• Conducts educational outreach to promote animal welfare and inform the community about responsible pet ownership and local ordinances.
• Provides direct care and enrichment for animals within the shelter, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Flexibility is required, as this role may involve working various shifts, changes in shift days and times, and reassignment between department locations based on operational needs.

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 ($56,905.26 to $75,873.41) 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.

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

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:
  • Criminal Background Investigation 
  • Driving Record Check 
  • Pre-employment Medical Evaluation 
  • Psychological Examination

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.