Job Description

Posting number: 202603062

Department: Animal Services

Job classification: Animal Service Officer II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Animal Services, Customer Service

Summary

Cumberland County Animal Services is seeking an Animal Services Officer II to help protect animals, promote public safety, and serve our community. This experienced role performs the full range of Animal Services Officer duties, including responding to animal-related calls, investigating complaints, enforcing ordinances and state laws, and supporting animal welfare initiatives. The Animal Services Officer II also provides guidance, mentoring, and technical assistance to fellow officers and may handle more complex or challenging calls requiring advanced experience and judgment. If you are passionate about animal welfare and ready to serve as a resource and leader within the team, we invite you to apply!

Examples of duties

• Responds to public inquiries and service requests by phone and in person; explains applicable animal services ordinances, laws, and procedures.
• Investigates animal-related complaints and violations, including animal cruelty, neglect, bites, and potentially dangerous animals, with minimal supervision.
• Collects and preserves evidence, photographs, and documentation; prepares thorough case files, reports, and records in the Chameleon database.
• Issues citations and notices for violations of applicable county and municipal ordinances and prepares required documentation for the chain of command.
• Testifies in court and at Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeal Hearings regarding investigations and enforcement actions.
• Safely captures, secures, impounds, transports, and maintains the welfare of animals, including aggressive animals, in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs euthanasia and rabies vaccinations as authorized and required.
• De-escalates high-stress situations and works collaboratively with 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, and other agencies to resolve animal-related concerns and maintain safety.
• Provides guidance, mentoring, and technical assistance to Animal Services Officer I staff on proper procedures, documentation, and report completion.
• Maintains professional communication and teamwork while using two-way radios and Animal Services 10-codes; exercises sound, objective judgment and performs physically demanding duties, including lifting up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED and one (1) year of experience as an Animal Services Officer I; or three (3) years of experience in a public safety position involving the handling and care of animals in a professional environment.

Employees must have NACA certification for ACOI at time of hire.

Employees must have Fear-Free certification, Certified Euthanasia Technician, Rabies Vaccinator, and Red Cross First Aid certification for animals and humans at time of hire.

Employees must have completed pre-exposure rabies vaccine series or show proof of prior vaccination against rabies and have an adequate titer.

Management Preference:

Significant experience in handling animals of various species in a professional work environment.

Supplemental information

• Knowledge of Animal Services terminology used within the department as such pertains to work responsibilities.
• Knowledge of state and local Animal Services regulations related to animal cruelty, control, care and disease prevention.
• Ability to use automated office systems in the performance of administrative duties.
• Skilled with interpersonal customer service skills to address controversial situations or negotiation of sensitive issues.
• Ability to move, lift and restrain large animals humanely.
• Ability to administer medication and injections to animals.
• Ability to work in an environment that may be stressful, in outside conditions/inclement weather, while maintaining the mission and values of the Animal Services Department.
• Ability to understand the occupational hazards and safety precautions required to perform the essential functions of the work.
• Ability to lead and train others.

Conditions of Employment:

Employees must obtain NACA certification for ACOII within 12 months.

In accordance with Session Law 2025-16, candidates selected for positions involving work with children in any capacity will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.