Assistant Animal Control-Part-Time

Major Functions The Towns of Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, and Raynham are seeking a qualified, dependable, and compassionate Part-Time, On-Call Animal Control Officer to provide animal control services across the three communities. This position is responsible for enforcing state and local animal control laws and regulations, responding to animal related complaints and emergencies, conducting investigations, promoting public health and safety through the humane treatment of animals, and providing detailed documentation of incidents This is an on-call position with varying hours based on operational, needs, and emergencies. Essential Functions Note: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a logical assignment to the position. Animal Control and Enforcement - Investigate complaints from the public regarding barking dogs, dog bite incidents and dangerous or aggressive dogs, loose dogs, cruelty or neglect of animals, nuisance or barking dogs; respond to each complaint appropriately. - Respond to injured domestic animal reports, transporting the animal to the appropriate veterinary facility and locating the owner of the injured animal when possible. - Conduct investigations, gather data and make recommendations to the Town when dealing with problem animals and/or owners as needed. - Maintain animal control equipment and supplies, report any need for service to the vehicle or equipment and submit any receipts applicable to all. - Conducts kennel inspections for all properties registered under M.G.L. Chapter 140, Section 137A. - Enforces the Department of Agriculture Resources and Division of Animal Health’s rabies protocol to prevent the spread of rabies in both domestic and livestock animals and humans. Imposes quarantine restrictions on animals suspect of potential rabies exposure and submits appropriate documentation. - Maintain and update animal control records, database, and files of information for the department in compliance with Massachusetts Public Records Law - Respond to reports of domestic or wild animals in distress/trapped in unusual places and rescue the animal as possible, returning the animal to the owner, releasing back to the wild, or transporting the animal for further care. - Enforce rules and regulations regarding unrestrained and/or unattended dogs. Provide care for animals, including obtaining veterinary care if required and arrange for transportation to local animal shelter. - Provide information to the public regarding complaints and questions concerning wildlife. - Perform administrative duties including timely and professional email and phone correspondence prepare reports and documentation for hearings and court proceedings - Attend required training, maintain professional certifications, and remain current on applicable laws and best practices. - Performs other duties as assigned or as may be necessary. Required Qualifications Experience - High School Diploma or equivalent - Valid Massachusetts driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record. - Demonstrated experience handling domestic animals and livestock. Licenses or Certificates - Must possess and maintain a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License. - Must have or be willing to obtain a certification as an Animal Control Officer by the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts with the first year of employment Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: - State and local laws and regulations pertain to animal control, and procedures for enforcement. - Knowledge of animal behavior, humane animal handling techniques, capture methods, and proper care of domestic and when applicable, wild animals. - Knowledge of rabies preventions, quarantine procedures, and public health principles. - Skilled in conflict resolution and de-escalation when interacting with residents. - Ability to exercise sound judgement and make independent decisions in emergency and high-pressure situations. - Ability to operate personal computer, correspond via email and phone, and maintain accurate documentation electronically. - Ability to work independently and manage a regional workload. - Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications and successfully complete ongoing professional training. Special Requirements - Must be available 24 hours per day to respond to emergencies. Working Conditions - Frequent and extended periods of outside work, subject to all weather conditions and extremes. - Working around potentially vicious animals; work with abusive individuals in disputes over decisions; removing stray animals from streets and highways. - Exposure to dirt, air contaminants, animals, temperature extremes, noise and toxic materials - Continuous walking, standing, climbing; periods requiring uncomfortable physical positions. Incumbents in this classification must follow safety procedures carefully. Tools and Equipment Used - Use of personal computer, printer, two-way radio, telephone, copying machine, traps, and other devices to capture and impound animals. - Operation of a motor vehicle. Physical Demands Regular periods of physical exertion, requiring ability to lift, carry and position heavy dogs utilizing proper mechanics and techniques. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 100 pounds; push and pull up to 200 pounds; climb stairs, bend, kneel, crouch and crawl; reach, hold, grasp and turn objects. The work requires the ability to speak normally, to use normal or aided vision and hearing, and to detect odors. Unusual Demands Employee is subject to call 24 hours per day. Probationary Period The probationary period is 6 months