What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Control Officer position at City of Cranston?
CITY OF CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND
ANNOUNCES AN OPEN COMPETITIVE CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION FOR:
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
STARTING SALARY IS $ 47,805.58
Applications must be received on or before 4:30 PM, August 19 2022, in the office of the
Director of Personnel Room 107, Cranston City Hall, 869 Park Avenue Cranston RI 02910.
Applications can be downloaded from www.cranstonri.gov Completed applications may be
submitted to the Personnel Department by:
1. Fax: (401) 780-3362
2. Email: awhite@cranstonri. org.
3. US Mail: Personnel Director, 869 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910
**really candidates must also submit the City of Cranston application to be considered for the
position. The time and place of the examination will be announced by email. You must provide
an active email address that you regularly monitor for messages.
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Overview: The Animal Control Officer is a civilian employee of the City of Cranston and comes under the direction and supervision of the Cranston Police Department. The position of Animal
Control Officer is one that involves specialized work in the enforcement of State of Rhode Island statutes and City of Cranston ordinances relating to the control of animals. This employee is responsible for the apprehension and detention of stray and vicious animals. This work involves an element of personal danger and requires the application of some skill in the handling of animals. The employee in this class receives general supervision in the form of oral or written instructions. This position requires that an employee exercise considerable independent judgement in meeting job situations as they arise and carrying out the responsibilities within the limits of the prescribed policies of the City of Cranston and applicable laws and ordinances.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
- Investigates complaints of roaming animals, animal bites, property damage and other nuisances.
- Assists in the placement of unclaimed dogs and cats in new homes or humanely euthanize of animals within State statutes.
- Shall seize and impound all animals that are running at large, injured or deceased, dangerous or otherwise in violation of city ordinances or state law.
- Shall investigate reports of stray, dangerous, unwanted or improperly controlled animals.
- Shall investigate cases of animal neglect and take appropriate action.
- File reports and records of all complaints, investigations, violations, and records mandated by law and/or required by the City or State.
- Issue summons for violations and testify in court, as necessary.
- Collects all fines and fees at the direction of the Animal Control/ Shelter Manager in accordance with the procedures of city ordinances.
- Provide care and treatment of all animals taken into custody as prescribed in the general laws and city ordinances.
- Assist the Animal Control/Shelter Manager in conducting a yearly rabies vaccination program.
- Removal of deceased and injured animals and transportation to veterinary clinics if treatment is a viable option.
- Assist the public with lost and found animals and keep records of reports made to Animal
Control.
- Attempt to locate the owners of lost or found animals.
- Promote animal care through public education.
- Respond to all emergencies regarding animals and transport injured and/or sick animals to veterinarians for treatment as needed.
- Shall maintain and be responsible for all city and department equipment issues to him/her, including animal control vehicles.
- Assist with the cleaning, feeding and exercising of all animals maintained at the Cranston
Animal Shelter.
- Assist in the maintenance and upkeep of the Cranston Animal Shelter and any other equipment affiliated with animal control duties and responsibilities.
- Work scheduled shifts that take place on weekends and holidays.
- Performs any other related duties as prescribed by the City regarding animals.
Examination:
Examination shall consist of a written examination. The weight of the written test shall be 100%.
The minimum passing grade shall be 70%. Qualified employees will have appropriate seniority points added to a passing score.
Preference:
Honorably discharged active duty war veterans who have received a passing final grade of 70% shall have five (5) points added to their final grade and disabled active duty war veterans shall have ten (10) points added to their final grade.
In order to receive credit for veteran's preference, an honorably discharged active duty war veteran must furnish a copy of his/her DD 214. A disabled active duty war veteran must submit proof that he/she has been classified as "disabled" by the Veteran's Administration. The DD 214 and proof
of disability classification must be submitted at the time of the written examination.
Veterans' dates for active duty war veterans are as follows:
- December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
- June 27, 1950 - January 31, 1955
- July 1, 1958 - January 1 , 1959
- August 5, 1964 - May 7, 1975
- August 20, 1982 - December 31, 1987
- December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990
- August 2, 1990 - May 1, 1994
- September 18, 2001- A period prescribed by law, an Act of Congress or Presidential
Proclamation.
- October 16, 2002- A period prescribed by law, an Act of Congress or Presidential
Proclamation.
This definition shall be further defined as "any person who honorably served in the
armed forces in any conflict or undeclared war for which a campaign ribbon or
expeditionary medal was earned and who was honorably discharged from the service."
Qualifications:
- Must have knowledge and experience in the care of animals and have knowledge of animal behavior and breed identification.
- Must have the ability to handle animals in a firm, but humane manner and have basic knowledge of animal care and health.
- Ability to catch stray animals, including some that are of a vicious unruly nature under sometimes stressful conditions.
- Must possess interpersonal skills in communicating with colleagues, superiors, and members of the public.
- The Animal Control Officer shall have some experience in the handling of animals and the physical ability to perform his/her duties.
- Have basic knowledge in computers in order to properly file reports, evidence or other documentation as it pertains to the animal control functions.
- Attempt to locate the owners of lost or recovered animals also using the assistance of the internet to accomplish these objectives.
- Must be able to meet and deal with the public in a courteous, professional and effective manner.
Required Experience and Training:
- Must possess a diploma from a standard high school or GED.
- Some experience working with animals of various types and breeds.
- Must be able to successfully pass a BCI and general background investigation conducted by the Cranston Police Department.
- Must have a valid Rhode Island driver’s in order to lawfully operate city animal
control vehicles.
The City of Cranston encourages diversity in its workforce.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer .
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $47,805.58 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Animal handling: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: One location