Division Director of Animal Control

Frederick County Government

Frederick, MD
3 days ago

$126,901.42–$234,767.63 Per Year

Highlights

While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors; frequently work near chemicals / fumes, with potential exposure to infectious diseases; occasionally work outdoors, walk on uneven ground, work in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees), work in cold temperatures (below 32 degrees) and is required to wear protective equipment; and rarely works in a dirty, dusty and noisy environment and confined workspace. Oversee and coordinate all investigative efforts involving animal cruelty, neglect, and dangerous dog cases, including evidence collection and the preparation of Statements of Probable Cause, Statements of Charges, and related documentation; work closely with law enforcement, the State's Attorney's Office, and, when needed, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and represent Animal Control in court proceedings.

Numbers & Facts

Location	Frederick, MD
Salary	$126,901.42–$234,767.63 Per Year

Description

Division Director of Animal Control

Salary

$126,901.42 - $234,767.63 Annually

Location

Animal Control - Frederick, MD

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

FY27-00091

Department

Division Director

Opening Date

08/12/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Exempt

Description
Benefits
Questions

JOB INFORMATION

The Frederick County Division of Animal Control is a dedicated, community-centered agency committed to protecting both animals and residents through compassionate service, humane enforcement, and meaningful outreach. Our mission is to prevent cruelty, abuse, and neglect of animals in Frederick County by enforcing all state, county, and city ordinances. We shelter homeless animals and place them in safe, loving home environments, while educating the public on key animal-related issues to foster a more aware, responsible, and caring community. Guided by these values, the Division works every day to ensure high-quality animal welfare, strengthen public safety, and support positive connections between people and animals across Frederick County.

For best consideration, submit your application by 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 31st.

Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; full benefits

Frederick County Government is seeking a purpose-driven, community-focused professional to serve as the Division Director for the Division of Animal Control, an innovative leader prepared to guide a progressive vision for Animal Control and equip staff to deliver humane enforcement, exceptional animal care, and effective community education throughout the County. This professional, administrative, and supervisory position directs all aspects of the Division's operations, including humane law enforcement, shelter management, public outreach, and the overall planning and coordination of animal control functions. The Division is committed to reducing animal intake, preventing unwanted litters, and maintaining a compassionate, high-standard approach to animal welfare. The Director will also serve in a critical leadership role during emergencies and community events involving animals or sheltering operations. Supervision is provided to the Deputy Director, specialized managers, Animal Control Officers, and administrative staff, and received from the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. This position serves at the pleasure of the County Executive.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead with innovation by staying current on industry standards and best practices, incorporating emerging trends and evidence-based approaches into Division planning
Develop, execute, and modify the Division's Strategic Plan and set the overall direction for the Division through prioritizing projects; provide long and short-range goals and plans for program departments
Using an outcomes-based budgeting approach guide, oversee the development and monitoring of the Operating and Capital Budgets, present to the County Executive and the County Council
Align budgeting with the division's strategic plan and the County's goals and priorities
Provide comprehensive leadership over all personnel management functions, including hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, and promoting staff; maintain required records, ensure accurate payroll and timekeeping, monitor staffing needs, and direct professional development to support a high-performing workforce
Promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging practices within the Division; confer with the Chief Equity and Inclusion Office to identify and execute strategies to ensure that all programs are designed and delivered using equitable practices; communicate values and expectations to management staff through policy creation, practice, and guidance; identify mechanism to monitor and evaluate efforts
Oversee and coordinate all investigative efforts involving animal cruelty, neglect, and dangerous dog cases, including evidence collection and the preparation of Statements of Probable Cause, Statements of Charges, and related documentation; work closely with law enforcement, the State's Attorney's Office, and, when needed, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and represent Animal Control in court proceedings
Respond to media inquiries on behalf of Frederick County Animal Control
Represent Frederick County at local, State and regional seminars, conferences and related meetings regarding animal control issues
Serve as liaison between Frederick County Government, Frederick Friends of Our County Animal Shelter (FFOCAS), the Frederick County Humane Society, Animal Welfare League and groups interested in the rights and protection of animals
Stay current on changes to federal, state, and county regulations and ensure the Division and its facilities remain fully compliant by monitoring programs and operations for adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies
Develop and supervise standard procedures for facility operations and public relations
Prepare and maintain required operational, data, and statistical reports, including those mandated by the U.S. Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Maryland State Department of Agriculture - State Board of Veterinary Examiners
Develop, implement, and oversee standard procedures for facility operations and public relations; evaluate Division functions to identify opportunities for quality improvement and innovation; and analyze Division and system-wide service delivery to make and implement policy, procedure, and operational decisions that enhance efficiency and service outcomes
Provide executive oversight of the procurement, inventory management, dispensing, and recordkeeping of controlled dangerous substances, chemical cleaning agents, animal foods, and inoculations, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards, accurate documentation, and safe, responsible stewardship of all materials essential to shelter operations and humane enforcement activities
Complete training and applications necessary to obtain and maintain a DEA Registration Permit for Controlled Dangerous Substances
Oversee the construction and renovation of the Animal Control Pet and Adoption Center by managing scope, monitoring all phases of progress, coordinating with contractors and architects, ensuring uninterrupted core operations and animal welfare, reviewing and assisting with change orders, monitoring quality, and regularly reporting project status to county leaders, elected officials, animal welfare advocates, and constituents
Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The essential duties do not cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Bachelors degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Biology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field
Minimum of 9 years of animal care, animal control management or shelter operations experience, which must include the following (experience areas may be concurrent):
Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience
Minimum of 2 years of budget experience
Possession of a valid driver's license

