Animal Control Officer-PT & On Call

Town of South Hadley; South Hadley (MA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 35,817; Part time

Job summary

The Town of South Hadley is seeking a qualified Part-Time/On-Call Animal Control Officer (ACO) to provide animal control services, respond to complaints and emergencies, and enforce local bylaws and state law.

Work is on-call, about 6-10 hours per week, with availability 24/7 including evenings, weekends, and holidays; position non-benefited and starting pay $22–$26 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; 2+ years experience with animals and the public.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license.
• Completion of a comprehensive animal control training course or ability to obtain.
• Municipal Animal Inspector certification preferred.
• Ability to pass a criminal background and CORI check.
• On-call availability including weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Respond to animal-related complaints and emergencies on an on-call basis.
• Capture, transport, and care for stray or dangerous animals.
• Enforce town bylaws and Massachusetts animal laws.
• Investigate animal bites and dangerous dog complaints.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, issue citations, testify in court.
• Coordinate with Police Department, Board of Health, MSPCA and veterinarians.
• Perform kennel and livestock inspections and support rabies control.

Skills

Animal handling

Public interaction

On-call availability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Animal control training course

Municipal Animal Inspector certification (preferred)

Job description

Animal Control Officer (PT & On-Call) The Town of South Hadley is seeking qualified applicants for a newly established Part-Time/On-Call Animal Control Officer (ACO) position.

Position is responsible for providing animal control services for the Town, including responding to animal-related complaints and emergencies, enforcing local animal control regulations and applicable state law.

Work is performed under the direction of the Police Chief.

The ACO works on an on-call, as-needed basis, (estimated 6-10 hours per week), requiring availability to respond to calls involving animals and public safety, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, as operational needs dictate, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The position is part-time and non-benefited.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Responds to animal-related complaints and emergencies, including stray, injured, sick, dangerous, or nuisance domestic animals, on an on-call and as-needed basis.
• Capture, transport, and care for stray, injured, sick, or dangerous animals using humane methods.
• Enforce Town bylaws and applicable Massachusetts animal control laws.
• Investigate animal bites and dangerous dog complaints.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, issue citations, and testify in court when required.
• Coordinate with the Police Department, Board of Health, MSPCA, veterinarians, and other agencies.
• Perform kennel inspections, assist with livestock inspections, and support rabies control and quarantine activities.
• Maintain assigned equipment and vehicle and participate in

Minimum Qualifications:

• The following requirements may be substituted by and equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which Provides The Necessary Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required To perform the job:
• High school diploma or GED; minimum of two (2) years of experience working with animals and the public; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license.
• Completion of a comprehensive animal control training course acceptable to the Town of South Hadley Police Department required, or ability to obtain within a specified probationary period.
• Municipal Animal Inspector certification, or the ability to obtain certification, is preferred.
• Ability to pass a criminal background and/or CORI check.
• Ability to work various shifts and maintain on-call availability, including weekends and/or holidays as needed, and ability to respond to calls and report to South Hadley within acceptable timeframe to support public safety services.
• High level of confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information; ability to effectively and appropriately communicate with the public and provide services with professionalism, be of good character, reliable, and have a strong sense of responsibility.

Position Status/Schedule:

Civilian, non-union, non-benefitted Part-time, on-call/as-needed position. Must be available to respond to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, based on operational needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Anticipated average workload is 6-10 hours per week, no minimum guaranteed hours per week.

Starting pay anticipated $22-$26/hr dependent upon qualifications and experience.