Dog Control Officer-Animal Welfare Services

Join Our Animal Welfare Services Team

The Central New York SPCA is seeking a compassionate, professional, and service-oriented Dog Control Officer to join our Animal Welfare Services Department. Dog Control Officers are the public face of the Central New York SPCA's Animal Welfare Services Department. As the first point of contact for many dog-related concerns, our officers serve as trusted partners to the municipalities and communities we protect. Working under the direction of the Director of Animal Welfare Services, Dog Control Officers provide contracted dog control services in accordance with New York State Agriculture & Markets Law Article 7, ensuring the safe and humane handling of dogs while providing exceptional customer service and working collaboratively with municipal officials, law enforcement agencies, shelter staff, and members of the public. If you are looking for a career that combines public service, animal welfare, and problem-solving, we invite you to join our team.

What You'll Do

As a Dog Control Officer, you will:

· Serve as the primary in-house contact for dog control-related concerns from municipalities and members of the public.

· Respond to calls involving stray, lost, injured, confined, and dangerous dogs.

· Safely capture, handle, transport, and care for dogs using humane handling techniques and approved equipment.

· Investigate complaints involving violations of New York State Agriculture & Markets Law Article 7.

· Issue appearance tickets in response to violations and complete accurate reports and case documentation.

· Assess situations, exercise sound judgment, and develop practical solutions to complex or evolving situations.

· Communicate professionally with pet owners, complainants, municipal officials, law enforcement agencies, veterinarians, and shelter staff.

· Participate in emergency response operations and other assignments as directed.

· Maintain agency vehicles, equipment, and animal handling equipment in a clean and operational condition.

· Represent the Central New York SPCA with professionalism, integrity, and compassion in every interaction.

Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who:

· Enjoys serving the public and providing exceptional customer service.

· Demonstrates compassion for both people and animals.

· Is confident and has experience working with dogs of various sizes, breeds, and temperaments.

· Communicates professionally, respectfully, and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and in emotionally charged situations.

· Works independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team.

· Remains calm, adaptable, and receptive to supervisory direction during stressful, rapidly changing, or emotionally charged situations.

· Thinks critically, solves problems creatively, and exercises sound judgment.

· Is dependable, organized, accountable, and resourceful.

· Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor that reflects positively on the Central New York SPCA.

· Is committed to continuous learning and professional development.

Success in this position is measured by the ability to uphold the requirements of New York State Agriculture & Markets Law Article 7, ensure the safe and humane handling of dogs, and earn the trust and confidence of the municipalities and communities we serve through professionalism, integrity, compassion, and exceptional public service.

Minimum Qualifications

· High school diploma or GED required.

· Valid New York State driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

· Must possess or be able to obtain any certifications required to perform the duties of the position.

· Ability to safely handle dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments.

· Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.

· Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

· Basic computer proficiency and the ability to prepare accurate reports and documentation.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with municipal officials, law enforcement agencies, coworkers, and members of the public.

· Ability to successfully complete any required pre-employment background screening.

Previous experience in animal welfare, animal control, veterinary medicine, customer service, emergency services, public safety, law enforcement or a related field is preferred, but not required. Experience with Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint is preferred. We are willing to train the right individual who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, initiative, compassion, a commitment to animal welfare, strong communication skills, and a commitment to public service.

Schedule

This is a full-time position that includes a rotating on-call schedule. Evening, weekend, holiday, and emergency response assignments are required based on operational needs. Preference may be given to candidates who reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Central New York SPCA due to the operational and on-call requirements of the position.

Pay range: $18-$22/hour based on experience.

Please send your resume to SLoGiudice@cnyspca.org