Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for inclusion on a panel from which temporary or permanent vacancies for the position of Dog Warden in Monaghan County Council shall be filled.
The Dog Warden is a member of the Environment Department responsible primarily for the enforcement of Water, Waste and Litter Pollution legislation. The successful candidate will require excellent customer service skills as engagement with the public will be a feature of the position. A satisfactory knowledge and or experience/training in the area of animal husbandry would be desirable. The post will require the ability to work across different sections of the Council and develop close cooperation with local stakeholders including animal charities. The position of Dog Warden will require flexibility in terms of hours of work. The duties of Dog Warden will involve a mix of administrative and manual duties.
The role of the Warden is to receive and investigate fully reports relating to breaches of the: -
Control of Dogs Act 1986 and any bye laws or Regulations made under this Act
Control of Horses Act 1996 and any bye laws or Regulations made under this Act
Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003 and any Regulations made under these Acts
The Warden may also be requested to assist in the investigation of reports of breaches of the: -
Waste Management Act 1996 to 2005 and any Regulations made under these
Acts
County Monaghan (Presentation of Waste) Bye Laws 2019
Air Pollution Act 1987 and any Regulations made under this Act
Water Pollution Act 1977 & 1990 and any Regulations made under these Acts
Enforcement of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 and any
Regulations made under this Act
Derelict Sites Acts
Casual Trading Regulations
The Warden will arrange, issue, and serve any necessary statutory notices. Where a particular course of action is determined the Warden will be expected to follow that course of action to its completion.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dog Warden will be required to carry out all the duties allocated to him/her by the Council under the direction and supervision of the relevant supervisor. The main responsibilities and duties will include but are not limited to: Compliance and enforcement in relation to the Dog Control Acts and perform all duties in relation to Dog Control including but not limited to the following:
Detention and seizure of stray and or/dangerous dogs.
Collection of unwanted dogs
Investigating all complaints and taking appropriate action.
Undertaking foot patrols outside of the normal working day to ensure responsible dog ownership.
Provision of information and support to members of the public on matters pertaining to Dog Control.
Checks on Dog Licensing and Microchipping.
Prepare and issue “on the spot” fines where appropriate.
Detection and inspection of Dog Breeding Establishments.
Carry out all required duties at Monaghan County Council’s Dog Pound including: -
Coordinate activities in relation to the control of stray animals and operation of the pound.
Ensure that animal welfare is maintained to the highest standards at all times.
Report any injuries or illnesses to Dogs to the designated Veterinary Inspector immediately or the person designated by the Environment Department to be your supervisor.
Ensuring the feeding, watering and welfare of dogs on a daily basis.
Assisting in rehoming arrangements for as many dogs as possible.
Develop and maintain relationships with local and national animal charities/ welfare organisations.
Assisting in the putting of dogs to sleep in a humane manner where required under the direction of the designated Veterinary Inspector.
Ensuring that all dogs entering/leaving the Council’s Dog Pound are scanned and/or microchipped in accordance with the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015.
Records & Record Keeping
Keeping and maintaining the computerised and manual register of stray dogs and any other records as required.
Submit required reports/returns in relation to work to the Line Manager.
Record and maintain all financial activity in relation to dog related transactions in the pound.
Enforcement Action
Preparing reports for prosecution of offenders under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 as amended and other legislation and attending Court proceedings as required.
The successful candidate will be required to work under the direct supervision of the Administrative Officer and liaise with the County Veterinary Inspector and/or the designated Veterinary Inspector for the pound and registered Dog Breeding Establishments or the person designated by the Environment Department to be your supervisor.
In summary, the successful candidate will be expected:
To have excellent customer service skills as engagement with the public will be a key feature of the position.
To ensure that adherence to the highest animal welfare and quality standards are in place at the Dog Pound and in all interactions with animals.
To develop and maintain relationships with local and national animal charities/welfare organisations.
To be fully conversant with relevant legislation, Acts, Byelaws and Regulations appropriate to his/her duties.
Ensure a positive image for the Council’s Dog Pound at all times
To write clear and concise reports when required to do so.
Operate any machinery, appliances, equipment and associated items as required including operating existing technology and any new technology that may be introduced in the future and be responsible for such items under his/her control
Use initiative and good judgement to resolve problems.
The person employed will be required to perform assigned duties exercising a duty of care, in the interest of safety of oneself, fellow employees and the general public, at all times in compliance with Monaghan County Council’s Health & Safety Management System. Working in a safe manner, in full compliance with the relevant safety legislation will be the primary responsibility of a Dog Warden.
These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and outline the main functions and responsibilities of the post of Dog Warden and may be subject to change in the future. The particular duties and responsibilities outlined above may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above and to take instruction from and report to an appropriate officer or such designated officer as may be assigned from time to time by Monaghan County Council.