Substitution for the above-listed required education and experience is a Master's Degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Biology, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field with 7 years experience as described above which must include at least 3 years of supervisory experience and 2 years of budget experience

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

Extensive knowledge of Federal, State, local and municipal laws and regulations governing the enforcement and control of animals and fowl, related DEA policies and requirements, relevant sections of the Frederick County Code and Maryland State Code
Extensive knowledge of requirements for animal care and well-being which includes animal behavior for domestic animals, horses, livestock, exotics, and wildlife
Extensive knowledge of management practices and procedures, including those related to planning, budgeting, personnel, purchasing and acquisitions, contracts and capital improvement expenditures, and general administration
Demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to staff development
Ability to effectively supervise and evaluate the performance of division staff
Ability to effectively administer the division budget and to compile and analyze detailed fiscal and statistical information
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, related boards, co-workers, and the public
Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, including the ability to make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
Ability to effectively access and utilize Microsoft 365 and other systems and equipment, and to learn new software as it is required
Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
Ability to obtain rabies pre-exposure vaccinations after start of employment (at County expense)
Discretion and good judgment in dealing with politically sensitive, confidential and personal information with ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and resolve complex issues
Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear, concise reports and presentations

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

Municipal animal shelter/facility work experience
Current DEA Registration Permit for Controlled Dangerous Substances
Animal-cruelty investigative experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit, reach and perform repetitive motions; and frequently walk and stoop
While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors; frequently work near chemicals / fumes, with potential exposure to infectious diseases; occasionally work outdoors, walk on uneven ground, work in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees), work in cold temperatures (below 32 degrees) and is required to wear protective equipment; and rarely works in a dirty, dusty and noisy environment and confined workspace

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination
Available for evening/weekend hours as needed for meetings and other commitments, and available on-call for emergency situations
This position is considered essential during emergency events or at other times as determined by County leadership
This position is subject to random drug testing
This position is designated as security-sensitive, requiring a satisfactory background investigation, conducted by the Frederick County Sheriffs Office, in accordance with established Frederick County policy. Estimated completion time for this background investigation is 30 days

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

An evaluation of training and experience
One or more interviews
A pre-employment Security-Sensitive background investigation
A pre-employment drug test

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov

Retirement Plan:

A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:

County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:

Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employees completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:

Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employees direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

Educational Reimbursement Program:

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employees capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesnt remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:

This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave

Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year

0 - 2 years 11 days

2 - 10 years 17 days

10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employees child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:

The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.

I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

Do you have possession of a valid drivers license?

Which best describes your level of education?

Less than Bachelors degree received
Bachelors degree received
Advanced degree received

In the text box below, please enter the field of study for the degree you earned.

How many years of animal care, animal control management or shelter operations experience do you have?

Less than 7 years experience
7 years experience
8 years experience
9 or more years experience

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

Did your animal care, animal control management or shelter operations experience include at least 3 years of supervisory experience?

Did your animal care, animal control management or shelter operations experience include at least 2 years of budget experience?

Do you have municipal animal shelter/facility work experience?

Do you possess a current DEA Registration Permit for Controlled Dangerous Substances?

Do you have animal-cruelty investigative experience?

Required Question

Employer Frederick County Government

Address 12 East Church Street

Frederick, Maryland, 21701

Phone 301-600-1070

Website http://www.FrederickCountymd.gov/jobs

Division Director of Animal Control

Frederick County Government

Highlights

Numbers & Facts

Description

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