Dog Warden – Facilities & Environment

BSNI are working with Belfast City Council to recruit a Dog Warden – Facilities & Environment. This role is temporary.

mployment type
Temporary
Number of people required
1
Target start date
27 Apr 2026
Duration
12 Weeks
Hours per week
18.5

Rate
PAYE: £15.82 per hour

Job location
90 Dargan Crescent, Belfast, BT3 9JP, United Kingdom

Service and hours of duty – Job share The hours of duty are 74 hours over 4 weeks, averaging 18.5 per week as per the shift pattern below. You will work from 8am-8pm (1 hour and 30 minute unpaid break) whilst on duty. Please be advised that a 7.30am start will be required on Friday, week one but this may be subject to change. Week 1 : Sun – 8 AM to 8 PM & Fri – 7.30 AM to 8 PM Week 2: Thurs – 8AM to 8 PM Week 3: Thur – 8 AM to 8 PM, Fri – 8 AM to 8 PM Week 4: Wed -8AM to 8 PM, Sat – 8AM to 8PM

Main purpose of job

To be responsible to the Assistant City Protection Manager, through the Dog Warden Supervisor, for the efficient and effective performance of the duties of the post including in particular:

Implementation of the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 (as amended), the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011, the Dog Control Orders Regulations (NI) 2012 and other relevant legislation in accordance with the councils policies and departmental procedures and arrangements;
Implementation, as required, of the Dog Warden Services educational and information programme concerning dog control and promoting responsible dog ownership.
To perform all duties in accordance with specified time and quality targets.

To ensure humane treatment of dogs while in the postholders possession.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties

To undertake, as required, the full range of duties in connection with the councils powers under Dogs legislation including in particular:-
Patrolling streets and public places.
Investigation of complaints in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 as appropriate.
Detecting and dealing with straying or uncontrolled dogs.
Detecting and dealing with infringements of the legislation, including issuing notices where necessary under Article 36, Dogs (NI) Order 1983 and the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011, the Dog Control Orders Regulations (NI) 2012.
Detecting and dealing with dogs prescribed under the Dangerous Dogs (NI) Order 1991.
Collecting stray or unwanted dogs and taking them to the appropriate kennelling facility.
To inspect and make recommendations for the registration of breeding establishments and guard-dog kennels under the Welfare of Animals Act 2011.
To undertake, as required, the full range of duties in connection with achievement of the councils aims in regards to Dog Control, and in particular:-
Promoting responsible dog ownership through personal contact with owners and through organised dissemination of information and implementation of the services education programme and to assist as required in the development of the same.
Liaising directly, as required, with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Police Service of Northern Ireland, other city council departments and relevant public bodies, and dog welfare organisations.
Liaising directly with veterinary surgeons as required in accordance with departmental arrangements, and assistance in the administration of veterinary procedures such as humane destruction where necessary.
Attendance at court or other formal hearings to give evidence.
Preparation of reports or evidence, including considered suggestions or recommendations on future or further action.
Assess the condition of all dogs handled, ensuring compassionate and humane treatment is provided as required.
Initiation, preparation and submission of correspondence drafts, together with provision of information notes for drafting of other required correspondence.
To carry out all duties in accordance with the departments safety policy and maintain high standards of hygiene throughout.
To carry out any other related duties which the council may be required to undertake, for example, in relation to the control of rabies.
To keep abreast of new developments in the field of dog control and of good practice and new procedures.
To participate as required in student training programmes.
To motivate and manage any staff, that may be assigned, to the post holder to ensure effective service delivery and to be responsible for reviewing and implementing a proper staff training and development programme.
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 policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.
To participate as directed in the councils recruitment and selection procedures.
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.
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.
To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the council.
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 they 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

Driving licence and experience

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

have 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 carry out the duties of the post in full[1];
and

be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least one years relevant experience, gained in the workplace, in each of the following areas:
the control or handling of dogs in a formal setting;
dealing with individual members of the public, including dealing with contentious situations; and
administration work which includes using computerised systems to produce written reports and maintain records.

Special skills and attributes

Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of each of the following skills and attributes which may be tested at interview:

Technical knowledge:  An understanding of relevant legislation and the ability to present evidence effectively and accurately in court.

Communication and interpersonal skills:  A good standard of literacy and the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Customer care skills:  The ability to deal calmly and diplomatically with people in contentious situations.

Team working skills:  The ability to work effectively as part of a team and to be proactive, innovative and work with others to exceed standards.

Analysis, problem solving and decision making skills: The ability to use initiative to deal with a variety of unforeseen circumstances.

Written communication skills:  The ability to write accurate reports and maintain accurate records.

Information Technology skills:  The ability to operate a range of standard Microsoft Office programmes.

Short-listing criteria

In addition to the above driving licence and experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right to short-list only those applicants who, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms, can demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have:

in the first instance, at least two years relevant experience, gained in the workplace, in each of the three areas (b) to (d) detailed above; and
in the second instance, at least one years relevant experience, gained in the workplace, of working in an enforcement or legislative role.
[1] Please be advised that this alternative is a reasonable adjustment specifically for applicants with disabilities who, as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a full, current driving licence.  However please also be advised that, given the business need for the post holder to drive council-owned vans on a daily basis in order to fulfil the duties of the post then the reasonableness of this adjustment will be thoroughly considered prior to any appointment being made.

For more information contact Jessica or Debbie on 02895219313

BSNI are an acting recruitment agency.