STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

State Animal Control Officer

Recruitment #190517-1405PS-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Regulatory Services' State Animal Control Unit has two (2) available opportunities for State Animal Control Officers. In this position you will be accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to the control of domestic, companion and exotic animals and animal cruelty laws. 

State Animal Control Officers are required to work a 40-hour work week from 8 AM to 4:30 PM but may be required to work an unscheduled 40-hour work week.   State Animal Control Officers are assigned job duties state-wide but report to the Bureau of Regulatory Services’ State Animal Control unit located at the Department of Agriculture’s main office at 450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 702, Hartford, CT 06103.

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application with their submission.  Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact _Heidi Gray at heidi.gray@ct.gov or (860) 713-5028. 

Selection Plan

This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Conducts investigations and enforces laws and regulations including preparation and issuance of warnings, infractions, misdemeanor summons, search and seizure warrants and arrest warrants with reference to rabies exposure incidents, cruelty to domestic and companion animals, rabies vaccination violations, control of dangerous, nuisance and roaming animals and unlicensed dogs; prepares cases for trial and gives evidence and/or testifies in court or administrative hearings; handles and dispatches suspected rabid animals and transports to state health department for rabies testing, conducts follow-up investigations to ensure other exposed animals are quarantined and notifies state and/or local health department of possible human contact; carries issued shotguns for enforcement of state rabies management and protocols as well as control of livestock damage by dogs and defense weapons for self-protection; prepares detailed reports of all incidents, complaints and damages; assists towns in setting up and running low-cost rabies vaccination clinics; approves application and provides initial inspection of pet shops, commercial kennels, grooming and training facilities to ensure compliance with all regulations; conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of these facilities as well as municipal animal control facilities to ensure compliance with current regulations; investigates reimbursement claims upon the State for damage to livestock by dogs and negotiates fair market value of injured or killed animals; provides technical advice to towns regarding building laws and regulations relating to municipal animal control facilities; performs office duty to respond to questions from the public, town officials and local animal control officers as well as conducting rabies follow up, report writing, etc.; may arrest persons for violation of any law related to domestic, companion or exotic animals; may be asked to testify as an expert witness; may provide education at schools, fairs and other public forums with regard to humane treatment of animals as well as safety issues; may provide training regarding rabies, dog laws and bite prevention to State Police Academies; may assist municipal animal control officers in performance of their duties; may have media contact; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

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

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of experience in the field of animal control OR commercial management of domestic animals OR law enforcement involving animals.

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

• Work experience with Microsoft Office Suite;

• Experience in law enforcement procedures;

• Knowledge of relevant state statutes,and regulations;

• Knowledge of domestic animal control procedures and operation of animal control facilities;

• Work experience in complying with employer's policies and procedures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class will be required to carry a shotgun and other defense weapons including chemical weapons and will be required to obtain training and retain proper certification for such weapons.

2. Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignment or transfer to any district in the state and must establish a permanent residence within the central portion of the area to which he/she is assigned.

3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

4. 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 of facts stated in the application, a thorough background 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, exposure to rabid animals and to disagreeable and potentially dangerous conditions in dealing with animals and animal owners in the course of issuing search and seizure and 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.