Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y? Respect. Equity. Accountability. Diversity… You!!!

With over 4,000 employees, the City of Richmond is an "Employer of Choice" among cities throughout the nation. The City strives to hire and retain employees who bring dedication and talent to the workforce. At the City of Richmond, we understand that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for fostering creativity, enhancing problem-solving, and driving success. As an "Employer of Choice," the City offers competitive compensation and benefits packages, ongoing learning and development opportunities, and a supportive and inclusive work environment. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply. Welcome aboard!

Are you Richmond R.E.A.D.Y?!

The City of Richmond Animal Care and Control is seeking dynamic, enthusiastic, and hardworking candidates for the position of Animal Control Officer. The incumbent will be responsible for investigating complaints, picking up stray and dead animals, patrolling the city for violations of animal ordinances which may include aiding animals in distress, transporting stray animals to the kennel, and caring for kenneled animals.

The selected candidate must be able to address citizen inquiries and inform citizens of animal control laws and have the ability to humanely tranquilize and euthanize unhealthy animals and wildlife. Richmond Animal Care and Control is committed to being an employer of choice, and we are dedicated to the growth of our workforce. We value our employees and seek to attract and retain the best. We are also committed to individual professional growth! The selected candidate will have the opportunity to attend applicable training and educational workshops.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Enforcing the Animal Welfare Laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Codes for the City of Richmond pertaining to animals to ensure the health and safety of the public.
• Conducting and coordinating, and sometimes assisting other City Agencies, with independent investigations of incidences of cruelty to animals and enforcing the appropriate City and State codes.
• Responding to requests for assistance with aggressive animals.
• Assisting residents with dangerous wild and/or exotic animals, such as snakes, raccoons, opossums, etc.
• Responding to calls for assistance regarding the potential exposure to rabies.
• Providing animal care, vaccinations, and medications for animals.
• Performing euthanasia and lab specimen preparation.
• Investigating citizen complaints related to companion animal concerns.
• Assisting residents with their companion animal's needs and concerns.
• Educating the public regarding responsible pet ownership and care requirements.
• Preparing reports and records on a daily basis.
• Composing court records and files and testifying in court regularly.
• Responding to the need for service as an emergency responder.
• Updating animal/client records to reflect the most current status and information available.
• Driving a City of Richmond vehicle.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

This position may require working weekends and holidays, as needed. This position is considered an Essential Personnel, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather.

Qualifications, Special Certifications, and Licenses:

Considerable knowledge of:

• Animal behavior and handling.
• Animal control laws.
• Aggressive animal handling.
• Basic knowledge of animals, including different breeds and types.
• Electronic databases and related software applications such as the shelter intake system; Shelterbuddy; licensing laws.

Demonstrated skill in:

• Understanding and appreciating animals.
• Capturing and impounding dangerous or stray animals.
• Answering calls regarding animals in the City.
• Communicating with various internal and external departments.
• Enforcing licensing laws.
• Ensuring animal owners are in compliance with the animal control laws.
• Identifying different breeds and types of animals.
• Investigating cases of animal cruelty.
• Maintaining a professional attitude and a positive relationship with citizens.
• Using communication skills to de-escalate situations.
• Providing expert testimony in court cases.
• Providing humane care to animals.
• Rescuing trapped animals.
• Using a variety of animal control equipment such as control pole leash, animal trap, nets, mace, gloves, snake and cat tongs, etc.
• Using discretion to decide whether to seize an animal from a location pending an investigation.
• Using discretion to decide whether to issue a summons to citizens or provide them a chance to come into compliance.
• Writing reports such as an incident report.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Be compassionate.
• Follow standard procedures and established practices to resolve problems.
• Communicate.
• Make judgments.
• Multi-task.
• Problem solve.
• Work well with a team.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience handling animals and/or enforcing animal laws.

An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None required.