Animal Control Officer Supervisor/Sworn

Police Department

Full-Time, 12 Months

Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 15, VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Join a dedicated team of principled public servants that are committed to building leaders who inspire and achieving excellence through the practice of core values including innovation, diversity, learning, integrity, and stewardship. We are seeking an individual to serve the citizens of Albemarle County, Virginia as the Animal Control Officer Supervisor who is committed to partnering with the community and has demonstrated superior ability as a leader.

THE POSITION – ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER SUPERVISOR

The Animal Control Officer Supervisor is a first line supervisor responsible for the supervision, training, and direction of Deputy Animal Control Officers. They are responsible for directing the activities of the Deputy Animal Control Officers, regulatory activities, investigations, training and/or the performance of special services or duties at police headquarters. As a first line supervisor, the Animal Control Officer Supervisor has the responsibility of consistently monitoring the overall job performance of animal control personnel to ensure adherence to department policy and procedures. Performs routine protective service work in the enforcement of ordinances and laws regulating the health and safety of domestic animals within the County; does related work as required.

THE DEPARTMENT – POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) is a fully accredited agency dedicated to community engagement through geo-policing. In collaboration with others, the Albemarle County Police Department protects and promotes community safety, ensures the safe and orderly movement of traffic, and seeks solutions to any problems that create fear or threaten the quality of life in the county.  The Albemarle County Police Department was created in 1983 to assume primary responsibility for law enforcement. The department's present authorized strength is 140 sworn officers, 25 civilian employees, and a large volunteer workforce.

In 2012, the department divided Albemarle County into two separate geographic districts: The Jefferson District and the Blue Ridge District. When officers are assigned to their geographic districts, they are able to meet the specific needs of a community that is 726 square miles and has a unique blend of rural and urban developments. Our motto, “Protecting your future…today”, reflects throughout our three strategic goals: Geographic Based Policing, Regional Emergency Preparedness and Investing in our People. We believe these three pillars will leave this department and community better than when we found it.

To learn more about geo-policing in Albemarle County click here or visit www.ablemarle.org/police.

THE EXPECTATIONS

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducts Unit meetings;
• Inspects Deputy Animal Control Officers for appearance;
• Plans, schedules, supervises, reviews and evaluates work of subordinates;
• Maintains attendance, leave and other administrative records;
• Assists Deputy Animal Control Officers during investigations and at scenes and ensures applicable regulations and procedures are followed;
• Patrols the County to observe, supervise and instruct subordinate officers;
• Responds to major police, fire and accident calls;
• Reviews and critiques policies/procedures for Department use;
• Supervises Animal Related Crime Prevention activities and Community Events;
• Evaluates and provides quality control of incident reports;
• Receives and responds to complaints and requests for Police assistance;
• Organizes personnel and equipment to respond to the scene of emergencies and disturbances;
• Drafts general and special orders, training bulletins, etc.;
• Conducts staff studies to determine personnel allocations, beat area distribution and shift times;
• Performs related work as required. Impounds abandoned and stray dogs and other domestic animals and livestock;
• Patrols residential leash law areas and County parks;
• Enforces dog licenses and rabies vaccinations;
• Obtains warrants for violations of the Virginia Comprehensive Animal Laws and issues summonses as appropriate;
• Contacts owners of dogs having bitten someone, orders quarantine of such animals; creates a bite investigation report and follows up; returns animals to their owners;
• Receives and investigates citizens’ complaints relating to welfare, neglect and cruelty of dogs, cats, livestock and other domestic animals;
• Destroys injured and diseased wildlife;
• Responsible for keeping reports required by Virginia Department of Agriculture;
• Investigates kills of livestock and poultry to determine liability;
• Appears in court on a variety of cases involving enforcement of animal control laws and ordinances;
• Conducts dangerous dog investigations and assists in the registering of dogs that have been declared dangerous by the court;
• Participates in educational outreach programs;
• Works with other agencies and organizations responsible for the care and control of animals;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED; must be at least 21 years of age prior to completion of the training academy. Also requires a combination of education, training and experience equivalent to two years of continuous employment. College-level coursework or prior work experience in law enforcement, corrections or armed services preferred. Successful applicants must pass a written and a physical agility test; possess or be eligible for a valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia; be a U.S. citizen; have no conviction of felonies and/or habitual misdemeanors; and pass an extensive background investigation which includes a polygraph, psychological, medical and drug screening. Must also successfully complete appropriate training prescribed by the Commonwealth of Virginia (DCJS Certification) for this level of position and maintain the certification as required by DCJS and must complete a Basic Animal Control Certification course within first year of employment and maintain that certification while employed.

Effective performance in this position requires thorough knowledge of: Department operations, methods, policies, procedures and practices; relevant Virginia Code and County Ordinances; the local criminal justice system; local geography, roads and landmarks; report writing, record keeping, and scheduling; crime prevention; relevant community resources, services and activities; media relations; personal computers, networks, and the records management system. Skills and abilities as a supervisor to include: Leadership, enthusiasm, honesty and integrity; ability to analyze problems and adopt an effective course of action; ability to motivate, encourage, and reinforce the best work from others; mastery of the use of equipment; ability to provide clear and concise testimony in court; excellent emotional self-control; ability to deal firmly but tactfully with other employees and the general public; skill in good written and oral communications; skill in good interview and inquiry; skill in effective community relations; ability to work comfortably with all types of people; ability to maintain a strong client-service orientation; ability to handle multiple priorities, yet remain focused and get assignments done in a timely manner; ability to remember names, dates, numbers, and facts easily. General knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing the control of dogs, cats and domestic animals and the protection of livestock and fowl; general knowledge of the geography of the County; general knowledge of the care, control and handling of animals; ability to deal tactfully with the public.

Please review the automatic disqualifiers for this position at http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=police&relpage=3121

THE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Must successfully complete the Police Department physical; must be able to operate motor vehicle under normal and emergency conditions; requires extensive walking, standing, sitting, and frequent lifting; requires working in adverse weather; flexible hours; and stressful and sometime life threatening conditions; must carry a firearm and qualify at least annually with the weapon.

HIRING SALARY RANGE

The hiring salary range for this position is $44,578 - $53,494 per year depending on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA Non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy,§P-60..

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Tuesday, March 28, 2017, 5:00 p.m. EST

Learn more about Joining our Team by watching the video at: Join Our Team

Learn more about the County as a great place to live at: New Resident Guide

EEO/EOE