Animal Control Chief

Animal Control Chief

Salary

$76,606.40 - $127,628.80 Annually

Location

County Wide, FL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-145

Department

Public Safety

Opening Date

06/18/2026

Closing Date

7/1/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Questions

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Performs administrative and management duties associated with the day-to-day operation of the animal control unit and applicable animal shelter services.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Supervises and manages staff to include assignment, scheduling, interviewing/hiring, training and development, and discipline.
• Monitors budget expenditures; provides input during annual budget process.
• Participates in the development and implementation of department policies and procedures to ensure enforcement of applicable rules and regulations governing animal services; ensures all staff is trained.
• Manages and coordinates the foster, volunteer, surgical and other departmental programs.
• Works with contracted veterinarian to ensure proper protocols are followed by medical staff.
• Works closely with the County Health Department in rabies control and investigation of animal bites; directs the investigation of dangerous god and animal cruelty cases; appears and testifies in court regarding violations when needed.
• Prepares and delivers educational programs and lectures to various civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, news media and schools in an effort to educate the public in proper animal ownership when necessary.
• Facilitates fundraising efforts; completes grant applications; ensures the appropriate expenditure of grant funds.
• Works with public information office on social media outreach.
• Prepares and submits reports on department activities and projects; provides status updates and prepares affidavits.
• Manages the county pet friendly shelter during emergencies/disasters.
• Interacts with the public in an effective and courteous manner; demonstrates commitment to our mission, vision, values and goals and represent the County in a professional, dignified manner at all times both in actions and appearance.
• May have a role in the County's disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as designated in the County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; may be required to work before, during and/or after an emergency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, Animal Science, Veterinary or closely related field; supplemented by four (4) years of progressively responsible management experience to include planning, goal setting, budget and operations; two (2) years of which shall be in a supervisory/management capacity; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Animal Control or Shelter services experience is required.

Licenses and/or Certifications: Requires a valid driver license. Florida approved Euthanasia Technician certification course in accordance with Florida law (F.S. 828.055) is preferred. Florida Animal Control Association approved Animal Control Officer Certification in accordance with Florida law (F.S. 828.27) is preferred. Bite Stick and Pepper Spray Certification, Animal Cruelty Investigations Class, and Chemical Capture Class is preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to operate office equipment, to include computers, copy/fax machines, and any related peripherals. Must be able to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, or 10 to 25 pounds of force constantly, or greater than negligible up to lift, carry, push/pull, or otherwise move objects. This position requires the ability to hear and understand communications through telephone and radio. Requires the ability to ascend/descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs or hands and arms. This position requires good manual dexterity, coordination and stamina; can frequently require constant movement and use of limbs. Must be able to traverse irregular, uneven, and/or erratically moving surfaces frequently. Requires the ability to perform essential tasks at or near floor level and to return to a standing position. The individual must be able to safely move into and out of low positions (such as kneeling, squatting, or sitting on the ground) and perform related duties. This position may encounter conditions typical of emergency/disaster situations. Must be able to work for sustained periods of exposure to outside atmospheric conditions. This position may encounter animals in various types of temperament during execution of their duties, such as animals in emergency/disaster situations or derelict environments. May don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or related special equipment as required per situation. Demonstrates the ability to efficiently and humanely interact with various animals typical of an animal services environment. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to communicate effectively in English, including the ability to convey, record and exchange information; requires the ability to explain procedures and to give, receive and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to read and interpret a variety of moderately complex technical data, policy and procedure manuals, codes, professional journals. Requires the ability to prepare forms and reports using prescribed formats, and adhering to all rules of grammar, spelling, diction and punctuation. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently, in a variety of technical and/or professional languages used within the parameters of the job and with a broad array of individuals from various professional backgrounds.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of fire suppression, emergency medical services, emergency management and common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions; to deal with several simultaneous problems involving many variables in evolving situations; to make independent judgments in the absence of supervisor; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Numerical Aptitude: Must be able to add and subtract totals, multiply and divide, calculate percentages and decimals

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people and animals beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate levels of stress, imposed by frequent deadlines, peak workloads, or public contact. Requires the ability to exercise consistent tact and courtesy when in frequent contact with various professionals, county staff, and the general public.

01

Please indicate which best describes your highest level of completed education.

• No formal education, but I have relevant experience
• High School Diploma or GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above
• None of the above

02

If you stated completion of a degree or certification in the previous question, please state your major (if none, please enter "N/A") in the space provided.

03

How many years of progressively responsible management experience do you possess which includes planning, goal setting, budget and operations?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year but less than 2 years
• At least 2 years but less than 4 years
• At least 4 years but less than 6 years
• At least 6 years but less than 8 years
• At least 8 years but less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

04

How many years of progressively responsible supervisory/management experience do you possess which includes planning, goal setting, budget and operations?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year but less than 2 years
• At least 2 years but less than 4 years
• At least 4 years but less than 6 years
• At least 6 years but less than 8 years
• 10 years or more

05

How many years of experience do you possess working as an Animal Control Officer?

• None
• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year but less than 3 years
• At least 3 years but less than 5 years
• At least 5 years but less than 7 years
• 7 years or more

06

Please describe your experience working as an Animal Control Officer (If none, please enter "N/A") in the space provided.

07

Do you posses Animal Control or Shelter services experience?

• Yes
• No

08

Please describe your experience working in a supervisory or command role in the Animal Control Field (If none, please enter "N/A") in the space provided.

09

Do you have experience working with animal shelters and/or animal rescues/sanctuaries?

• Yes
• No

10

Please describe your experience working with veterinary services for treatment and humane end of life services for animals (If none, please enter "N/A") in the space provided.

11

Do you posses a Florida Animal Control Association approved Animal Control Officer Certification as required by Florida law (F.S. 828.27)?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you posses a Florida approved Euthanasia Technician certification?

• Yes
• No

13

Do you posses a Bite Stick and Pepper Spray Certification?

• Yes
• No

14

Have you taken an Animal Cruelty Investigations Class?

• Yes
• No

15

Have you taken a Chemical Capture Class?

• Yes
• No

16

Are you now, or have you even been, on the OIGs (Office of Inspector General) Exclusion List?

• Yes
• No

17

Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

• Yes
• No

18

If you answered yes to the above question, please provide the following information: the nature of the crime, the date of conviction, where the conviction occurred and the sentence or penalty imposed. Please provide any additional information as to the conviction that you feel would assist us in evaluating you for the position applied. if no, please enter "N/A" in the space provided.

19

Have you ever been accused of committing an intentional tort? An intentional tort is a wrongful act committed against the person, reputation or property of another.

• Yes
• No

20

If you answered yes to the above question, please provide the details of the intentional tort, when you were accused and its disposition. If no, please enter "N/A" in the space provided.

21

Do you possess a valid driver license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Okaloosa County

Address 302 N. Wilson St. Suite 203

Crestview, Florida, 32536

Phone (850) 689-5870

Website http://www.myokaloosa.com