Animal Control Officer

Job Description
Job Summary:

The Animal Control Officer (ACO) at St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center is a State of New Jersey Certified Officer who provides effective and efficient assistance to animal related calls in communities under contract for animal control services by assisting the public with all animal related matters in a manner consistent with St. Hubert's values. ACO's rescue both domestic and wild animals who may be injured or in dangerous situations, as well as patrolling assigned areas and acts as a first responder to all animal related emergencies in contract areas. ACO's are essential members of the community and are expected to bring the multitude of resources provided by St. Hubert's into the community they serve.

A relocation stipend for up to $1,000 for non-reimbursable expenses may be offered.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Rescue domestic and wild animals from dangerous situations, as well as picking up sick, injured, and trapped animals and impounding animals, when needed.
• Work with local and federal law enforcement agencies and assist with the execution of search warrants, arrest warrants, and evictions as needed.
• Provide prompt, courteous service to customers inquiring about St. Hubert's shelter policies and programs.
• Interact with and educate the public on the responsibility of companion animal ownership, explaining provisions of NJ state and local laws and ordinances.
• Cleans, cares and maintains kennels, runs, cages, crates of animals under his/or her care.
• Responsible for N.J.A.C 823a, and St. Hubert's directives to maintain a high standard of animal care and welfare.
• Provides timely, safe and humane transport of St. Hubert's animals requiring off-site medical treatment as needed.
• Maintains uniforms, equipment and daily personnel appearance to ensure the ability to perform assigned duties in a safe and professional manner.
• Responds to service calls in a timely manner and conducts themselves in a safe and humane way.
• Restrain, confine, and handle animals, including those which are sick, injured, quarantined, and aggressive with humane and "no harm" methods.
• Oversees the care and condition of equipment and vehicles.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Field Services.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Possess and maintain clear criminal background record.
• Knowledge of and ability to humanely handle domestic, exotic, and wild animals.
• Knowledge/experience in state/local animal laws and enforcement techniques.
• Computer literacy with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet and database management software. Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Shelter Buddy.
• State of New Jersey Certified Animal Control Officer preferred. If not certified must obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Successfully complete St. Hubert's Animal Control Officers training program within the 90-day probationary period.
• Possess and maintain certification for Euthanasia by Injection (EBI) or obtain certification within six months of hire
• Ability to work on call nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain vehicles up to 26,000 lbs. GVW
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and in team environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a customer service orientation. Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and professionally with a variety of individuals representing the public, board members, volunteers, donors, and employees.
• Ability to positively interact with colleagues, coworkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integrity and honesty throughout all facets of the position, maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Reliability, high level of integrity and punctuality are essential
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilingual a plus
• Able to work well under pressure, in emotionally charged situations and handle confrontation politely and professionally while finding a solution.
• Ability to manage emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive professional manner.
• Passion for HRA/ St. Hubert's mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament or species.

• HRA/St. Hubert's requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless a medical or religious exemption applies. New employees must submit proof of full vaccination, or request for medical or religious exemption, before their first day of work in HRA's workplace. Employees receiving a medical or religious exemption will be required to submit a weekly, time-stamped, negative COVID test to HR.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
• Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish and wildlife.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity on a daily basis, including but not limited to: lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, standing, and bending.
• Due to nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

Education and Experience:

• HS diploma or GED
• A clear criminal background and current driving record must be made available prior to confirmation of employment.

Salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates proficient in Spanish, French and Mandarin.

St. Hubert's is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them