UnderthedirectionoftheTownManagerorhisdesignee,investigatecomplaintsfromthepublicaboutanimals loose inthe community; when necessary, retrieve such animals through use of leashes, snares, protective gloves, traps, nets,andotherspecialized equipment; transport animals tothekennel; maintain suchanimals in the kennel, including cleaning of the kennel.

Enforcement ofStateandTowncodesrelated tothecare,control,andlicensingofanimals withintheTownof Oxford.

Respondstoandinvestigatescallsorcomplaints involvingdomesticorwildanimals,straysoranimalsat-large, barking and nuisance issues, including sick,injured or viciousanimals. Investigates bite reports, collects and prepares specimens forlaboratory analysis, issuequarantine orders, gather information and/or evidence and issue warnings orcitations asappropriate forviolations ofanimal regulations.

Issuewarningnotices,non-criminal citationsorseekcriminalcomplaints,asappropriate toanimalownersfor violations and appear asawitness in District Court when circumstances require.

Represent theDepartment in theDistrict Courtatpetition hearings and hearingsdenovo brought under the provisionsofChapter140section157.Makesregularandthorough inspectionsofavarietyofanimals located withinthetownlimits,inspectsdomesticanimalswhenthereisasuspicionofcontagious disease.Investigates nuisance and animal cruelty/abuse/neglectcomplaints; interviews witnesses, notifiesownersandinvolved parties ofanimal violations and corrective actionsrequired. Oversee pick upand disposal ofdead animals.Prepares written reportsand other pertinent documentation and testifies incourt, generates reportsandother documentationrelatedtoanimal careandcontrolasrequiredorneeded.Coordinateswiththepolicedepartment tocomplete investigationsrelative todangerous animals, owners, and victims asneeded. Coordinates withthe Town Attorney relativetotheprosecution ofdangerous animalcomplaints asneeded.Entersdataintosoftware programsasapplicable.Performs barninspections. Keepssufficientsuppliesonhandfortheefficientoperation ofanimal control.Provides information and materials tothe public relatedtoordinances, careandtreatment of animals,animal control,spayorneuter clinicsand resources, licensingrequirements, kennel permits, special permitsforfarm animals, and provides publiceducation regarding animal control.Mayassist incoordinating rabies vaccination clinics,spayor neuter clinics, or other related programs asrequested orrequired.

Coordinatepetadoption orpettransfertostateapproved rescue/shelterorganizations.Perform other duties asrequired.

Operatesatownownedanimalcontrol vehicleand isresponsibletoscheduleroutinemaintenanceofsuch vehicle. Uses and maintains issued equipment related toanimal care and control.

Addressinquiresfromthepressinaprofessionalmanner.

 Minimum Qualifications:

Equivalent tocompletion ofhighschool.Threetofiveyearsinanimal control activities.ValidMassachusetts driver'slicense.TrainingandcertificationasaMassachusetts AnimalControl Officerortheequivalent thereof within one year of hire.

RequiredKnowledge, AbilityandSkills:

 KNOWLEDGEOF:Generalsafetypractices,legalliabilitiesandresponsibilities,animalcaptureandrestraint techniquesand equipment. Symptoms, causes, procedures and reporting requirements forrabiescontrol and othercommonanimaldiseases.Stateandtownlaws,statutes,andordinancesrelatingtothecontrol, protection, licensing, impounding and disposal of animals.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Exercise patience, careand compassion whendealing withanimals. Establish and sustaincooperative working relationshipswith employees, officials, otheragencies, petrescueandcare organizations,andthegeneralpublic.Operateacomputerincludingjob-related softwareapplicationsthatapply to the work performed.

ABILITYTO:Effectivelyandtactfullycommunicate withothersasitrelatestoexplaining regulations,taking enforcement action, and investigating complaints. Maintain detailed inspection records.

 PhysicalRequirements:

Strenuousphysical effortsometimesrequired;abilitytoliftandcarryanimalsand/orequipmentweighingmore than 50pounds. Required to bend, kneel,reach and squat. Frequent movement inand outofequipment and vehicle. Ability touse and wear personal protective equipment andclothing such aseyeprotection, foot and hand protection.Sufficienteyesight(withorwithoutcorrectivelenses)toperform thefunctionsofthejobsuch as discerning movement in brush, animal color and seeing computer screens.

 

JobEnvironment:

Worksunderfieldconditionswithunavoidable exposuretobadweatherandavarietyofhazardousconditions suchasdust,dangerous roadconditions,etc.Errorscouldresultinpersonal injury,dangertopublicsafetyand cause monetary loss to the Town.

 

SupervisoryResponsibility:

None

 

ProvideforcoveragewithAssistant AnimalControl Officersorthroughmutualaidifavailable.