Assistant Animal Control Officer- Part time

The purpose of this position is to enforce all relevant state statutes and Town By-laws 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 Billerica from annoyance, intimidation, irritation, and injury from animals; also serves as Animal Inspector; performs all other related work as required.
Supervision:
Supervision Scope: Performs a variety of very responsible functions requiring the exercise of judgment,
initiative and discretion in dealing with the public and in interpreting and applying relevant State Laws and Town By-laws.
Supervision Received: Works under the policy direction of the Police Chief referring specific problems
only when clarification or interpretation of Town policy or procedure is required. Works according to
established department and Town policies and procedures, standards, or special directives, instructions and intent.
Job Environment:
Majority of work is performed outdoors with possible exposure to weather extremes of hot and cold
temperatures and inclement weather. Frequently subjected to the stress of emergencies and dangerous
situations; risk of injury is possible due to handling of animals, including bites, scratches, etc.; high level of
intelligence and communication skills are paramount to an effective Animal Control Officer. Has access to Department related confidential information. Errors could result in danger to the public health and safety, personal injury, confusion, delay of services, and cause adverse public relations.
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.)
Maintains complete log of calls and complaints received; investigates complaints; explains Animal Control regulations to residents; enforces local By-Laws; picks up and transports lost, injured, or dangerous animals to holding or impound area when Officer deems necessary; seeks to return animals to proper owners.
Responds to emergency calls for service.
Serves as a Primary Animal Inspector for the Town, including but not limited to completing the annual
barn book requirements and Kennel Inspections.
Works in conjunction with Animal Welfare Agencies in investigating complaints regarding mistreated
or abused animals.
Works with humane societies, veterinarians and the general public to place unclaimed animals into
homes; provides for humane disposal of unclaimed animals as necessary.
Patrols the Town as needed to secure and transport any dogs found to be in violation of By-Laws;
impounds such dogs when necessary.
Controls, restrains, and when necessary, picks up and transports lost, injured, unleashed, or dangerous
animals to veterinarian or kennel. Seeks to return animals to proper owners. Destroys rabid wildlife.
Captures animals that possess a real threat or perceived threat to the community.
Attends meetings including dangerous dog hearings.
Enforces State and Local Laws.
Completes forms, letters, etc. associated with impoundments of dogs, quarantined animals, and the
assessment of fines.
Provides first aid and rescue operations for injured animals. Removes dead animals from public ways
with the assistance of highway department as needed. Responds to emergency animal assistance requests.
Picks up and packages animals for testing by the State when necessary.
Investigates cruelty and neglect of animals; investigates dog bites, cat bites, etc.…
Serve criminal or civil notices; this is related to enforcement of animal control ordinance.
Review annual dog census with the Town Clerk.
Attend to sick or injured wildlife or domestic animals.
Conducts public relations programs in order to foster public awareness regarding animal control.
Works closely with the media, public interest groups to promote improved care and control of animals.
Works with Boards of Health in Animal Permitting process by conducting inspections for activities related to the keeping of animals; and in carrying out public mandates related to rabies control.
Maintains incident reports on dog bites, nuisance calls, and all data required by state laws.
Assists in filing complaints at District Court for non-payment of citations and prepares proper
documentation for presentation at court.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience:
High school education; completion of animal control certification courses helpful; one year of
experience in animal handling and control or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license
Possession of a MA license to carry firearms
Animal Control Officer MA certification within 1 year; highly recommended
Rabies vaccination (can be provided upon hire)
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Thorough working knowledge of applicable Massachusetts General Laws and Town By
Laws governing the control and regulation of animals. Working knowledge of canine, feline, and large animal behavior and diseases. Basic knowledge of animal husbandry and emergency veterinary procedures.
Ability: Ability to effectively and tactfully communicate with others as it relates to explaining
regulations, taking enforcement action, and investigating complaints. Ability to maintain detailed records.
Ability to apprehend and control vicious animals and care for them humanely. Ability to maintain composure
during emergencies, in dangerous situations, and while communicating with agitated/angry residents. Ability to enforce laws and regulations firmly and impartially.
Skill: Skills in operating above mentioned equipment. Excellent problem-solving skills. Compassion for
animals.
Physical Requirements:
(The physical demands described here 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.)
Frequent light to moderate physical effort is generally required in performing duties. Very good mobility
and physical conditioning required to spend majority of the shift walking/running/standing, climbing trees, chasing animals, handling large/excitable/dangerous animals, and using hands to operate all tools and equipment. Frequently lifts and/or moves objects/animals weighing up to 30 pounds; occasionally lift and/or moves objects/animals weighing up to 60 pounds. Accesses all levels of structures/barns/houses and traverse’s uneven terrain. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. Operate Town-owned Motor Vehicle throughout the Towns of Billerica and neighboring towns.