Assistant Animal Control Officer

The Town of East Lyme is seeking an Assistant Animal Control Officer (AACO) to join its Police Department.

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the shift commander has responsibility for the animal control services in the Towns of East Lyme and Waterford pursuant to the Waterford/East Lyme Interlocal Agreement which may incorporate other ACO duties and responsibilities. Will respond and investigate violations of animal control statutes, including but not limited to animal bites, leash laws, roaming dogs, animal noise and nuisances, abuse and neglect and animal licensing laws. May be required to respond to certain wildlife calls for service, including but not limited to, sick or injured wildlife, possible rabid animals and occasionally assisting with other wildlife calls for service.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The Animal Control Officer receives direction from the Animal Control Officer and/or Lieutenant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: N/A

CLASSIFICATION & HOURS OF WORK: This is a full-time, unaffiliated position; working 40 hours per week, as determined by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are the primary functions and duties of the classification. In addition to being able to perform all duties of a lower classification, there may be other types of work that may be performed and the omission of a particular duty or function does not exclude that duty or function from the classification provided the duty or function is similar in work, related to the work or logically assigned to the classification.

This position is responsible for the capture, impoundment, cleaning, feeding and daily care and, at times, euthanasia and disposal of animals, as well as the investigation of roaming, injured or mistreated animals. May issue warnings, infractions or summons regarding violations of the animal control statutes. May assist with the writing and execution of search warrants and arrest warrants. Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective and courteous working relationships with public officials, coworkers, and members of the general public, other departments and agencies.

This position requires the ability to complete and submit written reports in a timely fashion, including but not limited to bite reports, restraint and disposal orders, quarantine orders, statements, written warnings, infractions and summonses, municipal animal control reports, monthly status reports, monthly finance reports.

Applies and demonstrates the appropriate department policies in the handling of animals. Maintains clean and sanitary runs in the animal shelter. Provides proper care, handling and food for all impounded animals, maintaining standards to meet state regulations and inspections. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of statutes, which pertain to animal requirements and violations. Provides for the proper disposal of animals when necessary. May be required to testify in court on related matters. Maintains records and databases of impounded animals and monetary transactions. Assists veterinarians when necessary.

This position requires a 40-hour work week, including nights, weekends and holidays, and will require the employee to be on call at certain times.

*****The duties listed above are intended only as illustrative of the various types of work that may be 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*****

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES PROFILE:

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

The skills and knowledge required to perform the essential duties of this position would require a minimum, a high school diploma. Evidence of experience in the handling/training/control of canines and other animals. Knowledge of the nature, purpose and enforcement of laws relating to animal control. Strong written, oral and public communications skills are mandatory. Computer skills such as Microsoft Word and Excel are necessary. Prior experience in the Animal Control field is preferred, but not necessary.

License or Certificate

• Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicles Operator’s license

• Must possess or be able to obtain the Connecticut Animal Control Certification within one year of being hired

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS/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.

While performing the duties and responsibilities of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, sit, kneel, walk, bend at the waist and knees, reach and stretch from the waist and shoulders. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, focus adjustment and the identifying of different colors. The employee may at times be required to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and with assistance lift/move up to 200 pounds. Manual dexterity, balance and strength will be needed in the capture and management of animals.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. The employee is routinely exposed to outside weather conditions in all seasons of the year. Routine exposure to high and/or precarious places may take place in the capture of animals. The noise level in the animal shelter may be moderate to loud. The employee will be asked to operate normal office equipment inclusive of computer hardware. The employee will have to at times transport animals to the veterinarian for euthanasia and transport back to the freezer locker for pickup and cremation.

The employee will be required to receive and maintain rabies preventative vaccinations.

The employee must be able to work harmoniously, cooperatively, and courteously with others at all times, and have mental capacity to handle stressful situations. The employee must be able to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress as well as have the ability to maintain a calm demeanor in stressful and emergency situations. The ability to adapt to varying work situations/conditions and establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others is also required.

The employee must have the ability to communicate effectively in oral and written communications. The ability to write concisely to express thoughts clearly, and to develop ideas in logical order is required. Information provided orally must be accurately recorded. The employee must have the ability to work accurately with names, numbers, colors, codes and/or symbols. Accurate records must be maintained, and general report must be prepared with the ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

The Animal Control Officer may be called on for a variety of functional duties in an emergency. Due to the nature of this work and the fact at times exposure to dangerous situations may arise where split second timing and decision-making are required, the employee in this position must possess full mental and physical capacities.

PAY AND BENEFITS:

• Hourly wage starts at $29 with benefits per the Description of Benefits for Unaffiliated Town Employees.

******This job description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as requirements of the job change. The order in which Essential Functions and Qualifications Profile are meant only for reference and do not necessarily represent any order of magnitude.******

To apply, visit Human Resources - Town of East Lyme (eltownhall.com), or submit an Application along with resume and cover letter to skonakowitz@eltownhall.com.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Town of East Lyme does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, disability (including pregnancy), status as a Veteran, or any classification protected by state or federal law.