Job Announcement

Provides law enforcement and public safety services to the community with regards to state and local animal control and game laws and ordinances. Patrols designated areas, using department vehicle. Apprehends stray animals (domestic and agricultural); rescues sick or injured wild and domestic animals. Coordinates with county Health Department to investigate incidents of animal bites and human exposure. Evaluates and investigates cases of alleged animal cruelty. Issues uniform summonses, enforces game laws, ordinances, effects arrests and testifies in court. Euthanizes animals as required.

Required to work a varied shift schedule: Day shift: 0600 - 1730 - Evening Shift: 1300 - 0030. Work days alternate weekly: (1st week: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 2nd Week: Wednesday and Thursday).

**Academy Training is primarily Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.**

This is a sworn law enforcement officer position. Applicants that are selected for hire must successfully complete six months of initial training at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy.

Illustrative Duties

• Responds to complaints and emergencies involving domestic animals and wildlife as directed by mobile display terminal, radio, or telephone;
• Patrols the streets for stray and/or unlicensed animals, impounds them, and takes them to the Animal Shelter;
• Investigates a variety of animal related cases including animal bite, animal cruelty, complaints of excessive noise caused by animals;
• Ascertain the facts in the animal related cases, secure evidence for the arrest, searches for and apprehends the offenders;
• Interviews suspects and offenders of animal related cases;
• Prepares reports on investigations, offenses, arrests, and activities involving domestic animals and wildlife;
• Performs field euthanasia of injured and sick animals as necessary by means of chemical injections or a firearm;
• Coordinates with State Veterinarian to provide immediate care for sick or injured animals;
• Prepares detailed investigative summaries for presentation in court and coordinates with prosecuting attorneys and witnesses for court testimony;
• Make arrests or issues uniform summons to persons found violating animal control and protection laws and ordinances;
• Assists other personnel of the Police Department and those of other agencies such as the Health Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Sheriff's Office and Zoning Enforcement, with animal problems upon request.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and skill in the handling and gross examination of domestic and wild animals with minimum exposure to risk of injury to self or others;
• Knowledge of animal welfare laws and ordinances as well as basic animal care;
• Knowledge of modern methods and practices of criminal investigation and identification;
• Knowledge of departmental rules and regulations;
• Knowledge of the geography of the county;
• Skilled in the use of firearms;
• Ability to effectively communicate with persons of all ages and walks of life;
• Ability to remember names, faces, and details;
• Ability to comprehend and execute complex oral and written directions;
• Ability to exercise good judgment in stressful situations;
• Ability to write clear, concise, and understandable reports of investigations and other assigned activities;
• Ability to successfully complete chemical immobilization training and receive a certification;
• Good physical condition;
• Keen sense of observation;
• Ability to maintain a high level of ethical standards;
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and be truthful at all times.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to high school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education.

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")

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate or higher degree in law enforcement, public administration or related field. Prior law enforcement or military experience. Prior training in animal control or animal health. Current law enforcement officer certification in the Commonwealth. Professional working proficiency, or higher, in a foreign language or American Sign Language (Proficiency level to be evaluated).

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license at the time of appointment. By the end of the probationary period, must possess the following:

• Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services;
• Certification of successful completion of a basic animal control course as approved by the Code of Virginia;
• Certification in the Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN);
• Certification in firearms proficiency;
• Certification in chemical immobilization and Euthanasia.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a citizen of the United States;
• Must be 20 years old, or within 180 days of 21st birthday at time of application;
• Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation, a polygraph examination, a psychological examination, and a physical ability test prior to appointment;
• Must be able to perform essential job functions (reasonable accommodation may be made on a case-by-case-basis);
• Must have never committed, been involved in, or been convicted of, a felony or serious misdemeanor;
• Must be of good character and reputation;
• Incumbents shall not use any tobacco products on and off duty starting at the time of appointment. The incumbent must be willing to sign a Condition of Employment Agreement acknowledging the prohibition of the use of tobacco products both on and off duty.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work requires ability to negotiate various terrain, sit, crouch, walk, and run in order to capture/impound animals and perform public safety work as required. Ability to obtain Class A medical rating prior to appointment and pass physical requirements at academy. Ability to use issued equipment/vehicle. Ability to lift, move or carry up to 50 pounds. All duties accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Successful completion of all background requirements and final interview with Personnel Resources Division Commander or his designee. Note: multiple positions maybe filled with this recruitment. This recruitment is listed as "open continuous." Interested applicants are advised to submit their application in as soon as possible. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be reviewed or considered.

It is the policy of Fairfax County Government to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability 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. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.