Animal Control Officer-PT & On Call

About the role

The Town of South Hadley is seeking qualified applicants for a newly established Part-Time/On-Call Animal Control Officer (ACO) position. The position is responsible for providing animal control services for the Town, including responding to animal-related complaints and emergencies, enforcing local animal control regulations and applicable state law. Work is performed under the direction of the Police Chief.

Schedule

• Civilian, non-union, non-benefited position
• Part-time, on-call/as-needed position
• Must be available to respond to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, based on operational needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Anticipated average workload is 6-10 hours per week, with no minimum guaranteed hours per week

Pay

Starting pay anticipated $22-$26/hr dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

• Responds to animal-related complaints and emergencies, including stray, injured, sick, dangerous, or nuisance domestic animals, on an on-call and as-needed basis
• Capture, transport, and care for stray, injured, sick, or dangerous animals using humane methods
• Enforce Town bylaws and applicable Massachusetts animal control laws
• Investigate animal bites and dangerous dog complaints
• Prepare reports, maintain records, issue citations, and testify in court when required
• Coordinate with the Police Department, Board of Health, MSPCA, veterinarians, and other agencies
• Perform kennel inspections, assist with livestock inspections, and support rabies control and quarantine activities
• Maintain assigned equipment and vehicle and participate in Required Training
• Perform Other Related Duties As Assigned

Qualifications

The following requirements may be substituted by an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with animals and the public; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license
• Completion of a comprehensive animal control training course acceptable to the Town of South Hadley Police Department required, or ability to obtain within a specified probationary period
• Municipal Animal Inspector certification, or the ability to obtain certification, is preferred
• Ability to pass a criminal background and/or CORI check
• Ability to work various shifts and maintain on-call availability, including weekends and/or holidays as needed, and ability to respond to calls and report to South Hadley within acceptable timeframe to support public safety services
• High level of confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information; ability to effectively and appropriately communicate with the public and provide services with professionalism, be of good character, reliable, and have a strong sense of responsibility

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.