What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer (ACO) position at City of Chelsea?
Constituent Services Department/Chelsea Police Department’s Community Services Division
Union: SEIU Pay Class/Grade 7
Annual Salary $50,400.31 - $66,789.72
Summary Statement of Duties:
Under the general direction of the Director of Constituent Services and Chelsea Police Department’s Community Services Division, the Animal Control Officer is responsible for protecting public health, safety, and animal welfare through the enforcement of federal, state and local animal control laws, regulations and ordinances. The Animal Control Officer responds to call for service involving stray, injured, neglected, abused, dangerous, or nuisance animals; conducts investigations; documents findings; and takes appropriate measures to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
The position performs the safe and humane capture, transportation, impoundment, care, and disposition of domestic animals and, when appropriate, coordinates with veterinarians, wildlife agencies, rescue organizations, law enforcement, and other municipal departments. The Animal Control Officer educates residents on responsible pet ownership, licensing requirements, animal welfare, and public safety while providing professional and compassionate customer services.
The Animal Control Officer maintains accurate records, prepares reports, testifies in legal or administrative proceedings when necessary, and assists with emergency response involving animals. The position exercises independent judgment in evaluating situations, resolving conflicts, and responding to emergencies while ensuring the humane treatment of animals and promoting community relations.
Essential Job Functions and Duties:
● Maintain public safety by enforcing animal licensing laws and humane care regulations while on patrol. ACO is responsible for capturing and impounding dangerous or stray animals, running investigations on animal cruelty, and enforcing licensing requirements.
● Rescue, capture, and secure stray, endangered, or abandoned animals, making efforts to notify owners when possible. Coordinate with veterinary clinics for treatment and care of injured animals found on the city streets.
● The animal control officer position manages and runs the chemical capture program for the department.
● ACO will purchase animal food and provide care for animals that are housed in the animal control shelter.
● Responsible for preparing periodic reports on expenditures and activities related to the operations of the animal control shelter.
● Responsible for keeping the animal control shelter clean, safe and secure.
● Must complete incident reports for all animal control-related activities.
● Remain “On-Call” for emergency situations; hours of work may be irregular and subject to urgent needs.
● Perform other related tasks or duties of equivalent skills and responsibilities that may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: (Education, Experience, Skills, Knowledges & Abilities)
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Experience:
One to three (1-3) years of experience in animal care and control, law enforcement, or a related field. Massachusetts Animal Fund Core Competencies Training (MANDATORY). Knowledge of wildlife animals and aggressive behavior animals.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
Certifications: Certification from the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts (ACOAM) is required within six (6) months of appointment.
Licenses: Valid MA Motor Vehicle Driver’s License.
Background: Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI).
To view all of our Job Openings, go to our website at www.chelseama.gov.
The City of Chelsea is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Pay: $50,400.31 - $66,789.72 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,400 - $66,790