Thank you for your interest in employment with the Town of Fairhaven. Please note that all applications (except Public Works, Firefighter, Police Officer and Dispatcher) must include a completed application, available for download here, or in hard copy in the Human Resources Office M-F 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Send completed application and cover letter to: HR@Fairhaven-ma.gov
The Town of Fairhaven is seeking a qualified and experienced Human Resources Consultant to assist the HR Department with a range of operational and strategic HR functions. This per diem, part-time role is ideal for a professional looking to apply their expertise in a dynamic municipal environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Support daily HR operations, including employee relations, policy implementation, and compliance
• Provide guidance on recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and training initiatives
• Assist with updating and maintaining HR policies, job descriptions, and personnel records
• Offer strategic support for collective bargaining and workforce planning, as needed
Qualifications:
• 3–5 years of professional experience in human resources management or program administration
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of Massachusetts employment law and municipal HR practices a plus
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@fairhaven-ma.gov by June 6, 2025.
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For more information on any openings, call the Human Resources Department: (508) 979-4023, ext. 8150.
The Fairhaven Police Department is seeking highly motivated and dedicated full-time police officers whom are interested in a Civil Service Lateral Transfer. Candidates will be subject to an extensive background investigation, a medical evaluation, and a psychological screening.
The Fairhaven Police Department is a civil service department comprised of 36 sworn officers who serve a population of approximately 16,000 residents over 12.5 square miles. Candidates should be highly motivated and proactive individuals, that possess a strong community based work ethic, excellent verbal and written communication skills, high integrity and sound judgment. Candidates with a high school diploma or GED are eligible to apply however;vcandidates with a degree from an accredited college/university or with a military background
are preferred.
The current salary range is $59,400 to $75,220 as well as the Fairhaven Police Department Educational Incentive (Equivalent to Quinn Bill) for all qualified employees. Starting step and associated incentives will be based on applicable and accepted credible years of service. Employees also receive the following contractual benefits: sick leave, shift differentials, holidays, longevity bonuses, first responder bonus, an annual clothing allowance of $1,300 and a $300 cleaning stipend.
The Fairhaven Police Department offers many career enhancement opportunities to include Detectives, School Resource Officers, K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, Drone Unit and have many officers involved in a variety of SEMLEC regional teams to include the Dive Team, SWAT, CISM and Search and Rescue.
The Town of Fairhaven is an equal opportunity employer.
Interested candidates must:
• Be a citizen of the United States and be at least 21 years old.
• Possess the ability to obtain a valid Massachusetts’s driver’s license and Class A License to Carry Firearms.
• Not use any tobacco products in accordance with M.G.L. ch. 22C, 10.
• Be currently employed by a Massachusetts Civil Service Agency and must be POST
Certified. • Must have completed a full time MPTC Certified Police Academy. Bridge Academy is not accepted.
• Be available to work all shifts for a 24/7 operation including weekends and holidays.
The deadline to receive applications is August 1, 2025. Applications are available on
www.fairhavenpolice.org. Any questions or concerns please contact Captain Scott Gordon at 508-997-7421 x6062, or email at scott.gordon@fairhavenpolice.org.
Posting Date: October 27, 2025
Application Deadline: November 14, 2025
Position: Assistant Animal Control Officer
Starting Rate of Pay: $20.04 per hour
Department: Animal Control
Location: Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Schedule: Part-time/ As needed (may include weekends, holidays, and after-hours emergencies)
Position Purpose:
The primary function of this position is to protect the safety of the public and the welfare of animals by working under the general direction of the Animal Control Officer, and with some direction
from the Police Department, enforces Town bylaws pertaining to dogs and other animals. Provides on-call back-up to the full-time Animal Control Officer. Assists in the catching, care, and rehoming of animals. Assists with shelter operations as assigned. This position is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control; performs all other related work as required.
Essential Functions:
(The essential fanctions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
• Answer telephones, e-mails, voice mail and act on, address and assists with department-related issues and concerns.
• Performs customer service duties in relation to the operation of the office – answering the
shelter phone, greeting visitors, etc.
• Provides answers to animal control inquiries within the scope of expertise and authority
• Processes departmental billing, cash receipts, and bookkeeping for the office with the
supervision of the Animal Control Officer
• Responds to Police Department calls regarding injured or stray animals in the place of the
Animal Control Officer when “on-call”
• Assists volunteer staff under the direction of the Animal Control Officer
• Assists with the enforcement of Town by-laws and applicable state statutes relating animal
control, inspection and other natural resource issues.
• Respond to telephone, pager and radio requests for emergency animal assistance and on-call 24 hr. / 7 day emergency service.
• Perform shelter duties including taking reports from the public, receiving animals brought to the shelter, preparing adoption paperwork, reclaiming animals to their owners, and clean kennels and perform related housekeeping duties.
• Update, edit, and correct data files on animals in the kennel, maintain proper inventory levels of cleaning and other supplies. • Assist with dog licensing conduct and document of kennel inspections. Write / mail violation citations /serve court summons.
• Assists with rabies clinics; and provide rabies control support and conduct educational programs and presentations as directed.
