Animal Control Officer

THIS PART-TIME POSITION WITH THE GLASTONBURY POLICE DEPARTMENT IS 19.5 HOURS PER WEEK WITH A VARIED SCHEDULE INCLUDING EVENINGS, WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS AS REQUIRED.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the general supervision of the Animal Control Officer, incumbent handles animals for the purpose of investigations of mistreatment, or control of abandoned, dangerous, or unattended animals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Investigates reports of animal attacks or animal cruelty, interviews witnesses, collects evidence, and writes reports.
• Captures and removes stray, uncontrolled, or abused animals from undesirable conditions, using nets, traps, snare pole, conducted energy weapon, or expandable baton, as necessary.
• Examines animals for injuries or malnutrition, and arranges for any necessary medical treatment.
• Euthanizes rabid, or severely injured animals, using a shotgun.
• Supplies animals with food, water and personal care.
• Removes captured animals from animal-control service vehicles and places animals in shelter cages, notifies animal owners that their pats are at animal holding facilities.
• Maintains Town dog pound; cleans facilities and equipment such as dog pens and animal control service vehicles.
• Writes reports of activities and maintains files of impoundments and dispositions of animals.
• Issues warnings or citations in connection with animal-related offenses, or contact police to report violations and request arrests.
• Enforces state laws and Town ordinances related to the animal control program, licenses, and housing conditions.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Educates the public about animal welfare, and animal control laws and regulations.
• Submits arrest warrants and affidavits.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

• Maintains confidentiality of records and information as appropriate

CONDUCT:

• Observes safe work practices
• Observes state traffic laws
• Represents the Town in a professional and courteous manner; observes and respects the dignity of all persons

DEPENDABILITY:

• Regularly attends and is punctual for work
• Works evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• May be on standby call to respond to incidents on weekends, holidays, and off-duty hours and respond to emergency calls within thirty (30) minutes

NOTE: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and responsibility. Incumbent must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE:

• Knowledge of state traffic laws
• Knowledge of animal care and handling, especially dogs
• Knowledge of safety practice for handling of domestic and wild animals
• Working knowledge of state and municipal animal control laws
• Ability to write clear, concise and accurate reports, and keep accurate records
• Basic Microsoft Word skills
• Ability to maintain emotional control in difficult situations
• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective working relationships, and communicate effectively with the public, particularly during stressful situations
• Ability to possess a firearm or other lethal weapon

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Incumbent must be able to see and hear in the normal range with or without correction, and communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Work is typically performed outdoors, with exposure to temperature variation, including extreme heat and cold. Physical demands include pushing, pulling, and/or lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally, running, climbing, crawling, and kneeling. Occasional exposure to hazardous work conditions including contact with snakes, potentially wild, dangerous, and diseased animals; working in streets and on highways to remove stray or dead animals.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• One year related work experience preferred in handling or caring for animals

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION:

• Class B driver’s license
• State Animal Control Officer Certification within one (1) year of hire