STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

State Animal Control Supervisor

Recruitment #180611-0468PS-001

Introduction

The Department of Agriculture (DAG) is recruiting for a State Animal Control Supervisor. In this position, you will oversee the Animal Control Division, which is charged with the enforcement of laws pertaining to the licensing and control of dogs, the licensing and inspection of pet facilities and rabies control. In addition, the Division is the only law enforcement entity that investigates and makes arrests in association with complaints of animal cruelty. The Division also operates a large animal rehabilitation center in Niantic which holds and rehabilitates evidence animals in on-going cruelty prosecutions. It also supports and educates the public and local or municipal animal control officials in enforcement of Connecticut dog law and behavior.

The DAG is responsible for fostering a healthy economic, environmental and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting and regulating agricultural and aquacultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state's citizens of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage and its contribution to the state's economy.

Interested applicants are required to upload a cover letter and resume with their submission. (Note: In order to upload documents you must ensure that your internet browser's 'pop-up' blocker is off. Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation and submit your application.) Candidates who do not submit required documents listed above or do not submit their application accurately and on time, will not be considered for this employment opportunity.

NOTE: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation such as performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, etc., to support their candidacy for this position.

In addition to the checking of references and facts stated in the application, a thorough character investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are considered for appointment.

Questions regarding any phase of this recruitment should be directed to DAG's Human Resources Office: Irena Baj-Wright at irena.baj-wright@ct.gov or 860-713-5391.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Agriculture, this class is accountable for supervision of the State Animal Control Unit, which has responsibility for the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to the control and impoundment of domestic, companion and exotic animals and animal cruelty laws.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work of staff; provides staff training and assistance; conducts performance evaluations; determines priorities and plans unit work; establishes and maintains unit procedures; develops or makes recommendations on development of policies and standards; acts as liaison with operating units, agencies and outside officials regarding unit policies and procedures; prepares reports and correspondence; supervises enforcement of laws and regulations relating to domestic, companion and exotic animals; supervises inspection of pet shops, commercial kennels, grooming and training facilities and municipal animal control facilities; supervises investigations or personally investigates reported violations of laws and regulations relating to domestic, companion and exotic animals; prepares and issues infractions, complaints, misdemeanor summons and arrest warrants for violations of laws and regulations; provides technical oversight to municipal animal control officers with respect to statewide animal control issues; maintains records; may arrest persons for violations of laws relating to domestic, companion or exotic animals; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of the care and handling of livestock, including horses, cattle, sheep, goats and poultry; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of law enforcement procedures; considerable knowledge of domestic, companion and exotic animal control procedures and operation of animal control facilities; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Seven (7) years of experience in the field of animal control or commercial management of domestic animals or law enforcement involving animals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in animal control law enforcement procedures and communications.
Note: For State Employees the Special Experience is interpreted at the level of State Animal Control Officer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in agriculture, animal science, law enforcement or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The preferred candidate will have:

• Supervisory skills in a law enforcement or regulatory agency setting.
• Ability to assure compliance with and knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, regulations as well as State-wide and agency policies and procedures.
• Oral, written and interpersonal communication skills that foster intra/interagency and stakeholder relationships.
• Knowledge of law enforcement procedures including investigatory techniques/procedures; search and seizure warrants and arrest warrants.
• Knowledge of animal care/handling.
• Knowledge of domestic, companion and exotic animal control procedures and the operation of state-licensed animal facilities.
• Experience in the development and implementation of new programs and/or operating procedures to improve efficiency and work outcomes.
• Ability to use Microsoft and other electronic data base platforms to input and organize data and to generate useful reports.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class will be required to carry a firearm and other defensive weapons including chemical weapons and will be required to obtain training and retain proper certification for such weapons.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and facts stated in the application, a thorough character investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to considerable danger of injury from animal bites, rabid animals, disagreeable and potentially dangerous conditions dealing with animals and issuing arrest warrants.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.