Tiverton - Animal Control Officer

Job Announcement

TIVERTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

Animal Control Officer

JOB SUMMARY:

Serves as animal control officer/humane agent performing responsible animal control law enforcement duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under general supervision of the Chief of Police or an officer designated by the Chief. Most duties are performed independently, and judgement must be exercised in meeting emergencies and determining appropriate courses of action.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Apprehends and impounds stray dogs, enforces licensing requirements and leash law, investigates dog bite cases and arranges for the quarantine or impoundment of offending dogs pursuant to State health laws. 
• Issues citations for animal control violations, and prepares cases for prosecution in court.
• Take reports of lost or missing pets or farm animals and attempts to locate them and return them to their owners.
• Investigates sick and wounded animal cases and transports animals to veterinary hospitals for medical care.
• Assists in the investigation and prosecution of cruelty to animals cases.
• Completes and submits required reports.
• May testify in court on animal control cases.
• Assists citizens requesting assistance with animal control problems.
• Uses specialized equipment such as cage, chemical spray, tranquilizer gun, noose, etc. to capture and control unruly animals.
• Becomes familiar with and remains updated on State law and Town ordinances concerning animals and establishes an effective working relationship with the RI Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
• Properly maintains all Town owned equipment assigned to the animal control function, and keeps proper records and inventory for immediate inspection.
• Prepares a budget to submit to the Chief for animal control function, purchases equipment and supplies in accordance with established procedures.
• Arranges for the humane disposal or adoption of stray animals.
• May be required to oversee the operation of an animal shelter.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Must possess sufficient strength and agility to chase, capture and overpower stray or vicious animals. 
• Must be able to qualify with handgun and shotgun, and use a tranquilizer gun, chemical spray, net, noose, and other animal control equipment.
• Must be able to operate an animal control van.
• Must be able to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to both humans and animals.
• Must be able to hear well enough to distinguish direction of noises and carry on a conversation in person or over the radio or telephone even in the presence of background noise.
• Must be able to see and read well enough to fill out forms in artificial lighting.
• Must be able to stand or sit for protracted periods of time and lift and carry animals.
• Must be able to maintain physical condition required by the department.
• Possession of a valid Rhode Island driver's license of the proper classification to drive an animal control van.
• Must be able to operate a personal computer to produce reports and query data base for information on lost animals, warnings and citations issues, etc.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Working knowledge of animal control laws, humane regulations, rabies prevention, and Town animal control ordinances; knowledge of proper care of animals; knowledge of the street system and geography of the town. Ability to speak clearly and concisely. Ability to think and act calmly and accurately in emergency situations. Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with public, police officers, veterinarians, humane agents and others. Must have compassion for animals and knowledge of dogs in particular.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

U.S. citizen, 21 years of age or older. High school diploma or GED certificate. Valid Rhode Island Driver's License of the classification required to drive an animal control van, experience in the care, custody or control of domestic animals or pets, OR any other equivalent combination of education and experience. Must become a resident of the Town following appointment.

Ability to pass any selection procedures established by the Chief of Police for the position, including a criminal and motor vehicle record check and background investigation. Must be able to pass Animal Control training and ongoing periodic weapons qualifications with the appropriate weapons.

PHYSICAL EXERTION/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is generally performed outdoors in all kinds of weather. May involve the use of various weapons and tools, and require lifting strength. Possibility of exposure to animal bites and rabies.

APPLICATIONS ARE SUBMITTED VIA POLICEAPP.COM 

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 5, 2018 at 11:59 PM

The Tiverton Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Jobs close at 11:59 PM (Eastern) on the deadline date specified, or when the position capacity has been met, or unless otherwise specified in the announcement. If the deadline date is not specified in the announcement, the agency has sole discretion on setting the deadline and jobs may close without notice. It is the applicant's responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the deadline requirements and capacity limits as outlined by the agency.

Applicants are responsible for checking their email and logging into their PoliceApp, PublicSafetyApp, FireFighterApp or EmployementApp account to monitor for emails, scheduling and process updates.