Under the direction of the Town Manager or his designee investigate complaints from the publicabout animals loose in the community; when necessary retrievesuch animals through use of leashes snares protective gloves traps nets and other specialized equipment; transport animalsto the kennel; maintain such animalsin the kennel including cleaning of the kennel.

Enforcementof State and Town codes relatedto the care control and licensing of animalswithin the Town of Oxford.

Responds to and investigates calls or complaints involving domesticor wild animalsstrays or animalsat-large barking and nuisance issues including sick injured or vicious animals. Investigates bite reports collects and preparesspecimens for laboratory analysisissue quarantine orders gatherinformation and/or evidence and issue warnings or citations as appropriatefor violations of animal regulations.

Issue warningnotices non-criminalcitations or seek criminal complaints as appropriate to animalowners for violations andappear as a witness in District Court when circumstances require.

Representthe Department in the District Court at petition hearingsand hearings de novo brought under the provisions of Chapter 140 section 157. Makes regularand thorough inspections of a varietyof animals located within the town limitsinspects domestic animalswhen there is a suspicionof contagious disease. Investigates nuisance and animalcruelty/abuse/neglect complaints;interviews witnesses notifies owners and involvedparties of animal violations andcorrective actions required. Overseepick up and disposal of dead animals.Prepareswritten reports and other pertinentdocumentation and testifies in courtgenerates reports and other documentation relatedto animal care and control as or needed. Coordinates with the policedepartment to completeinvestigations relative to dangerous animals owners and victims as needed. Coordinates with the Town Attorney relative to the prosecution of dangerous animal complaintsas needed. Enters data into softwareprograms as applicable. Performsbarn inspections. Keeps sufficient supplies on hand for the efficient operation of animal control. Providesinformation and materials to thepublic related to ordinances care and treatment ofanimals animal control spay or neuter clinics and resources licensing requirementskennel permits special permits for farm animals and provides public education regarding animal control. May assistin coordinating rabies vaccinationclinics spay or neuter clinics or other related programs as requested or required.

Coordinate pet adoptionor pet transfer to state approvedrescue/shelter organizations. Perform other duties as required.

Operates a town owned animal control vehicle and is responsible to schedule routinemaintenance of such vehicle. Uses and maintains issuedequipment related to animal care andcontrol.

Address inquires from the press in a professional manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

Equivalentto completion of high school. Threeto five years in animal control activities. Valid Massachusettsdrivers license. Trainingand certification as a Massachusetts Animal Control Officer or the equivalent thereof within one year ofhire.

Required Knowledge Ability and Skills:

KNOWLEDGE OF: General safety practices legal liabilities and responsibilities animalcapture and restraint techniques and equipment. Symptoms causesprocedures and reporting requirements for rabies control and other common animal diseases. State and town laws statutes and ordinances relatingto the control protection licensing impounding and disposal ofanimals.

SKILLS REQUIRED: Exercise patience care and compassion when dealing with animals. Establish and sustaincooperative working relationships withemployees officials other agenciespet rescue and careorganizations and the general public.Operate a computerincluding job-relatedsoftware applications that applyto the work performed.

ABILITY TO: Effectively and tactfully communicate with others as it relates to explainingregulations taking enforcementaction and investigating complaints. Maintain detailed inspection records.

Physical Requirements:

Strenuous physical effort sometimes required; abilityto lift and carry animalsand/or equipment weighingmore than 50 pounds. Requiredto bend kneel reach and movement in and out of equipmentand vehicle. Ability to use and wearpersonal protective equipment and clothingsuch as eye protection foot and hand protection. Sufficient eyesight ( with or without corrective lenses) to perform the functions of the job such as discerning movement in brushanimal color and seeing computer screens.

Job Environment:

Works under field conditions with unavoidableexposure to bad weather and a varietyof hazardous conditions such as dust dangerous road conditions etc. Errors could resultin personal injury dangerto public safetyand cause monetary loss to the Town.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Provide for coverage with AssistantAnimal Control Officers or through mutualaid if available.