Government Animal Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $23.25 - $45.12 Hourly
Location : Prince William County, VA
Job Type: Full-Time (FT)
Job Number: 202610745
Department: POLICE
Division: ANIMAL SERVICES
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
GRADE: B22
Hiring Salary: $29.06 - $34.19 per hour
Introduction
Are you passionate about animals and seeking to make a larger impact in their lives? Do you want to help homeless animals find forever homes? The Prince William County Animal Services Bureau is seeking an Adoption Specialist to join our staff and provide excellent customer service. Our most successful specialists thrive in a fast-paced environment and are driven, self-motivated, and organized. They are a positive representation of PWC Animal Services' core values and show a true dedication towards helping both animals and people.
Come join a team that values providing the best customer service, both for pets and the residents of this county.
About This Role:
The Adoption Specialist is responsible for the care and cleaning of adoption animals. Once open to the public, they will be the primary liaison/counselor to potential adopters, assisting with adoption counseling, visitation, and adoption processing. They will be responsible for familiarity with the animals, their behaviors and needs, that are available for adoption; to best guide potential adopters in the search for a new pet. Adoption processing requires the processing and tracking of monetary transactions. The specialist will also be involved in the writing of adoption profiles and media content creation for marketing of adoption animals.
Minimum Requirements:
High school diploma or G.E.D., and 1 year of experience in an animal shelter or companion animal handling/husbandry related experience.
Preferences:

• Experience with:

• • Utilizing database software
  • Customer service
  • Companion animal handling skills
  • Microsoft Office applications (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access)
  • Experience in reconciling cash register

• Knowledge of companion animal medical conditions and behaviors
• Knowledge of Virginia and Prince William County Animal Laws

Special Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Driver's License
• Must be able to lift 50lbs
• Availability to work a rotating schedule, including holidays and weekends

Work Schedule:
This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, with an initial schedule rotation of 4 - 10 Hour days/ week, subject to review to meet program needs. The successful candidate's schedule will include regular weekend and holiday work. This position is considered to be essential personnel for holidays or county closures and may be subject to emergency response requirements for bureau needs.
Starting Salary Range:
$29.06 - $34.19 per hour
We also offer great benefits, including:

1. Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
2. 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans
3. Paid Annual Leave
4. Paid Personal Leave
5. Paid Sick Leave
6. Paid Holidays
7. Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans
8. Optional Group Life Insurance
9. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
10. Career Development Opportunities

Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). For more information on PSLF, please click here:
NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here
Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
SEE YOURSELF HERE!
Prince William County Government offers medical plans with corresponding pharmacy and basic vision coverage, as well as dental plans and a separate vision plan.
Full-time and part-time Prince William County Government employees are eligible to participate in our plans; however, the level and cost of benefits depends on the classification of the position.
The following positions do not accrue leave and are not eligible for holidays or other fringe benefits:

• Temporary
• Provisional
• Seasonal employees

Click on the link below to explore our plans and rates.
01
By submitting this application, I understand the following: 1) Only the information provided on my application is used to determine my qualifications; 2) My resume will not substitute for the education, work experience, and required fields on the Prince William County application; 3) Only responses to Supplemental Questions that can be verified in my submitted education and work experience will be credited and 4) If selected, my employment dates will be verified for the past three (3) years (if applicable), with a required reference from my current or most recent employer.

• Yes, I acknowledge and understand the above statement and wish to continue in this process.
• No, I do not wish to proceed any further in this process.

02
All employees considered for hire by the Police Department are subject to a Polygraph Examination and to a thorough Background Investigation (Federal clearances do not substitute for either). Would you be willing to participate in both these processes?

• Yes
• No

03
This position has a minimum education requirement of a High School diploma/GED. Please select the option that best describes your highest level of education.

• Bachelor's Degree or higher
• Associate's Degree
• High School Diploma/GED and some college
• High School Diploma/GED
• None of the above

04
Please quantify your years of experience working in an animal shelter or handling companion animals.

• 5 or more years
• 3-4 years
• 1-2 years
• Less than 1 year

05
Are you willing and able to work a rotating schedule to include holidays and weekends?

• Yes
• No

06
How many years have you worked in a position that required you to provide excellent customer service?

• 5 years or more
• 3-5 years
• 1-2 years
• Less than 1 year

07
How many years have you worked in a facility that houses animals?

• 3 years or more
• 1-2 years
• Less than 1 year

08
This position requires knowledge and usage of Microsoft Office applications (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Access). Please indicate the level of your knowledge and expertise in these programs.

• Regular use, plus proficient in pivot tables, advanced calculations, and fillable forms
• Regular use, can build tables, spreadsheets, and presentations
• Regular use, but no advanced functions
• None of the above

09
Do you have experience working with a shelter database program or other animal related database management program?

• Yes
• No

10
Please check all that apply below regarding your experience with animal care.

• Foster Care provider
• Volunteer in a Rescue, Rehabilitation Center, or Shelter
• Caretaker (Employee) for a Rescue Organization
• Caretaker (Employee) at a Public Shelter
• Caretaker (Employee) in Research Facility or Zoological Park
• Care worker in a Pet Store
• Caretaker (Employee) at a Stable or Farm
• Veterinary Technician/Assistant
• None of the above

11
Please check all that apply below regarding your experience in customer service.

• Answer questions via phone an average of 15 or more times per day
• Answer questions via email response an average of 10 or more times per day
• In-person (one on one), an average of 10 interactions or greater per day
• Regular follow-up to resolve a situation
• Represent organization outside of regular operational site
• Emotionally charged customers service (angry or upset), an average of 1 or more per week
• None

12
How many years of experience do you have balancing or reconciling a cash register?

• 5 years or more
• 3-5 years
• 2-3 years
• Less than 2 years

Required Question