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

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.

• Bachelor's 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 Sheriff's Office, in accordance with established Frederick County policy. Estimated completion time for this background investigation is 30 days

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

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

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 employee's 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 themse