Kennel Supervisor -(Police Services Support Supervisor I)-Police/Animal Control Division

Salary : $56,925.00 - $109,768.00 Annually
Location : Animal Control Division, 8576 Davis Road, Columbia, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-00456
Department: Police
Division: Police - Animal Control
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern



POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations?

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:
This is animal care work at the full performance level, assuming operational responsibility of the animal shelter under final authority of the Animal Control Administrator. Work includes the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, enforcing animal related laws and assisting with investigations; animal capture, care restraint and transportation, legislative review, kennel maintenance, feeding, admissions, discharge, animal health and behavior control, and all other duties performed within the Division of Animal Control.
This work involves responsibility for operation and maintenance of an animal care facility and related equipment. Contacts with others are extensive and important including contacts with the public, law enforcement and health officials, the media and other governmental officials.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE: $27.37 - $29.03$56,925 - $60,389

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs supervisory level and advanced police support services work under general supervision from a technical superior. Work includes participating in and supervising staff engaged in either the capture, transport and care of animals; or in the receiving, warehousing and disposition of property and evidence seized and held in police custody; or in the securing and storing of records in compliance with applicable laws. Trains, evaluates, and schedules employees and resolves problems or difficulties.

*This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6)months.*
*Please note that this position falls within a collective bargaining unit and is represented by AFSCME Local 3085, Local 3888, or Local 1810.*

*This position is required to work different schedules including weekends, holidays and unscheduled overtime. Availability by phone while off-duty and off-site is required.*
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Animal Shelter Operations and Management:

• Assumes full responsibility for the entire Division of Animal Control as the Acting Administrator in the Administrator's absence.
• Manages full operational responsibility for the Animal Shelter, including feeding and watering of animals, maintaining cages, kennels, and surrounding areas; grooming, bathing, capturing, restraint, and euthanasia of animals.
• Conducts physical examinations and temperament evaluations of animals, checking for tattoos and microchips, tracing identification including rabies and license tags, administering parasite control, quarantining rabies suspect animals, vaccinating, medicating, administering emergency first aid, fluids and wound treatment.
• Administers drugs, treatments and other medications to animals and charting the same, meeting all federal and state regulations pertaining to controlled dangerous substances.
• Collaborates with contractual veterinarians, establishes procedures to reduce disease transmission, and ensures compliance with the treatment protocol established by veterinarians.
• Develops procedures to improve shelter operations and to instill a proactive approach towards preventing pet overpopulation and violations.
• Authors detailed reports and compiles accurate statistics.
• Completes and animal adoptions, redemptions, animal licensing transactions, animal intake and issues cash receipts.
• Approves and denies adoption applicants.

Personnel Management:

• Assistswith the recruitment, interview,selectionand training of employees.
• Supervises shelter staff, volunteers and community service workers, recognizes good performance, and takes corrective action for poor performance.
• Prepares schedules for the entire division including both paid and volunteer personnel, assumes full responsibility for volunteer management, and initiates most of the programs for daily operation.
• Develop and implement training programs for shelter staff relative to animal control matters, including animal training, behavior and disease recognition, and public relations skills.

Public Engagement:

• Resolves citizen complaints and acts as a liaison with other County agencies.
• Performs pubic educational programs, presentations and tours, works with the media, speaks at public functions.
• Investigates and maintains an approved list of rescue groups and foster homes.

Administrative Management:

• Assists with budget preparation and management, balances charity account. Maintains all records, reports, and statistics for shelter operations.
• Requisitions and maintains an inventory of supplies needed for shelter operations, maintains equipment and facilities.
• Develops, implements and maintains a detailed inventory, control and security procedure for Controlled Dangerous Substances utilized and maintained in shelter operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. Assumes full responsibility for the entire Division of Animal Control serving as the Acting Administrator in the Administrator's absence.
• This position is required to work different schedules including weekends, holidays and unscheduled overtime. Availability by phone while off-duty and off-site is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Directly supervises 5-15 employees in the Animal Sheltering Section. Carries out supervisory responsibilitiesin accordance withthe organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Associate's Degree and one (1) year relevant experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Current certification or eligibility to become certified in euthanasia within six (6) months of hire.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and enforcement experience of Federal, State and County animal related laws, supervisory methods and techniques, animal identification, disease recognition, behavior, proper handling techniques, safety precautions and hazards involved in animal control work.
• Experience and knowledge of the practical and routine applications of veterinary medicine and emergency first aid techniques, veterinary technician experience preferred.
• Full working knowledge of animal control field, office and shelter procedures, ability to gently and calmly work with all types of animals and to safely handle animals with strength when required.
• Competence in effective communications skills both orally and in writing, including public speaking and conducting meaningful presentations and training sessions.
• Certified to perform euthanasia, skilled in making life and death decisions affecting animals.
• Capabilities necessary for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• All other knowledge, skills and abilities required of animal control personnel.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.


The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Exposure to dangerous, rabid and diseased domestic animals, exotics and livestock. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.


Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.


At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at


FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.

GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.
PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.

ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.

PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.

HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays: New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.


OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.

RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.


SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.

457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.


EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $2500 contingent upon County funding.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE : Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.


LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.


DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.


VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, and universal life insurance.

CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.
01


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 submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state "see resume" will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.I have read and understand the language outlined above.

• Yes
• No

02



Are you willing to accept an annual salary offer within the starting salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $56,925 - $60,389

• Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
• No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.

03


Do you possess an Associate's Degree and one (1) year of experience operating and maintaining an animal care facility, or an equivalent combination of education and experience?

• Yes
• No

04


If you possess one (1) year of experience operating and maintaining an animal care facility or an equivalent combination of education and experience, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
05


Do you possess knowledge and enforcement experience of Federal, State, County animal related laws, animal identification, disease recognition, behavior, and proper handling techniques?

• Yes
• No

06


If you possess knowledge and enforcement experience of Federal, State, County animal related laws, animal identification, disease recognition, behavior, and proper handling techniques, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
07


Do you possess supervisory/managerial experience comprised of interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems?

• Yes
• No

08


If you possess the supervisory/managerial experience addressed in the previous question, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
09


Do you possess customer service and public contact experience?

• Yes
• No

10


If you possess customer service and public contact experience, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.
11


Are you currently certified in euthanasia?

• Yes
• No

12


Are you aware that this position requires some work outside of normal business hours such as weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

13


Do you possess a valid Class C driver's license?

• Yes
• No

14


I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

15


I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

Required Question