Dog Warden Supervisor

Main purpose of job

To be responsible to the Assistant City Protection Manager for the efficient and effective performance of the duties of the post and ensuring that they are performed in accordance with specified time and quality targets.

To assist the Assistant City Protection Manager with the operational management of the Dog Control Service including the supervision and management of staff.

To support the work of the operational staff of the Dog Control Service through the provision of guidance and advice on relevant technical and enforcement issues.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties

1. To carry out the full range of enforcement, education and promotional duties in connection with the council’s powers under specific dog control legislation and other associated legislation.

2. To contribute to the City and Neighbourhood Services' strategic objectives and, in particular, to participate in services wide project teams as directed by the Strategic Director.

3. To deputise for the Assistant City Protection Manager as required.

4. To assist the Assistant City Protection Manager with the operational management of the Dog Control Service including the supervision of any staff assigned to the unit, including the allocation of work tasks.

5. To make an effective contribution to the development and achievement of the unit’s business plans and objectives.

6. To assist the Assistant City Protection Manager with the implementation of performance management systems and staff training or development programmes as required.

7. To participate in internal and external communication activities, including media interviews, as required.

8. To provide such reports, records and statistical information as required by the Assistant City Protection Manager.

9. To assist the Assistant City Protection Manager in formulating and developing procedures and guidance notes for use by other staff.

10. To participate as required in student training programmes.

11. To liaise with relevant external organisations and contractors, as required by the Assistant City Protection Manager.

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

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

14. To provide appropriate support and assistance, as determined by the Emergency Coordination Officer, in relation to animal welfare in an emergency situation.

15. To participate as directed in the council’s selection interview procedure.

16. To act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care; equal opportunities; health and safety; safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.

17. To participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Belfast City Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management procedures as appropriate

18. To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the council.

19. To undertake such other relevant duties as may, from time to time, be required.

This job description has been written at a time of significant organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. Therefore, the post-holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that s/he may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description but which are commensurate with the role.

Essential criteria

Qualifications and experience

Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:

(a) possess 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 meet the requirements of the post in full ; and

(b) have a third level qualification in a relevant subject such as Animal Management, Business Studies, Environmental Health, or equivalent qualification and be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have at least one year’s relevant experience of supervising in the field of regulatory dog control, or similar regulatory enforcement requiring a knowledge of criminal procedures and investigations;

or

• be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have at least two years’ relevant experience of supervising in the field of regulatory dog control, or similar regulatory enforcement requiring a knowledge of criminal procedures and investigations.

Special skills and attributes

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, evidence that they possess the following special skills and attributes which may be tested at interview:

Technical knowledge

A good knowledge of all dog related legislation and relevant codes of practice.

Written communication skills

A good standard of literacy and written communication skills.

Oral communication skills

The ability to communicate effectively, with the capacity to listen to and assimilate information, and be able to instruct others. The ability to make effective presentations through the use of a range of visual aids to various types of audience.

Team working and leadership skills

The ability to undertake required tasks independently, and also the ability to lead and work effectively as part of a team.

Customer care skills

The ability to deal effectively with internal and external customers with a strong focus on customer care, and the ability to deal calmly and diplomatically with people.

Information Technology skills

The ability to use standard office programmes, standard packages and appropriate specialised programmes.

Work planning and prioritisation skills

The ability to allocate tasks, prioritise work and ensure that work is completed satisfactorily within agreed targets.

Analysis and decision making skills

The ability to manage and be proactive in a variety of unforeseen circumstances.

Desirable criteria

In addition to the above qualifications and or experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants who, as at the closing date for receipt of applications:

(a)   in the first instance, can demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples that they have relevant experience of enforcement; and

·        in the second instance, can demonstrate that they have a third level qualification in a relevant subject such as Animal Management, Business Studies, Environmental Health, or equivalent qualification, and at least two years’ relevant experience (as detailed above) of supervising in the field of regulatory dog control, or similar regulatory enforcement requiring a knowledge of criminal procedures and investigations;

or

·        at least three years’ relevant experience (as detailed above) of supervising in the field of regulatory dog control, or similar regulatory enforcement requiring a knowledge of criminal procedures and investigations.