Animal Warden

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Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre (LAWC) is seeking an energetic, professional and proactive individual to join our team as a Part Time Animal Warden.

Working under the direction of Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre and in conjunction with Leitrim County Council, the successful candidate will assist with the delivery of the Animal Warden Service throughout County Leitrim.

This is a varied, hands on role involving animal handling and welfare, enforcement duties, investigations, dealing with members of the public, evidence gathering and administrative work. The role requires someone who can work confidently on their own initiative while also working effectively as part of a team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Responding to reports of stray and roaming dogs and safely collecting animals where required.
• Investigating reports and complaints relating to dogs, including livestock worrying incidents.
• Carrying out dog licence and microchip compliance checks.
• Scanning, identifying and microchipping dogs.
• Issuing Fixed Payment Notices and other enforcement documentation where appropriate.
• Investigating animal welfare concerns and assisting with welfare cases.
• Issuing Statutory Notices where authorised and appropriate.
• Gathering, recording and preserving evidence for enforcement matters and potential legal proceedings.
• Preparing clear written reports, statements and case records.
• Liaising with members of the public, An Garda Síochána, veterinary practices, Leitrim County Council and other relevant agencies.
• Assisting with matters arising under relevant animal welfare and control legislation.
• Responding to reports involving stray or uncontrolled horses where required.
• Servicing and maintaining dog waste stations throughout County Leitrim.
• Assisting with the trapping, transportation and neutering of feral cats as part of TNR programmes.
• Transporting animals safely and humanely.
• Assisting with other Animal Warden and animal welfare duties as required.

The role will involve duties associated with relevant legislation, including the Control of Dogs Act 1986 (as amended), Microchipping of Dogs Regulations, Litter Pollution Act 1997, Control of Horses Act 1996, relevant Control of Horses Bye-Laws and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, together with any other applicable legislation or regulations.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a reliable, organised and confident individual who is comfortable working independently and making appropriate decisions in the field.

Candidates should have:

• Experience handling animals, particularly dogs. Experience with cats and horses is also desirable.
• Ideally, a minimum of two years' relevant animal handling or animal welfare experience.
• A good understanding of canine body language, behaviour and safe handling techniques.
• A strong understanding of responsible animal ownership and good animal welfare practices.
• The confidence to safely handle dogs of different breeds, sizes, temperaments and behavioural backgrounds.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to communicate professionally with members of the public, including in difficult or challenging situations.
• Good judgement and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Good written communication, administration and record-keeping skills.
• Good general IT skills and the ability to use email, electronic records and mobile technology.
• A good standard of physical fitness, as the position involves animal handling, lifting, walking and outdoor work in varying conditions.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A professional, respectful and confidential approach to sensitive welfare and enforcement matters.

Driving Licence

Applicants must hold a full clean Class B driving licence and have satisfactory driving experience. The position involves regular travel throughout County Leitrim and the operation of Animal Warden vehicles.

Expected hours: 24.0 per week

Licence/Certification:

• Full Class B Driving License (required)

Work Location: In person