Chief of Animal Control

Salary : $96,236.00 Annually

Location : La Plata, MD

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2023-00638

Department: Emergency Services

Division: ES – Animal Control

Opening Date: 05/17/2023

Closing Date: 6/11/2023 11:59 PM Eastern

Summary
Performs a variety of administrative and supervisory duties relative to the planning, organizing, and directing of the operations of two (2) divisions of Charles County Government, Charles County Animal Control Services and the -County Animal Shelter. Administers the services and programs that are provided by the animal shelter and animal control and acts as liaison between community groups, private agencies, and other local, state, and federal governmental jurisdictions. Overall goals are set, and the worker determines the specific tasks and assignments to be performed, independently handling new, unusual problems and deviations encountered in the work.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversees the daily operations of the Animal Control Division in accordance with Federal, State and County laws, regulations, procedures, and policies.
• Oversees the daily operations of the -County Animal Shelter Division in accordance with Federal, State and County laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Oversees the ordering of inventory and record keeping of controlled dangerous substances according to the standards of the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Maryland State Department of Agriculture’s State Board of Veterinary Examiners.
• Coordinates the budget, operation and services provided by the Tri-County Animal Shelter with and through the Boards of County Commissioners of Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties individually and collectively.
• Keeps abreast of related changes in Federal, State and County Laws and Regulations and assures that both divisions’ procedures are in full compliance.
• Directs the operation, maintenance and repair/replacement of vehicles and equipment.
• Requisitions supplies and equipment and monitors inventory.
• Provides assigned staff with goals and objectives; establishes schedules and methods for staff to accomplish these goals and objectives.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for two divisions.
• Selects staff, provides, or coordinates staff training, evaluates personnel, works with employees to correct deficiencies, and implement disciplinary procedures.
• Evaluates operations and activities of assigned responsibilities and recommends improvements where needed.
• Evaluates County and State Laws pertaining to domestic animals and recommends improvements and/or changes to the appropriate legislative authority.
• Plans, prioritizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff involved in the animal control and sheltering divisions including the prosecution of violators of animal control ordinances and laws and the impounding, releasing, adoption and/or euthanasia of unwanted, stray, or dangerous animals.
• Develops, administers, and enforces animal control/licensing/sheltering programs, rabies testing and regulations and procedures for Charles County.
• Develops, administers, and updates the Charles County Emergency Response Plan, Animal Response Team in accordance with State guidelines
• Provides for the immediate care and control of domestic animals during disaster situations; minimizes animal suffering and human anguish by establishing and setting up temporary animal shelters and food for companion and farm animals during disasters; provide for emergency veterinary care to companion and farm animals injured during a disaster and provides a system for returning animals to their owners after the disaster event is over.
• Acts as advisor to the Charles County Animal Matters Hearing Board. Serves and responds to court and Animal Matters Hearing Board summonses and represents County at Court and Animal Matters Hearing Board hearings. May serve as an Expert Witness.
• Provides veterinary services, care and feeding of Police, SAR, and Service dogs during disaster events. Educates the public on proper animal rare, wildlife concerns and animal control regulations. Develops and administers County-wide program for capture of wild animals for the purposes of testing them for rabies.
• Develops, justifies, and administrates the budgets for both divisions; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for assigned personnel and equipment: monitor and control expenditures.
• Supervises and reviews the recording of all citations issued; assist staff in the investigation and preparation of formal complaints for court action against violators of ordinances and laws; prepares case files; assembles necessary documentation; submits and discusses cases with the County Attorney’s Office and the Office of the State’s Attorney as appropriate.
• Administers County-wide programs on 24-hour 7 day/week emergency animal on-call services, emergency animal rescue and animal first aid programs.
• Investigates complaints against personnel, makes determinations and provides recommendations to Department of Human Resources on disciplinary actions.
• Acts in assigned, non-animal related, Emergency Support Function positions in the Emergency Operations Plan for Charles County during disaster events.
• Participates as a working member of the County’s Emergency Management Team.
• Performs as Animal Control Officer, if necessary.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in related field. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in animal control/sheltering field; with two (2) of the years in a supervisory position, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Licenses or Certifications:
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Possess and maintain a valid Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC) card.
Certification in humane euthanasia.
Certification in chemical immobilization (tranquilizer) equipment and use.
Completion of Charles County Leadership Academy (within one (1) year)
Completion of East Coast Animal Control Academy
Hazardous Materials Awareness Training
Completion of NIMS IS-100, IS-200, ICS 300, ICS 400, IS-700, IS-800, IS-2200, IS-10, IS-011, & IS-111.

