State of Connecticut Executive Branch

State Animal Control Officer (1405PS)

$35.56-$44.12 Hourly / $2,844.41-$3,528.89 BiWeekly /
$74,239.00-$92,104.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Agriculture this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to the control and impoundment of domestic, companion and exotic animals and animal cruelty laws.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the State Animal Control Supervisor or other employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises functional supervision over municipal animal control officers with regard to enforcement of pertinent laws and regulations.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Conducts investigations and enforces laws and regulations including preparation and issuance of warnings, infractions, misdemeanor summons, search and seizure warrants and arrest warrants with reference to rabies exposure incidents, cruelty to domestic and companion animals, rabies vaccination violations, control of dangerous, nuisance and roaming animals and unlicensed dogs;
  • Prepares cases for trial and gives evidence and/or testifies in court or administrative hearings;
  • Handles and dispatches suspected rabid animals and transports to state health department for rabies testing, conducts follow-up investigations to ensure other exposed animals are quarantined and notifies state and/or local health department of possible human contact;
  • Carries issued shotguns for enforcement of state rabies management and protocols as well as control of livestock damage by dogs and defense weapons for self-protection;
  • Prepares detailed reports of all incidents, complaints and damages;
  • Assists towns in setting up and running low-cost rabies vaccination clinics;
  • Approves application and provides initial inspection of pet shops, commercial kennels, grooming and training facilities to ensure compliance with all regulations;
  • Conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of these facilities as well as municipal animal control facilities to ensure compliance with current regulations;
  • Investigates reimbursement claims upon the State for damage to livestock by dogs and negotiates fair market value of injured or killed animals;
  • Provides technical advice to towns regarding building laws and regulations relating to municipal animal control facilities;
  • Performs office duty to respond to questions from the public, town officials and local animal control officers as well as conducting rabies follow up, report writing, etc.;
  • May arrest persons for violation of any law related to domestic, companion or exotic animals;
  • May be asked to testify as an expert witness;
  • May provide education at schools, fairs and other public forums with regard to humane treatment of animals as well as safety issues;
  • May provide training regarding rabies, dog laws and bite prevention to State Police Academies;
  • May assist municipal animal control officers in performance of their duties;
  • May have media contact;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • domestic, companion and exotic animal control procedures and operation of animal control facilities;
    • the care and handling of livestock, including horses, cattle, sheep, goats and poultry;
  • Knowledge of
    • relevant agency policies and procedures;
    • relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;
    • law enforcement procedures;
  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of experience in the field of animal control OR commercial management of domestic animals OR law enforcement involving animals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in agriculture, animal science, law enforcement or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class will be required to carry a shotgun and other defense weapons including chemical weapons and will be required to obtain training and retain proper certification for such weapons.
  • Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignment or transfer to any district in the state and must establish a permanent residence within the central portion of the area to which they are assigned.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to considerable danger of injury from animal bites, exposure to rabid animals and to disagreeable and potentially dangerous conditions in dealing with animals and animal owners in the course of issuing search and seizure and arrest warrants.

COMPENSATION GUIDELINES

In accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreement's compensation guidelines.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(14)-Inspection-Investigation

BARGAINING UNIT

(09)-PROTECT SERV (NP-5)

EEO

(4)-Protective Service

SALARY INFORMATION

PS 13

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of State Animal Control Officer in Salary Group PS 13 approved effective October 07, 2022. (Revised to update terminology, modernize format and add an Acknowledgement section). Final No. 23-319

EFFECTIVE DATE

12/18/2023
CLASS: 1405PS; EST: 7/1/1953; REV: 12/22/2023;