JOB TITLE: DOG LAW ENFORCEMENT DIRECTOR

JOB CODE: 74522

DEFINITION: This is responsible administrative work in planning and directing the statewide dog law enforcement program.

The employee in this job is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the statewide program in the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to the sale,

transportation, keeping, detention, and final disposition of dogs, the licensing of dogs and kennels, and the payment of indemnities, reimbursements, and subsidies. Work involves conducting public hearings on proposed regulations; evaluating, developing, and revising rules and regulations; developing and establishing investigation, inspection, and enforcement methods and procedures; approving kennel licenses, animal indemnities, reimbursements, and construction subsidies; and directing the development and implementation of training programs. Work also involves conducting meetings, conferences, and public relations programs with various stakeholders to coordinate actions, resolve issues, and to explain and engender support for program requirements and policies. Supervision is exercised over a Dog Law Veterinarian and regional Dog Law Enforcement Supervisors. Work is performed with considerable independence and initiative and is reviewed through consultation with senior management through conferences and written reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Plans, directs, and coordinates the statewide dog law enforcement program.

• Directs and manages the work performed by agency field staff across the state which includes a veterinarian, supervisors, and inspectors.

• Develops, revises, evaluates, and recommends legislation, rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to the care, control, and licensing of dogs and kennels.

• Oversees and coordinates the development and provision of formal and informal dog law enforcement training programs.

• Develops and implements investigation, inspection, and enforcement methods and procedures to ensure the effectiveness of the dog law enforcement program.

• Approves kennel license applications, subsidies for kennel construction and expansion, and reimbursements for holding and disposing of dogs, and oversees the collection of fees for the licensing of dogs.

• Directs the investigation and resolution of claims for damages to livestock and poultry by dogs and coyotes, approves indemnities or obtains fair payment by responsible dog owner, and institutes legal proceedings for recovery of indemnities where legal responsibility can be established.

• Participates in agency administrative hearings regarding various actions, such civil penalties, license refusals/denials, and license revocations.

• Testifies at legislative hearings regarding proposed dog law legislation.

• Administers and maintains the statewide dangerous dog registry.

• Conducts meetings and conferences and prepares correspondence to coordinate, explain, resolve, and influence federal, state, and local government authorities, interested organizations, stakeholders, dog and kennel owners, and the public for effective control, licensing, and care of dogs.

• Directs and reviews the preparation of information and appears as an expert witness in prosecutions, illegal kennels, illegal kennel operators, illegal transportation of dogs, injuries and killing of livestock and poultry, civil penalties, administrative actions, and other violations of state laws and regulations.

• Evaluates effectiveness of the agency’s statewide enforcement program and develops and implements measures and techniques to improve the effectiveness of kennel inspections, stray dogs, local dog licensing programs, prosecution of violators, and related enforcement problems.

• Develops and directs a public information and relations program to engender support in the dog law enforcement program.

• Develops and implements educational outreach campaigns.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the laws and regulations pertaining to the control and licensing of kennels and dogs.

• Knowledge of law enforcement procedures.

• Knowledge of investigatory principles, methods, and techniques.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Knowledge of the care, handling, and breeding of dogs.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These may not be evaluated by the State Civil Service Commission or used for Civil Service examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.):

• Knowledge of Pennsylvania dog kennel licensing and inspection programs.

• Ability to develop and install rules, regulations, and procedures and to evaluate their effectiveness.

• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others.

• Ability to develop, conduct, and coordinate training programs.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Four years of experience as a Dog Law Enforcement Supervisor;

or

• Seven years of experience in dog law enforcement or a closely related field, including four years in an administrative or supervisory capacity, and a bachelor's degree in public administration, criminal justice, political science, or business administration;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training, which included four years in an administrative or supervisory capacity.