Special Requirements/Qualifications:
Satisfactory Results on Pre-Employment Back-Ground Investigation Required
Must be willing to receive Rabies pre-exposure vaccinations, Hepatitis-B vaccinations and Tetanus vaccinations and maintain an acceptable titer in all.
Must be able to successfully “FIT TEST” and utilize (SCBA) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and level “C” type HazMat gear/suit.
Must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends when necessary; be available on an on-call basis; work irregular duty assignments; wear a uniform and safety equipment; work outside in inclement weather; work under undesirable and hazardous conditions; conform to departmental grooming standards; work alone; attend educational sessions as required; travel out of town for one day or more. Candidate must be familiar with and able to use the language/codes/jargon of various public safety agencies.
Employee is required to attend evening meetings and is subject to work beyond normally scheduled hours and to work weekends and holidays.
Employee is subject to emergency callback.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION, AND EMPLOYEES IN THIS POSITION ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of effective methods and procedures of organizing and implementing animal control and animal sheltering programs.
• Knowledge of effective methods of controlling and containment of domestic animals.
• Knowledge of effective methods of capturing wild animals for rabies testing.
• Knowledge of effective methods of supervision.
• Knowledge of laws governing animal control and sheltering programs.
• Knowledge of legal liabilities and responsibilities of those concerned with the enforcement of animal control regulations and State criminal laws. This is to include but not limited to Due Process and Constitutional Rights with special regard to the 4th Amendment concerning protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
• Knowledge of Emergency Support Functions (ESFs), their matrixes and their roles in the Emergency Operations Center and Emergency Operations Plan for Charles County.
• Knowledge of various breeds of animals and their care and feeding.
• Knowledge of related policies and procedures of the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Maryland State Department of Agriculture’s State Board of Veterinary Examiners.
• Ability to organize, implement and supervise animal control and animal shelter operations and activities.
• Ability to train staff members in the use of chemical capture, bite sticks, traps, various other types of control and capture equipment, evidence collection, courtroom preparation and procedures, chemical defense, and inventory procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and atmospheres with others encountered in the work.
• Ability to operate an emergency response vehicle in a safe manner.
• Ability to operate a vehicle while towing another; maneuver a towed vehicle forward and backwards into unusual or tight places.
• Ability to deal courteously with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is sedentary with frequent periods of moderate to heavy physical activity, and is performed in office, field settings and outside in varying weather conditions. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; Walking over rough uneven terrain; lift and carry up to 100 pounds; climb stairs, ladders and scaffolding; bend, kneel, crouch and crawl; reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; feel the size, shape and temperature of items; restrain others through physical force for the purposes of defense; physically restrain aggressive animals; use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards; and requires the ability to speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing, and to detect odors.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is subject to frequent interruptions. Worker is subject to greater than average exposure to zoonotic diseases (transferred from animals to humans) including Rabies, Ringworm, Rocky Mounty Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease, Cat Scratch Fever, Brucellosis, Tularemia, Leptospirosis, West Nile Encephalitis, and others. Worker is subject to greater than average exposure to adverse environmental conditions, temperature, weather and noise extremes, traffic hazards, toxic agents, human violence, pathogenic substances, animal attacks and/or animal bites. Worker has regular contact with emotionally upset, hostile, threatening, violent and uncooperative people. Worker has regular contact with members of the media.

