Animal Control Officer

Westfieldpolice; Westfield (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Westfield Police Department seeks an Animal Control Officer to enforce state statutes and local ordinances related to animals, and to work with citizens, veterinarians, shelters and humane societies. You will operate a vehicle, maintain equipment, and issue warnings or citations when needed.

You will prepare incident reports, assist in investigations, and provide information to the Health and public safety agencies.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent with two years of higher education in veterinary medicine or related field.
• Two years of full-time animal control or veterinary experience or equivalent substituting education.
• Massachusetts Class D driver’s license and Class A Carry license required.
• Certification as Animal Control Officer by the Animal Control Officers Association of MA.

Responsibilities

• Enforce state statutes and local ordinances relating to animals.
• Operate a light truck/van and maintain vehicle and equipment.
• Coordinate with city departments, veterinarians, shelters and humane societies.
• Explain laws to the public and issue warnings or citations as needed.
• Maintain records, prepare reports and testify in court as required.

Skills

Law enforcement knowledge

Animal law

Care of animals

Report writing

Interpersonal skills

Emergency response

Education

HS diploma + 2 years veterinary-related study

Massachusetts Class D license

Massachusetts Class A License to Carry

Animal Control Officer certification

Job description

Job Opportunities

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enforcement and administrative work enforcing all relevant state statutes, inclusive of the duties imposed by M.G.L. Chap. 140 on “dog officers”, and local ordinances as they relate to animals. Performs responsible tasks which require the exercise of judgment and initiative, occasionally under emergency conditions. Other related work as required.

SUPERVISION:

Works under the general supervision of the Westfield Police Commission as appointing authority, as delegated there to by the Mayor, and under the direct supervision of the Police Chief and the Police Captain. May supervise one other person in the performance of these duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type 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.

• Operates a light truck or van; may operate power tools, hand tools, telephones, radios and such standard office equipment as a desktop computer. Keeps assigned vehicle, tools and equipment in neat and clean condition.
• Makes frequent contact, requiring courtesy, patience and tact, with concerned animal owners as well as other members of the public; coordinates activities with other city departments, county and State officers, veterinarians, animal shelters and humane societies.
• Explains applicable laws and ordinances which relate to animals within the City; informs individuals of specific legal requirements, criminal justice procedures and health issues as they relate to animals; assists individuals with problems associated with domesticated or wild animals; issues warnings or citations to violators. Must attend courses/seminars as directed by the Chief.
• Maintains working relationships with City departments and outside public and private agencies; assists in developing and is responsible for following established protocols with respect thereto.
• Patrols streets; responds to Health Department requests, responds to calls from dispatch; investigates animal complaints and dog bites and maintains a daily log of all activity.
• Prepares and maintains documents, including police incident reports, relating to animal control issues and situations; advances the City’s interests; testifies in court as required.
• Picks up injured animals and obtains medical treatment as required; responsible to pick up and dispose of dead animals in conformance with state and local laws.
• Works with humane societies, veterinarians and the general public to care for injured animals and to place abandoned animals. Prepares articles regarding the proper way to raise and treat domesticated animals and how to deal with wild animals.
• Makes and refers complaints against owners of dogs not properly licensed, collared and confined.
• Keeps records of the number of stray dogs captured and their disposition, owners, number of complaints and all other information with respect thereto required by law. Submits monthly reports to the Chief, annual report to the Mayor.
• Tracks events reportable under State Law, sees to proper reporting of such events, assures proper preparation and submission of animal samples for testing as required by State Law, and maintains records thereof. Working in conjunction with the Health Department prepares newspaper notices concerning health issues (rabies, West Nile, Bird Flu).
• Conducts inspections as directed by the Health Department and coordinates with police officers in animal control situations.
• May be assigned any other duties as related to assist department function.

OTHER ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Must be available 24hrs per day or make arrangements in his/her absence to handle emergencies as directed by the Chief. Must carry on person at all times when working a personal identification card issued by the Chief of Police identifying the holder as the Animal Control Officer for the City of Westfield. Must wear a uniform and carry a sidearm and/or rifle as required by the Chief.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School graduate or equivalent with two years higher education in veterinary medicine, veterinary technology or related field. Two years of full-time animal control or full-time veterinary medicine experience or evidence of experience in the breeding and/or handling and control of dogs may be substituted for higher education. Must have Massachusetts Class D drivers license, Massachusetts Class A License to Carry and certification as an Animal Control Officer by the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of Law Enforcement techniques
• Knowledge of Laws (State and Local) relating to animals and control
• Knowledge of care and handling of animals
• Ability to prepare reports using simple math and proper grammar
• Ability to establish positive and effective working relationships
• Ability to think quickly and act decisively in an emergency

PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS

Physical Skills

Frequent moderate to occasional strenuous physical effort required to perform duties including animal restraint, transporting injured animals and collecting stray animals. May climb, stoop, crawl or kneel for extended period of time. May frequently lift, move and/or push animals which weigh 60 lbs. or more. Most work is performed out of doors with exposure to variable weather conditions. Work involves exposure to risks associated with handling animals including bites, scratches, and exposures to diseases carried by animals and to immunization from such disease.

VISUAL SKILLS

The City of Westfield is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.