Join Cumberland County Animal Services as an Animal Services Officer and make a meaningful difference in the safety and well-being of our community and its animals. In this role, you will enforce animal services ordinances and applicable state laws, respond to animal-related calls for service, and investigate complaints involving cruelty, neglect, and other violations. You'll work directly with residents to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare while responding to situations involving stray, aggressive, sick, injured, and potentially dangerous animals—including wildlife and livestock. This position offers an opportunity to combine public service, community education, field investigation, and animal care to help create a safer, healthier community for people and animals alike. Responds to 911 and citizen requests for Animal Services in the field, addressing animal-related and public safety concerns. Investigates complaints and potential violations of county ordinances and state laws, including animal cruelty, neglect, aggressive behavior, and bite incidents. Conducts field investigations in potentially hostile or hazardous environments while exercising sound judgment and maintaining personal and public safety. Issues warnings and notices for non-compliance and monitors complaints through resolution. Collects, documents, and preserves evidence, including animals and photographs, and interviews animal owners, bite victims, and other involved parties. Impounds and transports potentially aggressive, injured, sick, or otherwise at-risk animals in a safe and humane manner; Performs euthanasia as authorized. Provides education, information, and resources to promote responsible pet ownership and ensure animals are maintained in safe, healthy, and sanitary conditions. Communicates and works cooperatively with citizens, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, and other Animal Services personnel regarding animal-related incidents and public safety. Prepares required reports, records, and documentation related to investigations, enforcement actions, animal bites, and impoundments. Presents investigative findings and evidence at Potentially Dangerous Dog Appeal Hearings and provides testimony in court for animal cruelty and related cases. Graduation from high school or GED and two (2) years of experience involving handling and caring for animals; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Employees must obtain:

Fear-Free certification within 60 days of hire, Certified Euthanasia Technician, Rabies Vaccinator certification, and Red Cross First Aid certification for animals and humans within 6 months of hire, NACA certification for ACOI within 12 months. Employees must complete pre-exposure rabies vaccine series after hire or show proof of prior vaccination against rabies and have an adequate titer.

Management Preference:

Experience in handling animals in a veterinary or shelter environment. Knowledge of care, humane treatment, and safe handling of animals Ability to deal effectively with animal owners and the public in adverse situations Ability to work independently in the field after training Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and make sound judgements based on the circumstances Ability to create accurate reports, to issue legal citations and warnings, and to testify in court when necessary Ability to multi-task, to identify priorities and respond to dangerous situations; and to observe, identify, and notate surroundings Ability to maintain effective working relationships with various law enforcement officers, supervisors, department heads, and other county employees Ability to operate a motor vehicle

Conditions of Employment:

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.