Dog Warden

The Competition The Position Meath County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent & fixed-term contract vacancies for the position of Dog Warden shall be drawn.

Purpose, Duties and Responsibilities The holder of the post will perform duties as may be assigned from time to time, on a county-wide remit, to ensure Meath County Council comply with all statutory obligations and regulations.

The duties of the post of the Dog Warden include, but are not limited to: • Issue of Fixed Penalty Notices under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 (as amended); • Seize dogs under the Control of Dogs Act, when necessary; • Assist An Garda Siochana in their duties with regard to managing dogs defined as dangerous breeds; • Prepare the necessary reports and attend court as necessary to present evidence on behalf of Meath County Council in prosecution of animal welfare cases or non-compliance with animal control requirements; • Investigate complaints from the public and the Gardai in relation to dogs; • Remove or arrange for removal of animal carcases from public places including beaches; • Work in close co-operation with Gardai in relation to matters pertaining to control of other animals in public places; • To keep record of times on duty each week; • Record each attendance at the pound/ kennels; • Maintain a record of any payments received and submit same to the Council; • Investigate complaints in relation to stray and unlicenced animals; • Seizure of stray dogs; • Carrying out Dog Licence Inspection Patrols around County Meath; • Investigate cases of unburied animal carcasses under the Control of Dogs Act; • Investigate complaints regarding stray horses and enforce the Control of Horses legislation (including outside of normal hours if necessary); • To attend such training courses as and when required; • Driving the Council’s collection vehicle and taking care of routine maintenance, for exampledaily walk around checks, daily SSWP water level, oil level, battery level and ensuring the vehicle is serviced regularly, cleaning the vehicle both internally and externally on a weekly basis; • To perform all duties associated with the implementation of the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and amendments and regulations thereafter • To perform all duties associated with the implementation of the Control of Dogs (XL Bully)

Regulations and amendments thereafter • Subject to direction, when requested, issue media publicity on the welfare of dogs and assist in the implementation of relevant educational programmes;

• Abide by the Council's financial procedure as instructed; • Regular co-operation and good working relationships with personnel from animal shelter facilities, animal welfare organisations and other parties; • Regular visible patrols of public areas and open spaces to proactively monitor compliance with animal control legislation; • Attendance at planned community events and participation in promotional activities to increase general public awareness of Animal Welfare & Control Services • The Dog Warden shall be available for emergencies which may arise outside normal working hours; • The Council may, from time to time, assign such duties as may be considered necessary to properly discharge the Council’s responsibility under relevant Acts, Bye Laws.

Qualifications for the Post

Character Each candidate must be of good character.

Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education and Experience Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: • Have a good standard of education that would enable him/her to efficiently perform their duties and must be capable of making satisfactory reports including (written reports) on matters pertaining to the duties of the post. • Hold a current clean full driving licence (minimum Class B), details of which must be entered on the application form and have satisfactory experience of driving. • It is also desirable but not essential that candidates: ▪ Have experience of dealing with animals ▪ Hold a current Safe Pass Card (Successful candidates will be required to have a valid Safe Pass Card prior to taking up duty) Miscellaneous Provisions Salary Salary scale: €776.71 - €798.06 per week (EL 03/25). Payment of increments is dependent on satisfactory performance. Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with the appropriate Department Circulars.

Hours of Work The normal working hours will be 39 hours per week. Duties may require the successful applicant to work outside of normal working hours i.e. attendance at evening/weekend, training duties etc. as part of normal working hours without additional remuneration. All hours worked will be subject to the provision of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 as amended. You may be required to complete a time-sheet in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Regulations, 2001.

Start Date Meath County Council shall require a person to whom an offer of employment is made to take up an appointment within a reasonable period of time, usually two months from date of offer, to meet the organisational requirements of the Council. Meath County Council reserves the right to withdraw its offer in the event that an appointment is not taken up within such a period.

Leave 25 days per annum

Sick Leave The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

Probation The following provisions will apply: (a) there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation, (b) such period shall be 9 months but the Chief Executive may at his or her discretion extend such period, (c) such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.

Travel It is desirable that holders of the post should hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall be required to drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a car to the satisfaction of the local authority. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and Local Authority Travel and Subsistence Policy. Meath County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on your insurance policy. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

Residence The person holding the office must reside in, or at an address convenient to performing the role/function as approved by the Chief Executive.

Citizenship Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be: a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa Safety and Welfare The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Meath County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety, clothing and equipment.

Training It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post.

Garda Vetting Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position.

Outside Employment The officer may not engage in private practice, or be connected with any outside business, which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

Superannuation Contribution Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment. A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). A person paying Class A rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme. A person who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority who is liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of pensionable remuneration. A person paying Class D rate of PRSI who becomes a pensionable officer of a local authority depending on their existing scheme, may be a member of a dependent scheme i.e. either the Local Government (Widows & Orphans Contributory Pension) Scheme or the Local Government (Spouses and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme and if a member of either scheme will be required in respect of the to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme. Officers are admitted to the Superannuation Scheme in accordance with the terms of the Local Government Superannuation (Consolidation) Act, 1998 and the Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, with effect from date of appointment. This scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement and death gratuities. In order for a new entrant to the scheme to qualify for a pension, he/she must have served a minimum of two years employment in a local authority. For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st January 2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sum will be based on career-average pensionable remuneration; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory.