Dog Warden

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.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     Health

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

3.     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.

4.     Education, Training and Experience

Each candidate shall:

• Have a good standard of general education to enable the duties of the post to be performed to the satisfaction of the local authority.
• Have a good working knowledge of the Control of Dogs Acts 1986/1992, the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2020/2016, and the constraints contained therein.

Essential Requirements

It is essential that each candidate has: -

• A valid driving licence for Class B Vehicles.
• Have good interpersonal and communication skills as there will be considerable interaction with the public, the Gardai, and office staff.
• The capacity to contribute to and work well in a team.
• Ability to use initiative and judgement.
• Satisfactory knowledge and understanding of health and safety issues.

Desirable Requirements

It is desirable that candidates have: -

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Good IT skills and use of handheld technologies
• Experience of dealing with people in difficult situations would be an advantage
• Case Management Skills
• Knowledge and interest in environmental issues
• Knowledge and experience in caring for and handling animals, particularly dogs

PRINCIPAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Competition

Monaghan County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent and temporary vacancies for the post of Dog Warden shall be filled. The post(s) shall be wholetime, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

The post holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee local Authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an employee of the local authority or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of the local authority, or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of his/her duties as a local authority employee.

Salary:

The weekly salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The successful candidate will be paid at the appropriate rate on the Dog Warden wage scale. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. The weekly salary shall be subject to such statutory deductions as may operate e.g. PAYE and PRSI. Increments are paid subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance.

The weekly pay scale for the post is: -

€826.63, - €834.08, - €841.39, - €849.31, - €857.23, - €865.28, - €873.16, - €880.56, - €887.96, - €892.88

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

Probation:

Where a person who is not already a permanent employee of a local authority is appointed, the following provisions shall apply: -

(a)              there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect, during which such person shall hold such position on probation;

(b)             such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may, at his discretion, extend such period;

(c)              such person shall cease to hold such office at the end of the period of probation, unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such person is satisfactory.

Hours of Duty:

Core hours of work shall be a 39-hour week. Normal working hours are 8.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.00am to 3.30pm on Friday (half hour lunch break each day), or such hours as may from time to time be prescribed. The hours of work will be such as may be assigned by the County Council in its absolute discretion. The person employed will be expected to report to their place of work, by their own means of transport.

The post-holder may be required to work overtime depending on work requirements and be available to respond to callouts outside of normal working hours at the request of the Supervisor or persons appointed to positions of authority. Where possible the post-holder will be notified in advance. Overtime will be paid at approved rates.

Annual Leave

Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for Public Holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. The annual leave entitlement will be 25 days per annum.

Health

For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority.

Superannuation:

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.

Superannuation contributions

Persons who become pensionable employees of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their 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).

Persons who become pensionable employees of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Widows & Orphans/Spouses & Childre’s scheme

All persons who become pensionable employees of a Local Authority will be required in respect of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

New entrants from 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme

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.

Retirement:

There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 70 years or as determined in accordance with Department Circulars and in line with Government Policy.

The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.

Garda Vetting/Child Protection

The successful candidate(s) may be subject to the Garda Vetting Procedures and will be required to complete Appendix V of the County Council’s Child Protection Policy.

Residence

The successful candidate(s) shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed, or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Training

Successful candidates will be required to attend and participate in training programmes as may be decided by the local authority relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attached to the post and to apply their learning in the course of their working activities. The successful candidate for this post shall undertake training for Health and Safety, technical skills and general performance as required.

Uniform

The successful candidate shall wear the uniform and clothing provided by the council at all times while on duty.

Driver’s Licence

The holder of the post shall hold a current full clean driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving License.

Offer of appointment

Monaghan County Council shall require any person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month from the date on which the offer is made. If he/she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council shall not appoint him/her.

Assignment

Monaghan County Council reserves the right to, at any time, assign an employee to any premises in use by the Council now or in the future.

References

All appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references.