Animal Control Officer (ACO)Class Title: Animal Control Officer (ACO)Class Definition: Working under the supervision and guidance of the Police Department, the contractor manages and performs routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of animal control ordinances. The work entails ensuring that City of Easton Kennel located at the City of Easton Wastewater Treatment Plant maintained and managed to the highest standards for the proper care and welfare of the animals sheltered at the facility.Essential Duties and Responsibilities: These duties are not intended to be all inclusive or exclusive, just illustrative of the kind of work to be performed.
- The contractor shall be required to pay his or her self-employment and any other taxes with this agreement.
- The contractor shall receive assignments from the Chief of Police or his/her designee and shall remain on call for work assignments five days a week, Monday Through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., 52 weeks per year.
- On weekends, the contractor shall not be on call, however; other work-related responsibilities may be required as outlined below.
- Providing a healthy, safe, clean and pleasant environment and facility for the animals
- Provide fresh food and water to animals twice a day/seven days a week.
- Clean equipment and the living spaces of animals.
- Monitor animals and record details of their diet, physical condition, and behavior.
- Examine animals for signs of illness or injury.
- Allow animals appropriate time (at least 15-30 minutes each day/7 days a week) to relieve themselves and be exercised.
- Coordinates a public relations program in order to foster public awareness of available animals for adoption.
- Works an assigned shift using own judgment in deciding course of action being expected to manage difficult and emergency situations without assistance.
- Use multiple social media platforms to create awareness of animals to be adopted
- Cultivate relationships with local and regional shelters to facilitate adoption or fostering
- On call response to all other animals found in immediate peril; however, any official action taken, taking to the shelter etc., will be done only with the expressed approval of the Chief of Police or his designee.
- Returning dogs to owners when the owner is identified.
- Assist with the preparations and issuance of citations when fines need to be imposed; and to be available and testify as witnesses as may be needed in any enforcement proceedings.
- Maintains availability by telephone for consultation on emergencies.
- Responds to complaints concerning animal problems or violations of animal control ordinances, including but not limited to animals running at large, bites, property damage, or injuries.
- ACOs enforce laws and ordinances regarding animal care, behavior, and welfare.
- Performs duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances.
- Removes dead, injured or dangerous animals from streets and residential premises.
- Investigates violations of animal control ordinances and issues warnings or citations as required; appears in court to testify regarding animal control cases.
- Compiles a variety of data regarding animal control data; prepares daily, monthly, and annual reports of activities.
- Maintains records and files of the animal shelter and the animals housed there; logs all incidents concerning animal control.
The contractor shall provide their own transportation, gasoline, maintenance, and vehicle insurance. The City of Easton shall provide one cell phone to the contractor and pay for the monthly fee, excluding the costs of any personal calls made. The contractor is not an employee of the City of Easton. The City of Easton shall not be required to provide workers' compensation or any other insurance. The Contractor shall secure a Certificate of liability insurance, naming the City as additional insurant. The City of Easton will pay for the insurance premium up to the amount of $1800.00 per year. The contractor will be responsible for providing updated insurance certificates to the City of Easton. The City of Easton shall provide the contractor with all necessary equipment being used for animal control purposes. Any necessary equipment will be approved by the Chief of Police or his or her designee. The City of Easton shall provide food, water and such materials as mutually agreed upon by the contractor and City of Easton for the maintenance and care of the temporary kennel area and dogs maintained there. This contract can be immediately terminated for cause. Termination of contract for any other reason will require 30 days' written notice. Any modifications to this to this contract will need to be made in writing and agreed upon by both parties. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, controls, animals; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.Minimum Qualifications Required: High school diploma or possession of a GED. Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid PA State Driver's License. Some knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment; working knowledge of animal restraint and care techniques. Must be able to operate a vehicle, animal capture equipment, radio, first aid equipment, and personal computer. Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors and the public. Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to learn the City's geography. Successful incumbents will be required to undergo training in the discipline of animal control