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Animal Control Officer Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$69K/yr

... control devices and obstruction to view; takes necessary street measurements; clears the scene of ... Answers calls for service dealing with animal complaints. Controls traffic when road conditions are ...

Police Officer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$69K/yr

... control devices and obstruction to view; takes necessary street measurements; clears the scene of ... Answers calls for service dealing with animal complaints. Controls traffic when road conditions are ...

Registered Nurse

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$89K/yr

Acts as the official health/medical resource to the detention home staff as related to control of ... Consults with other professionals (i.e., doctors, nurses, probation officers, social workers, etc ...

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Animal Control Officer Trainee information

What is an animal control officer trainee?

Animal Control Officer Trainees are entry-level professionals who learn how to enforce animal-related laws and regulations, respond to animal emergencies, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership. They work under the supervision of experienced officers to gain hands-on experience with animal handling, investigation, and safety procedures. Their training prepares them for a full Animal Control Officer role, where they will protect both the community and animals from harm or neglect.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an animal control officer trainee?

To thrive as an Animal Control Officer Trainee, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, safety procedures, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal restraint tools, incident reporting systems, and sometimes completion of relevant training or certification programs is beneficial. Strong communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills help in interacting with the public and handling stressful situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring public safety, humane animal treatment, and effective enforcement of animal regulations.

What are common challenges faced by animal control officer trainees during training?

Animal Control Officer Trainees often encounter challenges such as becoming comfortable handling a wide variety of animals, some of which may be aggressive or frightened. Trainees must quickly learn local animal control laws, safe capture techniques, and proper use of equipment. Additionally, adapting to emotionally charged situations, like dealing with distressed pet owners or cases of animal cruelty, can be demanding. However, trainees are typically supported by experienced officers and receive on-the-job training to help them build confidence and competence in the field.

What is the difference between Animal Control Officer Trainee vs Animal Control Officer?

AspectAnimal Control Officer TraineeAnimal Control Officer
Required CertificationsBasic animal handling and safety training, sometimes state-specific certificationsSame as trainee, plus experience and additional certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused, fieldwork with animals and public interactionsIndependent fieldwork, enforcement, and animal rescue activities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in animal control departments, shelters, or municipal agenciesFull-time role with more responsibilities, often after completing trainee period

Animal Control Officer Trainee is an entry-level position designed to provide training and experience, while Animal Control Officer is a fully qualified role with greater responsibilities. Trainees typically work under supervision, gaining skills needed for the officer position. Both roles are essential in animal control services, with the trainee position serving as a stepping stone to becoming an officer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Control Officer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Animal Control Officer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Animal Control Officer Trainee job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Law Enforcement Deputy Sheriff- Patrol (Certified)

Warren County, Virginia

Front Royal, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

COUNTY OF WARREN

LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPUTY SHERIFF - PATROL (CERTIFIED)

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Performs intermediate protective service work patrolling the County to enforce the law on assigned shift; does related work as required. The work may be performed under emergency conditions and involve considerable personal hazard. Work is performed under the regular supervision of a Deputy Sergeant.

*Applicants who do not possess DCJS Law Enforcement Certification will not be considered

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

Enforcing laws; investigating criminal activity; ensuring safety of public; testifying in court; maintaining records and files; preparing reports.

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

  • On an assigned shift, operates a patrol vehicle to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons and disturbances of law and order; responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints; performs routine checks on private and public buildings.
  • Makes arrests, forcibly if necessary, using handcuffs and other restraints; subdues resisting suspects using weapons, maneuvers and other approved self defense methods.
  • Enforces traffic laws; issues citations for traffic violations.
  • Fills out arrest records; takes fingerprints and photographs; performs prisoner security functions; investigates traffic accidents; prepares statements and reports.
  • Transports Temporary Detention Orders and Emergency Custody Orders; obtains and serves emergency protection, temporary detention and emergency custody orders.
  • Interviews victims and witnesses; secures property and evidence.
  • Serves civil process and criminal arrest warrants; conducts welfare checks.
  • Responds to Fire/Rescue calls when needed.
  • Provides community support in emergency conditions.
  • May be assigned training officer duties as qualified.
  • May be assigned to K-9 Officer, tacticals squad, investigations, community policing, court security, civil process or animal control duties.
  • Performs related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Some knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; general knowledge of the geography of the County and location of important buildings; some knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Sheriff's Office; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear comprehensive reports; ability to deal courteously, firmly and tactfully with the public; ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surround hazards and circumstances; possession of physical agility and endurance; skill in the use of firearms and the operation of a motor vehicle; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, night vision, peripheral vision, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arms length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The worker may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Must meet and maintain minimum training and experience requirements for the position as established by the department and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Position open until filled.

Warren County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), and participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Post offer pre-employment criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening required.For any questions please contact Warren County Human Resources, 220 N. Commerce Avenue, Suite 100, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, 540-636-4600.