Animal Services Officer, Grade I​/II​/III

Salary Range

• Animal Services Officer I, Grade 17: $59,897 - $76,447
• Animal Services Officer II, Grade 18: $62,328 - $83,486
• Animal Services Officer I/II/III, Grade 17/18

The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The position may be filled at the following levels:

• Animal Services Officer I, Grade 17: $59,897 - $76,447
• Animal Services Officer II, Grade 18: $62,328 - $83,486
• Animal Services Officer I/II/III, Grade 17/18

The Montgomery County Office of Animal Services is responsible for providing animal‑related services to the citizens of Montgomery County, MD, from its headquarters located in Derwood, MD.

The Office of Animal Services (OAS) is currently recruiting full‑time Animal Services Officers (ASOs) who are passionate about providing a high standard of service to the community. The ideal candidates will possess excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated attention to detail. They must be able to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously while always maintaining a professional demeanor, especially when interacting with the public.

Additionally, candidates should be knowledgeable about State and County laws and regulations relating to animal cruelty, animal neglect (including domestic animals, horses, and livestock), wildlife, and other animal‑related public safety or nuisance issues.

To ensure a positive workplace and comply with Federal, State, and County laws, the incumbent is responsible for completing various mandatory training programs within the first 3 to 6 months of hire.

Multilingual candidates are strongly desired but not required.

ASOs enforce county and state laws and complete tasks related to the care, control, and licensing of animals within Montgomery County. They respond to sick and injured animals, conduct animal rescues, handle stray animal calls, and address various other animal‑related complaints. ASOs investigate citizen complaints and respond to animal emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This position collaborates with all other areas of Animal Services, including Dispatch, Veterinary Services, Adoptions, and Admissions.

The role requires shift work, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays, and involves overnight “Stand‑By” coverage on a rotating schedule. ASOs are essential employees expected to work during periods of general emergency or when there is a need for liberal leave.

• Investigating complaints concerning public nuisance and dangerous animals.
• Investigating allegations of animal cruelty and neglect.
• Investigating animal bites and placing animals in quarantine and preparing animals for laboratory analysis.
• Coordinating call responses with dispatchers, ensuring a complete record of each call for service.
• Communicating effectively and persuasively with the public, employees, management, government agencies, and public officials to explain numerous County and State ordinances, statutes, violations, and required corrective action about animal care, control, and licensing.
• Explaining problems, gathering information, and gaining voluntary compliance to resolve complaints.
• Responding to inquiries and providing information regarding various animal‑related programs, i.e., feral cats, spay/neuter, rabies, vaccinations, etc.
• Handling a high volume of cases, often including stressful situations, and interacting with confused, upset, insulting, and argumentative people in a calm and rational manner.
• Issuing warnings and citations, applying for warrants, writing statements of charges, and preparing accurate and detailed written documents. All of this is done with organized thoughts and using proper grammar to convey the appropriate ordinance, facts, and information.
• Documenting call responses, violations, animal bite information, and animal impound, concisely and entirely in the OAS computer database. Gathering evidence pertinent to an investigation and providing testimony in District…