CLASS TITLE: Animal Control Officer (Full or Part time)

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:
Employees are required to have the ability to effectively communicate with all persons and agencies they come in contact with both orally and in writing. The position requires the preparation and keeping of accurate records and logs, investigative reports, and arrest reports. The position requires the enforcement of ordinances, local, state, and federal laws relating to the community, care, health, and management of animals under the jurisdiction of the Animal Control Officer. Performs other assignments and work as required.

SUPERVISION:
Works under the supervision of a ranking officer or other designee as assigned by the Office of the Chief of Police.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Individuals must be prepared to report to work and perform their duties and responsibilities at all times and under all weather conditions.

PRIMARY DUTIES:
Patrols the Town of East Windsor in the Animal Control vehicle in the performance of their duty. Responds to complaints in an attempt to resolve them by making personal contact with complainants and other persons. Conducts a yearly census throughout the town checking for unlicensed dogs or other unlicensed animals as required by law. Impounds stray, lost, or ownerless dogs and other animals as required by law. Takes appropriate enforcement action for violation of ordinances and laws. Writes complete and accurate reports of cases including arrest reports to the prosecutor. Maintains an office at the kennel, and maintains the kennel in a sanitary condition. Feeds and cares for impounded animals. Quarantines various animals as necessary and required. Destroys animals as is required and allowed by law.  May be required to decapitate rabid animals and transport to proper facility for rabies testing. Conducts educational and informal seminars for the public and/or with other persons and agencies. Prepares newspaper advertising for the adopting of or lost or abandoned animals when and where appropriate. Collects appropriate fees for animals sold and redeemed, and is accountable for all other fees collected to the Treasurer’s Office with an accurate record of collection. Prepares monthly reports on the number of complaints received, and the number of dogs impounded and destroyed. Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned and required.

ABILITY:
The ability to be trained in all aspects of the Animal Control Officer’s duties and responsibilities. The ability to observe situations objectively.  The ability to establish and maintain a working relationship with associates, the public, and other agencies and public officials. The ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports, logs, and records. The ability to understand and follow through with written and oral instructions. The ability to effectively care for, use, and handle a firearms safely. The ability to handle animals in a humane manner. The ability to have sufficient physical strength to deal with animals of weight (lifting) both alive and deceased. The ability to deal with all other matters that are necessary to perform their duties and responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
Must have the physical and mental ability to deal with vicious and sick animals using proper procedures and tools assigned. Neat personal appearance. The ability to work under unpleasant working conditions.  Must be able to think clearly and act decisively.

INVESTIGATIVE FITNESS:
The employee may be investigated in order to secure evidence of their honesty, integrity, and general character. Evidence of habitual use of intoxicants and drugs, moral turpitude, disrespect for the law, unethical dealings, and any material misstatement of fact on the employment application or other forms will be considered sufficient grounds for rejection.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
"Applicants must be 21 years of age, graduate from a standard high school or recognized equivalency, and possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license. Applicant must be a United States citizen. Persons who have a criminal record, and who have been dishonorable discharged from previous employment or the armed services of the United States are ineligible. A poor accident or motor vehicle record may disqualify the applicant. The Office of the Chief of Police will appoint Animal Control Officers for no more than a one-year period at a time. The first year will be considered as a one-year probationary period. Appointment to this position is at the discretion of the Chief of Police each year.