Department: Animal Control

Position: Per Diem Assistant Animal Control Officer

Date of Availability: Immediate

All interested parties must submit a letter of interest along with qualifications to the Confidential Assistant to the Mayor/HR & Benefits Coordinator, Rachel Giolitto (RGiolitto@staffordnj.gov) by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday March 5, 2023. The Township Administrator will make a final determination of the qualifications of the individuals responding, and will interview only those individuals deemed to be qualified. Any questions concerning this notice must be addressed to the Township Administrator. A copy of the job description is available in the Municipal Clerk's Office.

The Township reserves the right to make the final determination on an applicant's qualifications and suitability to the position. The Township of Stafford reserves the right to reject any and all requests for transfer or assignment and to publicly advertise for this position.

The Township of Stafford is an equal opportunity employer.

Updated As Of: August 25, 2022

Job Title: Assistant Animal Control Officer

Department: Animal Control

Reports To: Lead Animal Control Officer

Schedule: All shifts - rotation basis

SUMMARY & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work of the Assistant ACO involves patrolling assigned areas of the Jurisdiction to enforce Animal Control Ordinances and related laws, rules and regulations. Assistant ACOs must travel to various contracted municipalities to pick up animals in distress, strays, injured animals and dead animals, as assigned. The Assistant ACO enforces local, county and state animal regulations, including but not limited to cruelty to animals, dangerous/vicious animals and animal bites as they pertain to dogs, cats, wildlife, livestock and fowl. Work is regularly active with periods of heavy exertion, in the field setting and outside in varying weather conditions. Position requires walking or standing for long periods; lifting and carrying up to 80lbs on a regular basis; climbing stairs and bending, kneeling, crouching and crawling; reaching, holding, grasping and turning objects. Patrol assigned areas contain pick-up stray, sick/injured, diseased, feral, and/or unwanted and captured domestic and wild animals; transporting them to appropriate destination. Required to perform emergency animal rescue services, emergency night call service, and animal first aid when required. Employee is subject to work beyond normal scheduled hours, including weekends and holidays, as required. Issues warnings/citations to animal owners found in violation of animal regulations. Responds and represents the municipality in court cases involving violations of Animal regulations. Responds to and investigates all complaints from citizens concerning animal welfare.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

• Must possess a valid certificate as a Certified Animal Control Officer issued by the New Jersey department of Health
• Effective methods of controlling and containment of domestic and wild animals
• Perform animal control duties efficiently
• Must be comfortable handling various species of animals safely and effectively
• Deal courteously with the public
• Operate a vehicle safely

•Ability to be efficient and productive in a fast-paced environment • Ability to firmly and calmly communicate in stressful situations

• Must have enthusiasm and possess excellent customer service skills
• Excellent communication, listening, and computer skills needed
• Ability to handle confidential information in a secure, professional and discretionary manner
• Must be able to work independently within a team structure
• Willing to learn, and take additional courses to obtain certifications that pertain to Animal Control Services
• Able to maintain excellent working relationships with outside contracted animal agencies and non-profit animal organizations

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enforcement of Animal Control state laws and local ordinances
• Picking up/trapping stray, injured, ill dogs or cats, utilizing knowledge of humane methods of handling and capture
• Ability to recognize sick or injured animals and arrange for medical care
• Responding to animal complaints or concerns, educating the public on specific species, and resolving the issue
• Assists and advises the public of laws and ordinances pertaining to care and confinement of animals
• Community outreach/ provides accurate and appropriate responses to all requests by the public with professionalism and courtesy
• Handling/capturing of diseased, sick, injured, orphaned, or trapped wildlife when necessary
• Cleaning and maintaining of all vehicles and equipment daily to eliminate the spread of disease, illness, and parasites.
• Completing written reports daily, maintaining records, and making referrals
• Maintaining a clean, safe, fully stocked and well-organized work area and vehicle
• Maintaining a positive attitude and contributing toward a quality work environment
• Responding to emergency management situations to evacuate animals at risk, remaining calm in high stress situations
• Complete any assignments given by municipality
• Complete various written notifications as required by law, such as Animal Seizures, Stray Pick-Up Report/Impoundments, Cruelty Reports, and Owner Release/surrender.

HOURS & BENEFITS:

Full-time position: Schedule may vary depending on the needs of the department. Positions will require weekend, weeknight and holiday coverage.

Excellent Benefit Packages offered to all Full-time employees.

On-call Coverage Stipend available to all Full-time employees