Deputy Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Are you looking for a proactive, compassionate leadership role combining animal welfare and law enforcement? Loudoun County's Department of Animal Services (LCAS) located in Leesburg, Virginia, is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Deputy Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO). Join a team of twelve highly motivated, enthusiastic Officers working for a progressive, nationally recognized agency in a jurisdiction that is very supportive of our department's mission. Annually we respond to over 5,000 calls for service and every day as an HLEO in Loudoun County is different, challenging, and exciting, as our population of 450,000 people coexist with thousands of companion animals, livestock, and wildlife.

The successful candidate will respond to a variety of requests for service and will provide excellent humane law enforcement services to the community, enforcing state and local laws, educating the public about proper animal care, and rescuing sick or injured animals of all species, including wildlife as well as prepare and present cases in court on a monthly basis. This position supervises the day-to-day operations of the Humane Law Enforcement division assisting with calls for service, oversight of, and engagement in complex investigations and prosecutions; and reviews HLEO team investigation reports for accuracy and completeness. Standard work shifts will be Monday through Friday but may include a rotation of early mornings, days, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call as needed to maintain operational integrity. A successful candidate will have experience in animal cruelty investigations, wildlife, firearms, equine management, technical animal rescue, courtroom presentation, disaster response, and other related topics. Training our officers in the latest and most advanced procedures and techniques to carry out their duties of protecting the animals and citizens of Loudoun County is a top priority of the command staff. This position will help plan, develop and execute training to ensure officers are prepared to handle all aspects of their position and engage with a number of partner agencies throughout Virginia and the United States to optimize departmental relationships and performance. LCAS Humane Law Enforcement Officers work as sworn, armed officers within the Department of Animal Services, which also includes the animal shelter, receiving 2,300 animals/year with a 94% live release rate.

Hiring salary commensurate with experience.

This position is eligible for a relocation incentive of up to $4,000 and additional compensation is available for proficiency in Spanish language.

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Criminal Justice or related field; four (4) years of related work experience involving public contact and care of domesticated animals including livestock and including one (1) year of supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience or training in Virginia animal control/law enforcement preferred. Must possess a valid driver's license. Spanish bilingual strongly preferred, with proficiency incentive available.

Successful candidate will undergo fingerprinting, a criminal background and DMV check and physical examination, to include a drug screening and psychological exam.

Humane Law Enforcement is a physically demanding occupation with the potential for exposure to infectious diseases, viruses, noxious fumes and chemicals, as well as risk of injury. A rabies pre-exposure vaccination series will commence immediately upon hire unless proof of prior vaccination is provided. Must have the ability to handle large and potentially dangerous animals over 100 pounds. Candidate will become a sworn Humane Law Enforcement Officer and will complete state mandated animal control training. Must obtain certification in euthanasia within six months of employment. Candidate will also be required to obtain certifications in CPR, First Aid, Incident Command System 100 & 200, and qualifications to use authorized firearms.