Regional Animal Control Officer/ Animal Inspector (Melrose, Wakefield, Stoneham)

Summary The Animal Control Officer / Animal Inspector, under the supervision of the Health and Human Services Director, is responsible for the welfare of animals and the protection of people within the City of Melrose, Town of Stoneham, and Town of Wakefield. This regional role performs the full range of animal control, inspection, enforcement, public health, and emergency response duties as authorized under applicable state laws, city ordinances, and regulations, including M.G.L. Chapter 129. May be required to respond after hours in emergency situations. Essential Functions The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types 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. 1. Patrol public ways and City property; capture, restrain, and transport stray, lost, injured, diseased, dangerous, or vicious animals to authorized shelters or facilities to protect public safety and animal welfare. 2. Enforce applicable State laws, City ordinances, regulations, and policies related to animal control, including vaccinations, quarantine, inspection, and enforcement actions under M.G.L. Chapter 129 and related laws. 3. Respond to routine calls, complaints, and emergencies received through the Health and Human Services Department and Police Department, providing professional, courteous, culturally responsive, and discreet customer service. 4. Investigate animal bites, injuries, and potential transmission of infectious or contagious diseases involving humans or other animals; determine when euthanasia is warranted in accordance with State and local laws and established protocols. 5. Investigate complaints involving sick, injured, abused, neglected, or unsanitary conditions affecting domestic animals, including animals other than dogs, and coordinate appropriate corrective or enforcement actions. 6. Coordinate with veterinarians, animal hospitals, and animal welfare organizations, including MSPCA, ASPCA, and Animal Rescue League, on sensitive, complex, or high-risk cases. 7. Pursuing to state law collect and process fees related to boarding and adoption in accordance with the procedures for each municipality; maintain accurate records, daily logs, and required reports, including State-mandated reports (i.e. Barn Books); remit funds to the Treasurer's Office as required. 8. Support emergency preparedness and response activities related to animals, including participation in public health emergencies and departmental emergency operations. 9. Support community outreach, education programs, and special events. 10. Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and culturally responsive work environment and perform other related duties as required.

Dimensions:

This position is both physically and mentally demanding and requires the ability to make quick decisions and exercise sound judgments in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Work is performed primarily in the field with intermittent exposure to adverse weather conditions and potentially hazardous situations. The Mayor and the Board of Selectmen appoint the Animal Control Officer / Animal Inspector, respectively. The Mayor and Board of Selectmen annually nominate one or more candidates for the position of Animal Inspector under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 129 by March 1 and submit the nomination by April 1 to the Director of Animal Health for the state. For responding to emergencies off hours, the role will be compensated as half hour for phone calls made off hours, and two-hour minimum for in-person response to emergencies off hours.

Supervision Supervision Scope:

Performs responsible functions requiring a working knowledge of animal health behaviors; and exercises judgment and initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.

Supervision Received:

Works under direct supervision of HHS Director following state mandated animal control and department's rules, regulations and policies. Duties require the ability to plan and perform operations and independently complete assigned tasks, according to established guidelines, and within prescribed time schedules. Supervision is provided as needed.

Supervision Given:

None. Recommended Minimum Qualifications Education, Training and Experience High School degree plus advanced technical course in animal safety and care and a minimum of three (3) years of experience working with animals, including the proper capturing, handling, and care of stray, injured, or diseased animals is required or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Bachelors' degree in an animal-related field or criminology is preferred. Ability to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccination within 3-weeks of hire. Ability to complete MA Animal Fund Core Competencies within 12 months of hire; Ability to complete Animal Control Academy within 12 months of hire. Ability to successfully pass CORI.

Special Requirements:

The Massachusetts Animal Fund Animal Control Officer Institute Core Competencies Training. Knowledge of dogs, cats, domestic animals and wildlife normal and abnormal behaviors. Massachusetts Department of Agriculture and Resources certifications/license. Division of Animal Health - core competencies for Animal Control Officers certification. Knowledge of civic liability. Knowledge of rules and regulations for animal inspections. Valid Driver's License is required.

Knowledge:

Knowledge and experience in animal safety and care. Knowledge of rules and regulations for animal inspectors. Knowledge from completion of Mass Animal Fund Animal Control Officer Institute Core Competencies. Knowledge of wild and domestic animals' normal and abnormal behaviors. Knowledge of basic record keeping and accounting; Knowledge of state, city and local government, laws, rules, and regulations on animal control. Ability to maintain current in animal health, and ability to complete certifications and maintain core competencies continually in animal control. Knowledge of rules and regulations for animal inspections. General knowledge of common health conditions in animals.

Ability:

Ability to interact appropriately and tactfully other city department staff, with animal owners and the public; ability to maintain knowledge and understanding of state, local and city regulations; ability to maintain detailed records; ability to explain Department rules and regulations and policies and procedures to the public and conduct public presentations; ability to work independently; ability to follow detailed timetables. The ability to collaborate and appreciate other's viewpoints. Ability to complete eight credit hours of continuing education training offered by Massachusetts Animal Fund annually; and ability to apply guidance from training. Ability to maintain Massachusetts Drivers' License and professional certifications/licenses and vaccinations. Ability to work cooperatively with a variety of departments and agencies. Ability to perform physical activities including long walks.

Skills:

Excellent interpersonal skills, organizational and customer service skills. Demonstrated experience providing customer service to animal owners, and the public using tact, proper judgment, courtesy, respect and discretion. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies and ensure a culturally relevant and sensitive approach. Accomplished in demonstrating adaptability, and able to present and accept a diverse perspective. Experience in performing euthanasia on animals when situation warrants. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, effective computer skills including MS Office applications. Skill and experience in managing emergency situations. Skill and experience in exercising proper judgement for reasons to control and diffuse situations. Skill and ability to remain calm in emergency situations. Job Environment Work is performed half of time outdoors and in non-weather conditions where there may be extremes of heat and/or cold. Walking is occasionally on uneven ground, and at properties which may contain hazards. Work is subject to fluctuations, and administrative deadlines. Employee may work evenings and weekends and holidays. Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine and all other standard office equipment. Employee operates an automobile. The employee has frequent contact with the public, other city department staff, and animal owners. May work with hostile and/or injured animals Errors could result in personal injury from domestic and wild animals and in injury to animals. Physical Requirements The physical demands described 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 occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, communicate and hear. Often the employee must use hands to finger, handle or feel; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms, climb, and jump. The employee must occasionally lift or move objects weighing up to 60 pounds; the employee rarely lifts or moves objects weighing more than 100 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges to read documents, to locate and manage animals, and analyze data. Color, distance, close, peripheral vision and depth perception are necessary for safe operation of vehicle and for effective performance of animal control duties. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed, and drive automobiles. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The City of Melrose, MA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. No Residency Requirement. In the City of Melrose we value diversity, equity, and inclusion and believe that everyone in the community deserves excellent public services and access to resources regardless of race, gender/gender identity, religion, ethnicity, physical abilities, age, sexual orientation, veteran status or personal experience. We believe in the benefit of diversity which allows us to become aware of varied ways of engaging with citizens and to discover, design and deliver enriched solutions & services for our community. The City embraces and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

Pay:

$28.79 - $29.95 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Application Question(s): Are you able and willing to respond to emergency calls during nights, weekends, and holidays when required? (For responding to emergencies off hours, the role will be compensated as half hour for phone calls made off hours, and two-hour minimum for in-person response to emergencies off hours.) Do you have at least 3 years of experience working with animals, including handling stray, injured, or diseased animals?

License/Certification:

Driver's Licence (Required)

Work Location:

In person