Animal Control Officer

**Position Summary**

This position is responsible for both Wildlife Animal Control (rescuing sick and injured wildlife), & enforcing City of Cambridge Municipal Animal Control By-laws, regular patrols of communities and parks, responding to emergencies and the sale of dog licenses.

All positions report to the Executive Director of the Cambridge & District Humane Society/Manager of Animal Services but work in a team environment for mentorship and training.

The Cambridge and District Humane Society has been contracted to provide Animal Control Services to the City of Cambridge. Cambridge Animal Services operates out of the Cambridge and District Humane Society on Dunbar Road in Cambridge, ON.

**Preferred prior Knowledge and Skills for all positions**:

- Handling and controlling animals humanely and effectively under stressful and emergency conditions
- Methods and equipment used in the care and control of animals
- Knowledge of Municipal Animal Control By-laws for the City of Cambridge
- Safety practices related to the job
- Health and hygiene of animals
- Basic species and breed identification of a variety of animals
- Basic symptoms and behaviour associated with rabies and other common diseases in animals
- Experience dealing with a variety of individuals, at all levels of responsibility, in person and over the phone often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
- Communicating effectively in written and oral forms (English)
- Physical fitness to chase animals running at large and ability to lift and move heavy animals.
- Must be comfortable when dealing with matters that are graphic in nature re: injury and death of animals.
- It is a condition of employment that employees must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against rabies, have a valid Drivers License and a negative Police check.
- **Duties and Responsibilities**_:

- Responding to calls and preserve public health and safety by removing vicious, diseased or dead animals (wildlife and domestic) from Municipal property and use of equipment (e.g., catchpoles, nets).
- Rescues animals in situations other than investigations (also does not include cruelty investigations)
- Transports animals to veterinary hospitals, shelter and wildlife rehab facilities
- May need to humanely euthanize sick or seriously injured wildlife
- Participates in public relations activities under the direction of the Manager of Animal Services or Senior Officer, including educating the public e.g., urban wildlife and co-existing with healthy wildlife, and Spring “baby animal” season.
- Impounding of animals in contravention of the Animal Control By-Law.
- Maintains accurate, legible and detailed duty notes and Officer Patrol logs for each shift.
- Enforces dog licensing and conducts annual compliance checks on dog owner’s licenses.
- Community (Neighbourhoods), park and trail patrols
- Respond to emergencies overnight for Fire, Police
- Dispatch calls
- Assist Cambridge & District Animal Care team as required. Other duties may be assigned in Animal Services as required.

**Animal Control Officer**:
**Education**:
Two years preferred: Community College Diploma in Animal Care Technology, or education in Zoology, Wildlife Conservation, or other animal related studies. Animal handling and volunteer experience with Wildlife Rehabilitation an asset.

**Wildlife Animal Services Officer**:
**Work Environment**:

- 37.5-40 hours per week with after hours on-call duty as required. Officers must adjust to flexible schedules depending on the needs of the organization. Most shifts you are working independently after training.

Work is split between office (paperwork) and out of doors while investigating/responding to calls about animals. Work involves dealing with domestic and wild animals as well as members of the public. Must be able to handle cadavers and transport to the morgue.
- Attention to detail and legible handwriting/note taking is a critical requirement for this position.
- Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions
- Exposure to distressed and/or aggressive domestic and wild animals. Rabies vaccinations will be a job requirement.
- Negative Police Record check is a job requirement
- Class G License with a clean driving record is a job requirement.
- Works in a safe manner and in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and it’s regulations and adhering to CDHS Policies and Procedures.
- Operates and maintains Animal Services vehicles in a safe and professional manner. Responsible for re-stocking and keeping the vehicles clean and in good operating condition.

**Interpersonal Contacts**:

- Deals routinely in situations where hostility is encountered. Contacts can be difficult.
- Must make judgements in the field.
- Deals with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
- Works independently in the field within the guidelines set out through By-Laws and Policy and Procedures/Officer Training Manual.
- On the job training provided (s