Animal Control Officer

City Of Cambridge Ma • Cambridge, MA

424d • $49,733 - $75,795

About The Position

The Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcing state laws and city ordinances related to animal control and welfare in Cambridge, ensuring a safe environment for people and animals. This role involves rescuing and transporting animals, investigating disputes, and maintaining community relationships while adhering to educational and enforcement approaches. The officer must complete required training within the first year of employment and is expected to work outside normal hours as needed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate Degree in Animal Science or related field desirable.
• Minimum of one year in animal welfare/control, with knowledge of animal capture and handling techniques.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Demonstrated skill in animal health care and first aid treatment of injured and diseased animals.
• Knowledge of and interest in the human treatment of animals and euthanasia of sick, unwanted, injured or unclaimed animals.
• Understanding and interest in the enforcement of animal control/cruelty laws.
• Demonstrated knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and Access, and the ability to understand existing programs in the Animal Commission office.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal communication and strong mediation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of Animal Control Officers of Massachusetts Core Competencies course desirable.
• Must have completed the ACOAM Academy for Animal Control Officers or must complete within twelve (12) months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Enforces state laws and City ordinances pertaining to animals, including issuing violation notices as needed.
• Rescues and transports healthy, injured, and/or sick domestic pets and wildlife.
• Responds to citizen requests for services regarding animal bites, loose animals, barking or dangerous dogs, and injured animals.
• Ensures proper care and attention is provided to all animals in the custody of the Cambridge Animal Commission.
• Licenses all dogs in the City of Cambridge.
• Appears in court for Clerk Magistrate's hearings and/or trials.
• Investigates disputes involving animals (domestic or wild).
• Maintains relationships with other public service organizations, municipal governments, and the community.
• Follows animal control adoption policies for unwanted animals.
• Prepares and writes reports relative to incidents or enforcement issues.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Competitive Health, Dental and Vision benefits
• Possible overtime opportunities
• Vacation and sick leave eligible

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 10,001+ employees