Job Announcement:

Town of Wethersfield

Animal Control Officer

(Full Time)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Support Services Commander, plans, organizes and implements a canine and animal control program. Manages a dog pound; enforces Connecticut State Dog Statutes, related laws and Town ordinances.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responding to and investigating reports of stray, injured or neglected animals.
• Patrolling assigned areas to enforce local and regional animal control regulations.
• Capturing and impounding dangerous or stray animals.
• Investigating animal cruelty cases and collecting evidence for legal actions.
• Educating the community about animal safety and welfare.
• Preparing and maintaining a variety of records, including incident and activity reports.
• Providing emergency first aid to injured animals.
• Coordinating with veterinary professionals for further treatment or euthanasia.
• Assisting in the adoption and rehabilitation of animals.
• Work with other wildlife agencies and or Towns during normal business hours.
• Works closely with Police Officers and the Town’s Physical Services Department in removing injured or dead dogs and animals from Town roads.
• Prepares and recommends a unit budget; receives and processes fees; maintains necessary financial records.
• Required to handle injured, ill or dead animals.
• Other related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of animal breeds, behavior and handling.
• Knowledge of animal welfare laws and regulations.
• Ability to handle potentially dangerous animals safely.
• Ability to capture and restrain animals.
• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Able to lift up to 100 Pounds.
• Ability to apply working knowledge of regulations and legal requirements of assigned department activities.
• Ability to work independently.
• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing is necessary.
• Ability to manage programs.
• Ability to accurately process large amounts of paperwork.
• Ability to develop and maintain complex electronic (computer) and paper records and files.
• Ability to perform complex arithmetic calculations including ratios, rates and decimals.
• Ability to keep accurate records.
• Ability to relate positively to staff members and the general public.
• Ability to communicate information in a clear and concise manner.

 

EDUCATION AND/ OR EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, as well as a minimum of one (1) year of related experience and/or training required.
• Experience in handling dogs and other animals.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• First aid certification for animals is desirable.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use standard office equipment, able to lift up to 100 pounds with proper equipment, vision to read printed materials, and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, loud noises, unpleasant sights and odors, may have exposure to animal bites and other related injuries. This position involves outdoor fieldwork and exposure to potentially dangerous animals and conditions. On-call and emergency response may be required.

Please direct questions regarding this position to Joseph.Baich@wethersfieldct.gov