TOWN OF MILLVILLE
JOB DESCRIPTION
ASSISTANT ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Primary Purpose
Performs labor, technicaland inspectional services to assure that the Town will be free from animals-at-large creating hazards of publichealth, public safety, or public order. Enforces the Town’s Animal Control By-laws, applicable Massachusetts General Laws, Town Policies, and relevant state, federal and local regulations. Protects animals from mistreatment and rids the streets androads of animal carcasses.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Enforces Animal Control By-laws of the Town of Millville.
- Issues fines or citations for violations of the Town Animal Control By-laws.
- Commences legal action against violators by filing Complaints with the District Court.
- Appearsand testifies on the Town’s behalf in Court.
- Completes necessary paperwork, such as Impounding Forms, Animal Release Forms,
Dog Bite Forms and Quarantine Forms.
- Ensure that all dogs are properly licensed within time specified by statute.
- Investigates complaints of nuisance animals and complaints of cruelty to animals.
- Investigates and reports on all known incidents of animal bites to humans.
- Responds to emergency calls on a 24-hour basis.
- Speaks with residents, police officers and dispatchers regarding complaints of animals.
- Educates citizens of any and all potential risks to infection and exposure.
- Patrols Town looking for loose animals.
- Intercedes in crisis situations between community members and animals.
- Responds to citizen complaints of vicious or loose dogs, feral cats, wild animals, injured
animals and any and allcomplaints pertaining to animals.
- Destroys wild animals suspected of having rabies with the use of the department rifle
when needed.
- Removesand disposes of any deceased animals from public roads.
- Communicates with crematory with respect to emptying the animal freezer.
- Impounds loose animals and transports to the kennel.
- Purchases supplies for the Animal Control Department.
- Manages the Animal Control Department Budget, overseeing the accounts payable.
- PreparesAnnual Report of the Animal Control Department.
Supervision
Works under the general direction of the Animal Control Officer.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions including snow, rain,heat, and cold. Possible risk of injury as it relates to the handling of animals, including bites and/or scratches. The employee occasionally works near or in traffic and in precariousplaces, occasionally exposed to unpleasant conditions and foul odors. Work is also performed in office conditions; the workload is subject to year-end and quarterly fluctuations; regular schedule includes one evening per week.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent, and experience that would provide knowledge ofbasic practices and techniques for impounding and caring for a variety of animals. A minimum of two years experience in animal handling or control work and municipal experience preferred. Some administrative or office experience preferred.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Basic practices and techniques for impounding a variety of animals including proper and safe techniques for capturing and disposing of animals. Familiarity with the geography of the Town and with Police Department procedures related to animal control operations.
Knowledge of the English language including proper usage, spelling and punctuation. Ability to read, interpret and apply rules and regulations including federal, state, and local laws and understand written and oral instruction. Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public and to work effectively with little or no supervision. Ability to write accurate reports and citations and maintain updated records and logs of activity. Basic math skills. Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to safely handle dogs, cats, and other animals. Knowledge of and ability to detect signs of illness or injuries in animals. Ability to identify and analyze potentially dangerous situationsby responding appropriately and taking effective action. Ability to identify common breeds of dogs, cats, livestock and exotic animals and reptiles. Ability to identify symptoms and behaviors associated with rabies and other common domestic animal diseases. Ability to maintain a positive work relationship with fellow employees, the veterinarycommunity and the general public. Ability to learn and navigate the Town roads. Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks. Ability to operate a patrol vehicle, animal capture equipment, police radio, mobile telephone, first aid equipment and a personal computer. Should possess a fondness for animals and a concern for their welfare.
Possession of a valid Driver’s License.
Firearms Identification Card.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on a variety of surfaces, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop,kneel, crouch, or crawl or smell. The employee must occasionally lift, pull, push and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities requiredby this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
8/1/07