Under the direction of the Town Manager or his designee, investigate complaints from the public about animals loose in the community; when necessary, retrieve such animals through use of leashes, snares, protective gloves, traps, nets, and other specialized equipment; transport animals to the kennel; maintain such animals in the kennel, including cleaning of the kennel.

Enforcement of State and Town codes related to the care, control, and licensing of animals within the Town of Oxford.

Responds to and investigates calls or complaints involving domestic or wild animals, strays or animals at-large, barking and nuisance issues, including sick, injured or vicious animals. Investigates bite reports, collects and prepares specimens for laboratory analysis, issue quarantine orders, gather information and/or evidence and issue warnings or citations as appropriate for violations of animal regulations.

Issue warning notices, non-criminal citations or seek criminal complaints, as appropriate to animal owners for violations and appear as a witness in District Court when circumstances require.

Represent the Department in the District Court at petition hearings and hearings de novo brought under the provisions of Chapter 140 section 157. Makes regular and thorough inspections of a variety of animals located within the town limits, inspects domestic animals when there is a suspicion of contagious disease. Investigates nuisance and animal cruelty/abuse/neglect complaints; interviews witnesses, notifies owners and involved parties of animal violations and corrective actions required. Oversee pick up and disposal of dead animals.Prepares written reports and other pertinent documentation and testifies in court, generates reports and other documentation related to animal care and control as required or needed. Coordinates with the police department to complete investigations relative to dangerous animals, owners, and victims as needed. Coordinates with the Town Attorney relative to the prosecution of dangerous animal complaints as needed. Enters data into software programs as applicable. Performs barn inspections. Keeps sufficient supplies on hand for the efficient operation of animal control. Provides information and materials to the public related to ordinances, care and treatment of animals, animal control, spay or neuter clinics and resources, licensing requirements, kennel permits, special permits for farm animals, and provides public education regarding animal control. May assist in coordinating rabies vaccination clinics, spay or neuter clinics, or other related programs as requested or required.

Coordinate pet adoption or pet transfer to state approved rescue/shelter organizations. Perform other duties as required.

Operates a town owned animal control vehicle and is responsible to schedule routine maintenance of such vehicle. Uses and maintains issued equipment related to animal care and control.

Address inquires from the press in a professional manner.

 Minimum Qualifications:

Equivalent to completion of high school. Three to five years in animal control activities. Valid Massachusetts driver's license. Training and certification as a Massachusetts Animal Control Officer or the equivalent thereof within one year of hire.

Required Knowledge, Ability and Skills:

 KNOWLEDGE OF: General safety practices, legal liabilities and responsibilities, animal capture and restraint techniques and equipment. Symptoms, causes, procedures and reporting requirements for rabies control and other common animal diseases. State and town laws, statutes, and ordinances relating to the control, protection, licensing, impounding and disposal of animals.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Exercise patience, care and compassion when dealing with animals. Establish and sustain cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies, pet rescue and care organizations, and the general public. Operate a computer including job-related software applications that apply to the work performed.

ABILITY TO: Effectively and tactfully communicate with others as it relates to explaining regulations, taking enforcement action, and investigating complaints. Maintain detailed inspection records.

 Physical Requirements:

Strenuous physical effort sometimes required; ability to lift and carry animals and/or equipment weighing more than 50 pounds. Required to bend, kneel, reach and squat. Frequent movement in and out of equipment and vehicle. Ability to use and wear personal protective equipment and clothing such as eye protection, foot and hand protection. Sufficient eyesight ( with or without corrective lenses) to perform the functions of the job such as discerning movement in brush, animal color and seeing computer screens.

 

Job Environment:

Works under field conditions with unavoidable exposure to bad weather and a variety of hazardous conditions such as dust, dangerous road conditions, etc. Errors could result in personal injury, danger to public safety and cause monetary loss to the Town.

 

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

 

Provide for coverage with Assistant Animal Control Officers or through mutual aid if available.