All applications must be submitted online at:
https://www.policeapp.com
Non-certified Animal Control Officer applicants must take and pass the CPCA Animal Control Officer Written Exam prior to applying. The exam is available at:
Under general supervision of the Police Chief and Deputy Chief of Police, or designee, performs routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of animal control ordinances.
- Patrols streets to locate stray animals and promptly captures animals (domestic/wildlife) and transports them to an animal shelter.
- Responds to complaints concerning animal problems or violations of animal control ordinances, including but not limited to animals running at large, bites, property damage, or injuries. The word “animals” shall include all domestic animals as well as all wildlife which may be encountered.
- Removes dead, injured or dangerous animals from streets and residential premises.
- Compiles a variety of data regarding animal control data; prepares daily, monthly, and annual reports of activities.
- Investigates violations of animal control ordinances and issues warnings or citations as required; appears in court to testify regarding animal control cases.
- Serves various criminal or civil notices or papers related to enforcement of animal control ordinances.
- Coordinates a public relations program in order to foster public awareness of ordinances regarding animal control and humane treatment of animals by taking a proactive approach to issues such as bear awareness and management, rabies vaccinations and clinics, animals left in vehicle, and sick wildlife.
- Works closely with the media, public interest groups and businesses to promote improved care and control of animals.
- Works an assigned shift and may be required to use own judgment in deciding course of action being expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
- Maintains normal availability by radio or telephone for consultation on major emergencies or precedent.
- Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State laws, and Town ordinances.
- Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about Department activities.
- Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities, paying strict attention to disinfecting the vehicle and equipment used to transport sick, injured, deceased, and found animals between each transport so as not to infect uninfected animals.
- Participation in development and monitoring of Animal Control budget, and purchasing of equipment and supplies.
- Serves as a member of various employee committees.
- Maintain uniform and grooming standards as described in General Order (GO) 22-3.
- Membership in the CT State Animal Response Team.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
•Knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.
•Working knowledge of animal restraint and care techniques.
•Skill in operating the tools and equipment listed below.
•Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations; Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
•Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, supervisors and the public. Ability to interact and establish productive relationships with the public geared towards proactive problem-solving measures.
•Ability to develop public service announcements and speak on public access television and other media.
•Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
•Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
•Ability to meet the special requirements listed below.
•Ability to learn the Town's geography.
•Willingness to be “on call” at all hours of day and night.
•Ability to demonstrate proficiency with a firearm and obtain annual firearms qualification.
•Ability to achieve certification as an Animal Control Officer
•Ability to obtain state certification and licensing for Nuisance Wildlife Control; certification for Emergency First Aid and CPR for Animals.
•Ability to achieve certification in the Collect System.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Patrol vehicle (truck, van, car) animal capture equipment, (firearm/rifle) police radio, ASP baton, oc spray, first aid equipment, personal computer, taser, ballistic vest.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
•While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and/or hear.
•The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
•The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds
•Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
•Ability to be vaccinated for pre-exposure rabies.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
•While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in all types of outside weather conditions. (not limited to cold, heat, rain, snow)
•The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; in high, precarious places; and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
•The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED equivalent; and experience in the behavior and handling of both domestic and wild animals; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.