Animal Control Officer (Sworn)

Description

Application Deadline: 05/16/23 5:00 PM EST

TO APPLY: to view the complete job information and to apply, visit our employment website listed. Applications are only accepted online through the City of Charlottesville employment page and must be submitted prior to the listed closing date and time. Click here to apply online. 

The preferred hiring range is between $24.07 and $30.21 an hour ($50,065.60 to $62,836.80 annually).  Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City’s retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the ‘benefits’ tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City’s Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

This is a sworn position in the Charlottesville Police Department that serves as the City’s Animal Control Officer. This position is primarily responsible for performing routine protective service work in the enforcement of local ordinances and state laws regulating the keeping of animals within the city. The position will perform general duty police work protecting and serving all citizens through fair and impartial enforcement of laws and ordinances. General work consists of routine patrol and preliminary investigation related to animal control services in the designated patrol district. The Animal Control Officer responds to citizen complaints, prepares reports, serves warrants and makes arrests, and provides information to the public and department units. Does related work as required.  Duties involve a degree of personal risk and exposure to uncontrolled and/or unpredictable conditions that requires the officer to exercise independent judgement during emergency situations. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Sergeant.

Special Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age by police academy graduation.
• Must be a US citizen or be a permanent resident alien who, in accordance with the requirements of the USCIS, is eligible and has applied for citizenship (proof is required).  Note: an application for waiver of minimum qualifications (citizenship) must obtained and approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
• By employment start date, possession of a valid appropriate driver’s permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Must successfully complete the police academy and field training.
• Must obtain and maintain: Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services; Certification in the Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN); Certification in firearms proficiency.
• Must successfully complete the basic animal control course, as approved by the Code of Viriginia, within one year from the date of hire; as well as obtain necessary re-training.
•  Must be able to successfully and satisfactorily pass all phases of the screening process, to include but not limited to a written exam, physical agility test, oral interviews, completion of a comprehensive background investigation, a polygraph exam, psychological and medical exams, and pre-employment drug screening.
  • Written examination may be waived for currently Certified Law Enforcement Officers.
• Must sign a Condition of Employment Agreement acknowledging the prohibition of the use of tobacco products on and off duty.

 
Automatic Disqualifiers: The following automatic disqualifiers will cause the processing of the applicant to be immediately discontinued:

• Any felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions of domestic violence, sex offenses, or crimes involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to perjury, larceny, embezzlement, check fraud, or income tax evasion.
• Convicted of DUI or Hit & Run in the past 3 years.
• Use of marijuana after date of application, regardless of location of use (includes states/countries where usage may be legal).
• No non-prescription/unauthorized drug use after date of application, including but not limited to Adderall, Xanax, etc.
• Pattern of illegal use or misuse of prescription drugs in the last 3 years.
• Illegal experimental use of club drugs, such as Ketamine, GHB, Rohypnol, MDMA (Ecstasy), steroids, mushrooms, peyote, or aerosols within the last 3 years.
• Experimental use of any schedule I, II, III, or IV drug within the last five (5) years not covered above.
• Dealing (as an adult): manufacturing, cultivation, supplying, transporting, distributing, or selling any controlled, illegal or dangerous substance other than marijuana.
• Military dishonorable discharge or bad conduct discharge.
• Under criminal investigation or have criminal charges pending.
• Any previous revocation or denial of certification as Police Officer or a suspension of current certified status.
• Any body art, tattoo, or other modification (such as branding or gauges) that violates departmental policy.
• Failure to provide a fully completed, honestly reported, Personal History Statement.

The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Values Diversity at All Levels of its Workforce.

Skills Required

Skills: General knowledge of the laws, ordinances and regulations governing the control of domestic and wild animals. General knowledge of the care, control, and handling of dogs and other animals. Ability to recognize rabies symptoms and some knowledge of the methods and procedures to be followed. General knowledge of police methods, practices, and procedures necessary to effectively interact with the public, victims, suspects, and officers of other agencies. General knowledge of the geography of the city and location of important buildings and landmarks, or ability to acquire this knowledge. General knowledge of state laws, city codes and ordinances, and departmental regulations; or ability to acquire this knowledge. Ability to learn and become proficient in the use of firearms and other equipment used in the performance of essential duties. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instruction, and to prepare clear, concise reports. Ability to effectively communicate with all persons and deal tactfully and courteously with the public. Ability to exercise good judgement in stressful situations and analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine a proper course of action. Ability to safely use motor vehicles. Ability to maintain high levels of ethical standards and demonstrate a high level of integrity and be truthful at all times.