Animal Response Team Officer

Animal Response Team Officer

Join the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring. Are you committed to public service, professionalism, and a peaceful community? Make a real difference to the people in your community, immediately. If you possess integrity, and strong communication skills, you can make a difference with the Hampton Police Division.

The City of Hampton is seeking an Animal Response Team Officer to protect and serve the public by enforcing State laws and local ordinances for the control, care, and protection of domestic and wild animals. The class works under the general supervision of the Animal Control Manager according to set procedures.

*Posted salary effective as of July 1 2026.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• One year of full-time equivalent experience involving frequent customer, client, or other public contact preferred.
• Prior experience in animal handling as a veterinarian assistant, kennel attendant, or animal control officer is preferred.
• Specialized courses/training, equivalent to completion of one year of college, with major emphasis in wildlife management, biology, animal husbandry or a closely related field preferred.
• Successful completion of State-mandated basic training for Animal Control Officer within 180 days of employment.
• Must pass a full criminal background check to include an FBI fingerprint check, a check of the National Sex Offender Registry Website, a polygraph, and psychological testing.
• This position is safety sensitive and is subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City's current substance abuse policy.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record based on the City of Hampton's criteria.

Additional Requirements

• Requires considerable public contact and considerable travel within the City.
• Requires shift work to include nights, weekends, holidays and on call emergency standby on rotating basis.
• Must be able to maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate and in other situations where credibility will be of importance. A sustained finding of untruthfulness at the conclusion of an internal investigation may result in immediate termination.
• The incumbent will be considered "essential personnel" during City emergency situations or at the direction of the City Manager or designee which may include long hours and unusual schedules. Must be able to maintain the ability to provide credible testimony in court, to the magistrate and in other situations where credibility will be of importance.

Click here for a complete job description.

Benefits Overview

This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:

Sentara Health PlansEAP Provider: ComPsychOptumRxDelta Dental InsuranceAnthem Blue View VisionFSA Reimbursement accounts - Standard: Accident and Critical IllnessChubb Term Life InsuranceLegal Resources PlanVirginia 529Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA

• Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
• Other forms of leave include:
• Maternity Leave
• Parental Bonding Leave
• Care for Sick Parent Leave
• Birthday Leave
• Personal day (available every quarter)

The eleven paid holidays each year include:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Employee's birthday
• The retirement plan is offered through the Virginia Retirement System ( VRS View phone number on click.appcast.io) and is a defined benefit pension plan. For more information, see the VRS website.
• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is Securian Financial.
• Mission Square Retirement plans 457, Roth IRA, Roth 457 plans are offered through Mission Square Retirement View phone number on click.appcast.io). For more information, visit Mission Square.
• Medical / Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.
• Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.
• Employees are covered for Workers' Compensation where appropriate.
• Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family contact CompPysch at View phone number on click.appcast.io or see the Guidance Resources Website.