Assistant Animal Control Officer

Vernon Ct; Vernon (CT); On-site; USD 36,093 - 39,661; Full time

Job summary

Town of Vernon Police Department is seeking an Assistant Animal Control Officer to enforce town ordinances and state statutes, respond to animal-related calls, and manage shelters. The role requires knowledge of animal handling, law enforcement basics, and strong public information skills.

Qualified applicants have a high school diploma or GED and at least 2 years of animal handling experience; veterinarian technician certification is preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Knowledge of dogs, cats, other domestic animals and wildlife including handling, transport, sheltering, care and feeding.
• Knowledge of Connecticut Animal Control Statutes and Town of Vernon ordinances.
• Animal restraint and care techniques.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports; provide statistical reports.

Responsibilities

• Plan and organize work according to procedures and priorities.
• Respond to animal complaint calls and patrol for stray/unlicensed animals.
• Investigate vicious, diseased, or stray animals and wildlife.
• Capture and remove animals; maintain town pound/shelters.
• Issue summons or make arrests; arrange for adoption/disposal of animals.

Skills

Animal control knowledge

Law enforcement principles

Public relations

Education

High school diploma or GED

2 years animal handling/ care experience

Veterinarian Technician certification preferred

Tools

Computer proficiency

Job description

Town of Vernon • Police Department – Assistant Animal Control Officer

Hourly Rate: $26.20 (start range $26.20–$28.79)

General Statement of Duties: Performs patrol and enforcement duties in an animal control program; enforces Town ordinances and Connecticut Animal Control Statutes, and laws relating to domestic animals and the control of rabies in domestic animals and nuisance wildlife. Maintains good public relations.

Supervision Received: Reports directly to the Chief of Police or Captain and takes direction from same or designee.

Supervision Exercised: May supervise volunteers. Manages animal control shelters in absence of Animal Control Officer.

Essential Job Functions

• Plan and organize work according to authorized procedures and priorities.
• Respond to animal complaint calls based on priority, including dogs, cats, other domestic animals and nuisance wildlife.
• Investigate vicious, diseased or stray dogs or cats, and other domestic animals and nuisance wildlife.
• Patrol town for stray or unlicensed dogs; capture and remove stray or vicious dogs or cats, other domestic animals, and nuisance wildlife to an animal shelter.
• Issue summons to violators, or make arrests.
• Arrange for return, adoption or disposal of impounded animals.
• Maintain town pound and animal shelters in the absence of Animal Control Officer.
• Care for, feed and house animals as required.
• Remove injured and dead animals from town roadways.
• Provide public information regarding lost, impounded, injured or abandoned animals and wildlife sightings.
• Report work accomplished to the Chief of Police or designee.
• Keep Animal Control Officer abreast of ongoing or occurred animal control issues.
• Prepare required Police incident reports.
• Assist in the organization of rabies clinics and attend special clinics as assigned.
• Issue temporary dog licenses for dogs adopted directly from the animal shelter.
• Issue adoption certificates from the state Animal Population Control to new owners of a dog or cat from the pound or shelter.
• Regularly check Town e‑mail and voicemails; maintain communications with Police Department at all times while on duty.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance; be on call as assigned.

Other Job Duties

• Collect fees as required.
• Medicate sick animals and nurse baby animals needing a boost in life.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Frequent sitting, talking or hearing; occasional standing, climbing, stooping, crouching, reaching, walking, running, and handling objects. Must operate motor vehicle and control aggressive or dangerous animals.

Mild lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting/pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds. Requires good vision and ability to operate computer equipment.

Work Environment

Outside weather conditions; near moving mechanical parts; high precarious places; exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid conditions, fumes, chemicals; frequent exposure to animal feces and noxious odors; potential zoonotic diseases; moderate to loud noise especially in the shelter.

Minimum Qualifications Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
• Knowledge of dogs, cats, other domestic animals and wildlife including handling, transport, sheltering, care and feeding.
• Knowledge of Connecticut Animal Control Statutes and Town of Vernon ordinances.
• Animal restraint and care techniques.
• Ability to obtain and apply other Town ordinances relating to contractual agreements.
• Ability to care for domestic animals.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports; provide statistical reports.
• Ability to foster relationships and deal effectively with officials, business owners, outside agencies, rescue organizations, employees, and the public.
• Diplomatic, compassionate, professional; resolve conflicts; handle stressful situations involving animal cruelty and death.
• Handle difficult, angry people and maintain self‑control; make sound decisions within job scope.
• Promote pet adoption through the animal shelter.
• Computer proficiency and ability to learn job‑specific software.

Experience & Training

• High school diploma or GED and at least 2 years of experience in animal handling, care or control (or equivalent education/experience).
• Veterinarian Technician certification preferred.
• Complete Animal Control Officer training program as mandated by the State of Connecticut within one year.
• Annual Police Department training as required, including qualification with firearms to Police Department standards.

License or Certificate

• Valid driver’s license; may require Connecticut State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers.
• Full criminal background check and fingerprinting.
• One-year probationary period.

EOE/AA