Department/Division: Department of Emergency Services/Animal Control

Pay Grade: 120

FLSA Status: Exempt

Telework Eligible: Yes

Reports to: Deputy Director of Emergency Services

Supervises: Animal Control Lieutenant, Animal Care Support Specialist, Animal Shelter Manager

BENEFITS AT A GLANCE
Benefits eligibility is for employees who work 30+ hours/week unless noted below

For more information about benefits visit:

13 PAID HOLIDAYS

EMS EMPLOYEES RECEIVE 6 CORE HOLIDAYS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

ANNUAL LEAVE

• Begin employment by accruing 8 hours a month (sliding scale based on hours worked)

SICK LEAVE

• Accrue 7.5 hours a month (sliding scale based on hours worked)

TRANSFER OF SICK LEAVE

• May receive credit for up to 400 hours of accrued, but unpaid, sick leave from previous employer when they begin employment

PAID TIME OFF (PTO)

• Employees working 1950 hours per year recieve 30 hours of PTO
• Employees working 2080 hours per year recieve 36 hours of PTO
• Employees working 2184 hours per year recieve 36 hours of PTO

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

• Up to 6 weeks of paid leave after birth/adoption of child

HEALTH INSURANCE – County PAYS 70% of cost (sliding scale based on hours worked)

• Blue Choice Advantage, Prescription & Vision
• Blue Choice HMO Open Access, Prescription & Vision
• CareFirst Dental
• Delta Dental

RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE – Health Reimbursement Arrangement. New hires who elect health insurance coverage with Charles County Government (CCG) will be enrolled in a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Account (VEBA). Upon retirement or separation from employment, you will be able to use the funds in the VEBA account to pay for your health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses. You are required to contribute $30.80 per pay period (via payroll deduction). CCG will also make a contribution of $90.40 per pay period .The contribution may be adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

PENSION PLAN (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan)
*In order to be eligible for the pension plan, you must work at least 37.5 hours a week.

• County Pension Plan – Non-Public Safety, Mandatory Participation 4% employee contribution
• County Pension Plan – Public Safety, Mandatory Participation 8% employee contribution
• Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan – Communications, Mandatory Participation 7% employee contribution
• Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan – Sworn, Mandatory Participation 8% employee contribution
• Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan – Corrections, Mandatory Participation 7% employee contribution

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457(b) Governmental Plan)
*Available to all employees, regardless of hours worked.

• Mass Mutual
• MetLife
• Nationwide Retirement Solutions

LIFE INSURANCE

• No charge to employee (Valued at 1.5x the employee’s annual salary, not to exceed $250,000)

• Supplemental insurance available for additional cost
• Dependent life insurance available for additional cost

LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE – No charge to employee

• Benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability up to $5,000/month

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

• Medical and Dependent Care

THE STANDARD SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME PRODUCTS

• Accident Policy and Critical Illness Policy

LEGAL RESOURCES

• A prepaid Legal Resource benefit

ONSITE CHILDCARE AT A DISCOUNTED RATE

• Located at the Community Services building (8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, MD 20677)

HOUSE KEYS 4 EMPLOYEE PROGRAM – Up to a $7,500, 0% interest loan, to be used for a down payment or closing cost toward a new home in Charles County. For eligible full-time employees who are first time home buyers.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

01

Please describe your management experience, serving as a Chief.

02

Please describe your level of experience as a program manager.

03

Do you have at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in animal control/sheltering field; with two (2) of the years in a supervisory position, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have the following certifications?Possess and maintain a valid Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC) card.Certification in humane euthanasia.Certification in chemical immobilization (tranquilizer) equipment and use.Completion of Charles County Leadership Academy (within one (1) year)Completion of East Coast Animal Control AcademyHazardous Materials Awareness TrainingCompletion of NIMS IS-100, IS-200, ICS 300, ICS 400, IS-700, IS-800, IS-2200, IS-10, IS-011, & IS-111.*Please note, applications without these certifications attached, will not be permitted to move forward.

• Yes
• No

05

The position you are applying for requires an acceptable driving record. The Charles County Government employee driving policy states that employees will be considered to have an acceptable driving record if ALL of the following statements are true: – I do not exceed a maximum of four (4) points on my driving record. – I do not have a suspended or revoked license. – I do not have a single motor vehicle violation, conviction, or plea of Nolo Contendere, or the acceptance of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) involving the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, refusal to take an alcohol or drug test, or the misuse of legal over-the-counter medication for any of these violations. – I have not demonstrated a pattern of unsafe vehicle operation as evidenced by moving violations or single infraction of such severity (e.g., eluding a police officer; evading responsibility; failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, reckless driving, etc.).According to these guidelines, do you have an acceptable driving record?

• Yes
• No

Required Question