GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

Statement of Duties:

The purpose of this position is to enforce all relevant state statutes and town bylaws as they relate to the control and regulation of animals, ensure the safe return, care and handling of all residential animals, and provide protection to the residents of Templeton from annoyance, intimidation, irritation, and injury from animals. Must maintain confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff, and agency information. This position also acts as the Animal Inspector for the Town. ACO's will work 7AM-3PM, covering Monday through Friday for a total of 8-19 hours a week, depending on staffing levels. Additionally, ACO's will be expected to be on-call during evening, weekend, and holiday hours, two to four times a week, depending on staffing. A stipend of $25 for every 8 hours on-call, plus straight pay in one-hour increments when calls are answered, will be provided during the on-call status. Performs all other related work as required.

Supervision:

Work is performed under the general direction of the Police Chief.

Work Environment:

Administrative work is performed under typical office conditions. Environment may be loud due to equipment. Operates computer, telephone, copier, calculator, and other standard office equipment requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. The employee has frequent contact with the general public (by phone and in person), town departments, various agencies and organizations, and other town animal control personnel. May occasionally have knowledge of sensitive information including criminal investigation information or information pertaining to related lawsuits making confidentiality a priority. Errors can result in personal injury or loss, injury to others, damage to property, and equipment as well as legal and financial ramifications, and cause adverse public relations for the department and the Town. Negligence may result in injury or death to animals held in Templeton custody.

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. The Animal Control Officer (ACO) is responsible for: Enforcement of the Town of Templeton's Animal Control Bylaw, Chapter 133, and all applicable provisions of MGL c. 140, § 136A through § 174E. Making a written record of and investigating all complaints arising within the Town pertaining to violations of any provision of related Templeton bylaws, Chapter 133, or to violations pertaining to MGL c. 140, § 136A through § 174E and any relevant state or local regulations and is responsible for reporting their findings to the Select Board. Keeping accurate, detailed records of the confinement and disposition of all dogs held in custody, all bite cases reported, and the results of investigations. Maintaining a telephone log of all calls received regarding dogs and submitting a quarterly reports summarizing the log to the Select Board. Issuing temporary restraint orders to the owner or keeper of any dog that is alleged to be a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog awaiting a decision under §133-8. Making arrangements for the temporary housing of any dog that requires such temporary housing and may issue an order of temporary confinement authorizing such temporary housing. To apprehend any dog found to be in violation of §133-6 of Templeton bylaws and to impound such dog in a suitable place or to order the owner or keeper thereof to restrain such dog. Enforce any licensing or registration fees, in coordination with the Town Clerk's office, as required under Templeton bylaws. Investigates and issues quarantine notices for animal bits and testing for potentially rabid wildlife where there has been an exposure to a human or domestic animal; sending required Notice of Exposure forms monthly to the Department of Agriculture. Conducts inspections of barns to ensure animals are in good health and free of disease; observes animal housing and ensures that adequate food and water is supplied. Investigates and records complaints regarding livestock husbandry practices, wild animals in residential areas, animal cruelty, dog nuisance, and related complaints. Provides animal owners with information regarding town bylaws and dog hearing procedures and prepares reports and provides follow-up as necessary. Removes and transports injured animals to veterinary offices. Cares for animals in town custody, including regular walks and providing those animals with an appropriate amount of food and water. Maintaining and cleaning Templeton kennel facilities or any other areas where an animal, in Templeton's custody, is being held. Traps and removes wild or nuisance animals from outdoors, residential, or undesignated areas. Works with veterinarians, humane societies, and the general public to place unclaimed dogs. Prepares correspondence and documentation for hearings; prepares written reports and processes adoption paperwork; maintains ACO activity records. Handles all Animal Inspection duties as required by the Board of Health which includes rabies control and barn inspections within various sections of M.G.L. c. 129. Completes Commonwealth mandated ACO training yearly and monitors changing animal welfare laws. Works with the Police Department yearly as it relates to budgeting for animal control needs and keeps an inventory of and makes requests for necessary animal control equipment. Works with the Department of Public Services and Police Department on animal control vehicle maintenance, repairs, and replacement. Manages Animal Control related donations and invoices in compliance with Accounting Department guidelines. Manages clinics, outreach activities, and communications (website/social media) on animal control related topics for which the public should be aware.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications listed below will not be considered:

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred
• Reliable mode of transportation and a valid driver's license
• Ability to pass a CORI background check
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, power tools, and other equipment used to clean and maintain the building and outside spaces
• Ability to use a computer with a windows operating system along with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to follow basic verbal or written instructions, safety regulations, and town procedures
• Must be able to remain courteous in unpleasant situations and communicate effectively and professionally with members of the public, volunteers, staff, and elected officials
• Ability to operate the Town animal control vehicle
• Must be able to complete ACO required training within three months of hire or the self-paced training within one month of hire and the core competencies training during the next available training session as provided by the Animal Welfare Fund
• Prior animal control experience is not required and the Town will provide training for selected candidates for open positions.

DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates who have any of the following will receive special consideration for the open positions:

• Prior custodial/maintenance/animal care experience
• Prior ACO experience or ACO training
• Experience working as a veterinarian technician
• Experience volunteering at an animal shelter
• Knowledge of domestic, farm, and wild animals
• Knowledge of ACO related regulations or quarantine procedures
• Knowledge of "Right to Farm" laws
• Experience working for a municipality in an administrative or law enforcement capacity

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, & SKILLS

Successful Animal Control Officers must have the following:

Knowledge :

Thorough understanding of animal care and behavior. Considerable knowledge of the English language, grammar and spelling, and bookkeeping. Thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations, practices, procedures and laws as they pertain to the Police Department and Animal Control. Geography of the Town of Templeton.

Abilities :

Ability to make quick and sound judgements during complex situations involving the public and animals; maintain records and prepare reports; interpret and apply Departmental policies and procedures. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all employees within the Department and Town offices, the general public, organizations, and officials from various agencies and organizations. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a courteous and professional manner. Ability to use work independently and demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, and decision-making skills. Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate effective services. Ability to plan and prioritize work and perform multiple tasks within a timely manner. Provide relevant documentation and testimony at any and all hearings as required by the Select Board, Town Administrator, or Police Chief.

Skill :

Basic animal care practices; mediation and negotiation skills; communication and organizational skills. Interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Excellent customer service skills and strong attention to detail.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands, Motor Skills, Visual/Auditory Skills:

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Field work includes regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions; extremes of heat and cold; exposure to wild, diseased or aggressive animals, which can also entail animal bites and scratches. Agility and physical strength to move over rough terrain, high places, as well as regularly stand, walk, run, stand, sit, talk, and listen for extended periods of time. Must also be able to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance and reach with hands and arms. Required to lift/move up to 100 lbs. or manage animals up to 150 lbs. Equipment needed to use and operate: Animal Control Vehicle, medical supplies, traps, cages, catch poles, nets, gloves, cleaners, plastic bags and police radio, dog leashes, chip scanner, dog ramp and injured animal stretcher. Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles, traffic, and irate persons. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges as well as ability to view computer screens. Equipment operated includes light trucks, nooses, traps, harnesses, and medical equipment.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants are asked to send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Executive Assistant, Jill Blood, at jblood@templetonma.gov. References will only be called upon prior notice to the applicant. Positions open until filled. The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Town and the employee and is subject to change by the Town as the needs of the Town and/or the requirements of the position change.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

From $20.00 per hour Application Question(s): Are you located within 20 miles of Templeton? Are you available to work at least two nights a week on-call?

Education:

Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

Animal care: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person