Dog Warden

SECTION 1: THE ROLE

Cork County Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which both temporary and permanent vacancies for Dog Warden may be filled.

SECTION 2: DUTIES

The Warden is required to carry out his/her duties as outlined below in Cork County, with details to be determined by the Chief Dog Warden or other appropriate Supervisor.

• Carry out such duties as may be assigned by the Chief Dog Warden or other appropriate Supervisor in relation to the enforcement of:
• Represent and promote the Cork County Council Dog Control Service.
• Carry out and promote public education initiatives relating to responsible dog ownership.
• Liaise between administration staff, veterinary staff, and other Dog Wardens.
• Liaise with other interested dog control agencies such as the Gardaí, ISPCA, Dog Welfare Groups and the Court Service.
• Organise and carry out dog handling, collection, transport and disposal duties in accordance with Control of Dogs legislation.
• Assist with the implementation and enforcement of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010.
• Promote, implement and enforce the Cork County Council dog fouling policy.
• Carry out any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Chief Dog Warden and/or other appropriate Supervisor.

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA / QUALIFICATIONSCharacter

Each candidate must be of good character.

Health

Each candidate must be in a state of good health and not suffering from any illness that would render him/her unsuitable or unable to hold the position.

Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the office:

• Have a good general education of a sufficient standard to enable that person to understand fully and carry out the duties of the post.
• Have clear, legible handwriting, good report writing and record keeping skills.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Hold a full current Category B European Community Model Driving Licence free from endorsement.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer software.

Essential Skills and Qualities

• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge and understanding of the current relevant legislation that the Dog Warden is required to promote and enforce, as listed above.
• Ability to thoroughly and methodically investigate and resolve dog control incidents.
• Competence in IT skills including, but not limited to, computer programmes, website input, report writing and data transfer.
• High ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team of Dog Wardens.
• Be physically fit and healthy, as it is a physically demanding role.
• Be confident in handling dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce dog licence compliance in Cork County.
• Collect and process stray, unwanted and surrendered dogs.
• Undertake dog patrols to promote responsible animal ownership.
• Promote and enforce Control of Dogs legislation.
• Issue fines, reports and prepare files for legal proceedings.
• Give evidence in Court.
• Assist with the inspection of Dog Breeding Establishments and report on findings.
• Promote and enforce the microchipping regulations in Cork County.
• Promote and enforce litter pollution legislation regarding dog fouling offences.
• Investigate verbal and written complaints relating to:
• Liaise with members of staff, Members of Council, members of the public, Gardaí, judiciary, community groups, resident associations, litter wardens, schools and other stakeholders.
• Investigate alleged offences reported by means of written statements and report findings in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in training as required.
• Comply with Parent and Ancillary Safety Statements, including the completion of Risk Assessments.

Age

Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant within the meaning of the Public Services Superannuation Act, 2004.

A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 70 years of age.

SECTION 4: COMPETENCIES

A Competency Based Application Form requires you to describe some of your personal achievements to date that demonstrate certain competencies (necessary skills and qualities) required for the position for which you are applying.

For each competency, you are given a description of a skill or quality. You are then asked to describe a situation from your own experience which you think is the best example of what you have done that demonstrates this skill or quality.

It is essential that you describe how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question.

Therefore, compose your replies carefully in this section and try to structure your responses so that you give specific information about what you have done. For example, do not simply say that "X was successful." Describe exactly what you did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality in question.

For each example, please include:

• The nature of the task, problem or objective.
• What you actually did and how you demonstrated the skill or quality (and, where appropriate, the date you demonstrated it).
• The outcome or result of the situation and your estimate of the proportion of credit you can claim for the outcome.

The information you present in your application may form part of a shortlisting process and may also be used to help structure your interview, should you be invited to one.

A shortlisting process may be applied based on two or more of the competencies and on other information you provide in your application form.

SECTION 5: TENURE

The position is full-time.

The post is pensionable.

A panel may be formed to fill both temporary and permanent vacancies for Dog Warden.

The local authority shall require any person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month. If they fail to take up the appointment within such period, or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them.

SECTION 6: SALARY

The salary scale for the post is €948.27 - €982.13 basic per week.

• €948.27
• After 0.5 years: €957.80
• After 1.5 years: €962.37
• After 2.5 years: €967.46
• After 3.5 years: €972.23
• After 4.5 years: €974.75
• After 5.5 years: €977.11
• After 6.5 years: €979.63
• After 7.5 years: €982.13

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale for the position at the minimum point.

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.

Where there is an increment entitlement, increments are paid subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance.

SECTION 7: LOCATION OF POST

The successful applicant will be required to reside in the area in which the duties of the post are to be performed or at a location acceptable to the Council.

The Dog Warden's base for the initial assignment will be County Hall, Carrigrohane Road, Cork.

SECTION 8: WORKING HOURS

The working hours currently provide for a 5-day, 39-hour week.

You may be required to work overtime from time to time.

The Dog Warden may also be required to work outside normal working hours as directed by his/her immediate Supervisor in order to investigate certain offences under relevant legislation.

All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time Act (Regulations) 2001.

SECTION 9: ANNUAL LEAVE

The current annual leave entitlement is 25 days per annum, inclusive of Good Friday, or on a pro-rata basis where applicable.

Notice of intention to take leave shall be given to the Council at least two weeks before the proposed leave commences.