WARREN — Trumbull County’s dog warden has signaled her intent to resign, prompting commissioners to launch a search for her replacement and an assistant position amid ongoing efforts to relocate the county’s animal shelter.

Michelle Goss, who has served as the executive chief dog warden for 12 years, earlier this week sent a letter to the county’s human resources department expressing her desire to leave the position, according to county officials.

HR Director Alexandra DeVengencie-Bush said the letter indicates Goss could formally resign as soon as this weekend, though she has not yet submitted an official notice.

“We’re in hiring mode for the dog warden and the assistant,” County Commissioner Rick Hernandez said in an interview Friday. He described the development as “unfortunate,” as he gave a compliment to Goss for her dedication to animals and her role in overseeing the Trumbull County Dog Kennel.

Hernandez said commissioners had met with Goss multiple times and were surprised by her decision to move on sooner than anticipated.

The county had posted job openings for both the chief dog warden position and a new assistant role on Wednesday, with the hope that the assistant would help alleviate the workload at the kennel, located at 7501 Anderson Ave. in Warren.

“Our understanding was that she would be in that position until we were able to find somebody,” Hernandez said. “But then that changed once the posting came out. It might have been a misunderstanding.”

He added that Goss had been adamant about wanting to transition to something different after her long service. Despite the surprise, Hernandez said commissioners are “disheartened” but committed to filling the roles quickly and proceeding with plans for a new animal shelter.

Goss has indicated she would remain involved on an advisory board, he said.

The executive chief dog warden position pays $28.75 per hour and reports directly to the county commissioners, while the assistant role offers $26.28 per hour and would report to the chief warden. Both are full-time positions with hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applications are being accepted through Dec. 19.

DeVengencie-Bush said the commissioners are expected to discuss the matter at their weekly meeting, as they need a formal resignation before voting to approve.

Hernandez declined to speculate on interim arrangements but mentioned potential challenges, including union issues if they were to have the sheriff’s office temporarily intervene to fill the role.

The kennel has faced some internal challenges, including disciplinary actions and demotions among staff, Hernandez said, though he said there’s a need for accountability. He referred questions about the current number of employees to HR.

Hernandez called the role a “special job” requiring a passion for animals, adding that the timing throws “a little bit of a wrench” into operations but won’t derail progress.