An Animal Control Officer works for a police department or public safety agency and responds to calls for help with abandoned or mistreated animals. Assists with capturing wild animals found in city neighborhoods or populated areas.
09/01/2026 3:46 PM Town of Edgartown Assistant Animal Control Officer/Inspector ($28.38-$40.39) The Town of Edgartown is seeking an Assistant Animal Control Officer / Inspector to assist in operations related to animal control and welfare. This position is scheduled for 16 hours on alternating weeks and involves responding to calls regarding loose or injured animals, conducting barn and livestock inspections, investigating complaints, and enforcing regulations. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, the ability to handle animals safely and humanely, and experience working with both domestic animals and wildlife. Certification as an Animal Control Officer and a valid driver's license are required. Training and professional development opportunities are available. Position is open until filled. Applications and full job description are available at edgartown-ma.us or in the HR Office in Town Hall. Please send completed applications to HR@edgartown-ma.us or
P.O. BOX 5130 ATTN
HR, Edgartown, MA 02539. The Town of Edgartown is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Assistant Animal Control Officer/Inspector
DEFINITION
Position is responsible for the provision of technical and inspection work pertaining to the enforcement of all relevant state statutes and town bylaws relating to the control and regulation of animals within the town.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Investigates complaints regarding barking dogs, vicious animals, animal bites, cruelty to animals; receives information from complainant; meets with owners of animals when possible; provides information regarding town by-laws and dog hearing procedures; prepares reports; and provides follow-up as needed; Interprets and enforces all applicable state laws and local by-laws; may be required to appear in court or at a dog hearing to provide testimony; recommends changes in local animal control bylaws; Provides information and assistance to the public regarding complaints and questions about wildlife; Removes and disposes of dead domestic animals on roads or other public areas; removes and transports injured animals to a local Veterinarian's Office; Maintains animals and town kennel; cleans animals and kennels; feeds and cares for animals; animals that are not claimed are adopted or euthanized; Investigates complaints of potentially rabid wildlife and captures, if needed. Coordinates euthanization by Veterinarian; Responds to calls regarding loose animals, captures and restrains animals or transports to a veterinarian as required; Performs regular and thorough inspections of barns in accordance with state guidelines; maintains detailed and accurate records concerning contagious diseases and investigates reports of animal bites scratches and supervises the quarantine of animals if required; Performs administrative duties; prepares correspondence and documentation for hearings; prepares written reports; and processes adoption paperwork; maintains detailed and accurate department activity records; Performs a variety of related duties
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Under general supervision. The employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently. The supervisor provides additional, specific instruction for new, difficult or unusual assignments, including suggested work methods. The employee refers unusual situations to the supervisor for advice and further instructions.
ACCOUNTABILITY
The nature of the work means that errors in administrative work are not easily detected. Consequences of errors, including inaccurate information, could impact other departments and result in monetary loss, interruption of service and poor internal or external customer service.
JUDGMENT
The work involves numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions that govern the work and in some cases may require additional interpretation. Judgment is needed to locate, select and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation or guideline.
COMPLEXITY
The work consists of a variety of duties which generally follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation.
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Relationships are constantly with co-workers, the public, groups and/or individuals such as peers from other organizations, and representatives of professional organizations. The employee serves as a spokesperson or recognized authority of the organization in matters of substance or considerable importance, including departmental practices, procedures, regulations or guidelines. May be required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required to avoid friction and obtain cooperation.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
High School diploma and one year of experience working domestic and wildlife. Certification as an Animal Control Officer; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Driver's license required.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS
Must have the ability to work with domestic animals and wildlife, and manage emergency and dangerous situations effectively in a safe manner. Must have excellent communication skills and be able to explain regulations to the public. Must participate in continuing education. Must be familiar with State and Local laws as they pertain to animal control, and be able to communicate effectively with complainants and offenders.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of unpleasant or irritating elements. The nature of the position involves a variety of fieldwork which includes exposure to large farm animals, outdoor weather conditions, and irate citizens.
PHYSICAL, MOTOR, AND VISUAL SKILLS
Physical Skills Administrative work is performed in an office setting requiring sitting, standing, walking. When in the field, requires agility and physical strength, such as handling and restraining animals or standing or walking most of the work period. Occasionally, work may require lifting heavy animals and carrying them. Must be able to climb, craw, kneel, and be able to enter a variety of situations and spaces to rescue animals. Motor Skills Duties involve hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination. Visual Skills Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes, as well as searching for animals during the day or at night, at beaches or in the woods and other locations.
