Temporary Dog Warden Belfast - Public Sector

Dog Warden – Belfast – Public Sector – Temp Contract

Main purpose of job

To be responsible to the Assistant City Protection Manager, through the Dog Warden Supervisor, for the efficient and effective performance of the duties of the post including in particular:

·Implementation of the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 (as amended), the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011, the Dog Control Orders Regulations (NI) 2012 and other relevant legislation in accordance with the council’s policies and departmental procedures and arrangements;

·Implementation, as required, of the Dog Warden Service’s educational and information programme concerning dog control and promoting responsible dog ownership.

To perform all duties in accordance with specified time and quality targets.

To ensure humane treatment of dogs while in the postholder’s possession.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties

1. To undertake, as required, the full range of duties in connection with the council’s powers under Dogs legislation including in particular:-

• Patrolling streets and public places.
• Investigation of complaints in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 as appropriate.
• Detecting and dealing with straying or uncontrolled dogs.
• Detecting and dealing with infringements of the legislation, including issuing notices where necessary under Article 36, Dogs (NI) Order 1983 and the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011, the Dog Control Orders Regulations (NI) 2012.
• Detecting and dealing with dogs prescribed under the Dangerous Dogs (NI) Order 1991.
• Collecting stray or unwanted dogs and taking them to the appropriate kennelling facility.
• To inspect and make recommendations for the registration of breeding establishments and guard-dog kennels under the Welfare of Animals Act 2011.

2. To undertake, as required, the full range of duties in connection with achievement of the council’s aims in regards to Dog Control, and in particular:-

• Promoting responsible dog ownership through personal contact with owners and through organised dissemination of information and implementation of the service’s education programme and to assist as required in the development of the same.

·Liaising directly, as required, with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Police Service of Northern Ireland, other city council departments and relevant public bodies, and dog welfare organisations.

• Liaising directly with veterinary surgeons as required in accordance with departmental arrangements, and assistance in the administration of veterinary procedures such as humane destruction where necessary.
• Attendance at court or other formal hearings to give evidence.
• Preparation of reports or evidence, including considered suggestions or recommendations on future or further action.
• Assess the condition of all dogs handled, ensuring compassionate and humane treatment is provided as required.
• Initiation, preparation and submission of correspondence drafts, together with provision of information notes for drafting of other required correspondence.

3. To carry out all duties in accordance with the department’s safety policy and maintain high standards of hygiene throughout.

4. To carry out any other related duties which the council may be required to undertake, for example, in relation to the control of rabies.

5. To keep abreast of new developments in the field of dog control and of good practice and new procedures.

Full job description available

Essential criteria

Driving licence and experience

Applicants must, as at the closing date:

(a)have a full, current driving licence which enables them to drive in Northern Ireland, or, have access to a form of transport which enables them to carry out the duties of the post in full[1];and

·be able to demonstrate at least one year’s relevant experience, gained in the workplace, in each of the following areas:

(b)the control or handling of dogs in a formal setting;

(c)dealing with individual members of the public, including dealing with contentious situations; and

(d)administration work which includes using computerised systems to produce written reports and maintain records

[1] Please be advised that this alternative is a ‘reasonable adjustment’ specifically for applicants with disabilities who, as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a full, current driving licence. However please also be advised that, given the business need for the post holder to drive council-owned vans on a daily basis in order to fulfil the duties of the post then the ‘reasonableness’ of this adjustment will be thoroughly considered prior to any appointment being made.

Other Information:

Location: Dargan Belfast

Start: 20 May to 31 August 2024 possible extension

Hours: 37 per week 9.00-5.00pm

Rate of pay: £13.93 plus accrued holiday pay

Closing Date: 13 May at 2.00pm

If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an up-to-date CV via the link provided and one of our consultants will be in touch to discuss this vacancy with you.

Task Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.