• Maintain log of all calls, keep records, collect fees and submit fees to the Town Treasurer
Collector as required.
• Prepare reports of animals impounded, adopted, redeemed and relinquished as required. • • •Keep tools, equipment, vehicles, buildings and work areas clear, clean and in a safe condition . •Check equipment, supplies required to perform work and prepare for operations .
Recommended Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience:
High School Diploma/GED. Animal Control Officer Certification preferred; Two to three (2 – 3) yrs. of related experience or the equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Must have / maintain a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Basic knowledge of Animal Control Procedures, Animal Husbandry, Communicable Disease, State, Local Laws and Regulations, Domestic Animals, Rabies Prevention, Preparation of animals for Rabies testing at the State Laboratory, Thorough knowledge of current inspection and disease control procedures.
Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret animal control policies and procedures, Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and establish and maintain effective contacts with a variety of groups and organizations including the public, communicates effectively both written and verbal, delegates responsibility, works effectively under stressful situations, responds well in emergency situations.
Skill: Excellent public relations skills, Strong situation assessment skills, Skills in operating above mentioned equipment, Strong interpersonal skills, Moderate computer skills, Strong written/verbal skills.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essentialfanctions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Employee is regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear; uses hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms as in picking up paper, files, and other common office objects, Employee may occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing more than 50 pounds such as equipment, supplies, animals etc. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. May be exposed to harmful chemicals, animal bites/scratches, rabies, dangerous
Supervision:
Supervision Scope: Performs routine duties that are clearly defined by protocol and standard operating procedures. This role requires basic knowledge of departmental operations. Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Animal Control Officer. Supervision Given: None.
Job Environment:
Administrative work is performed under typical office conditions. Operates motor vehicle; when in the office, operates computer and standard office equipment such as telephone, copier, and facsimile machine; when on site, may be required to operat some or all equipment necessary to perform the task. Makes very frequent contacts with the general public, other Town departments/ boards/ committees, health care professionals and organizations, contractors, local/state agencies, and the general public; contact is by telephone and in person. Has access to confidential information including personnel records, pending public health related lawsuits, criminal investigations and other sensitive information. Errors in either the technical application of recognized public health procedures, or in the interpretation of related information, could seriously endanger public health and safety, result in inadequate conditions of sanitation, have legal and financial ramifications, and cause severe adverse public relations.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employers and is subject to change by the employer as the needs ofthe employer and requirements ofthe job change.)
The Town of Fairhaven seeks qualified applicants for the position of Principal Assessor. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, salaried, non-union position classified as Grade 18 on the Town’s Wage and Classification Plan, with a salary range of $83,000–$102,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The Principal Assessor is responsible for overseeing the valuation of real and personal property, maintaining assessment records, and ensuring compliance with Massachusetts General Laws, Department of Revenue regulations, and local policies. The position works closely with other Town departments, boards, and the public to support fair and transparent assessment administration.
Candidates must have a minimum of three years of professional experience in property assessment and experience working for or as a vendor of a Massachusetts municipality. MAAO certification is preferred and must be obtained within two years of hire. A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, public administration, or a related field is desirable.
The Town offers a generous benefits package and a supportive, professional environment. Be part of a dynamic community both inside and outside Town Hall.
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume by December 1, 2025 to:
Town of Fairhaven
Human Resources
40 Center Street
Fairhaven, MA 02719
Or Email to: hr@fairhaven-ma.gov
Applications accepted on a rolling basis but special consideration given to those received by 12/1/2025.
Position Purpose:
The primary function of this position is to assist the Assessors in discharging the duties of the Office and all other related work in timely manner including, perform physical and technical evaluations for all real estate / personal property included in the Town implementing all of the policies of the Board of Assessors and to complete all appropriate administrative oversight duties, related documentation and client (resident) interaction and service work in a timely manner, abiding by all municipal, state and federal guidelines, regulations and quality standards and ensuring safe, courteous and professional behavior is observed in all situations. This position is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control; performs all other related work as required.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
- Review email, voice mail and other communications, check schedule / calendar for meetings / appointments, review of building permits, sales questionnaires, and taxpayers request to assess changes on property.
- Maintain Assessors Office hours, ensure coverage of daily business hours and answer questions of property owners, prospective investors and builders as required.
- Prepare Boat and Auto excise tax commitments, and prepare reports for Department of Revenue (DOR) certification to set tax rate.
- Prepare/update Treasurer/Tax Collector tax commitment for Real and Personal property, and prepare Boat and Auto excise tax commitments
- Perform site visits; locate / assess / revalue all real property in town, perform field measurements and inspections of residential and commercial buildings, including but not limited to, new and incomplete construction, additions, alterations and demolition.
- Complete assessment appointments scheduled during non-office hours to include nights, Saturdays/ Sundays as mutually agreed upon.
- Inspect land / land use changes, deed transfers, subdivision changes; note technical aspects of property construction and location.
- Determine market values of property by using appropriate assessment techniques; conduct research of real property when necessary.
- Create / prepare / update Treasures / Tax Collector tax billing accounts for Real and Personnel Property.
- Maintain property records for real property, including collected data and calculated cost with depreciation, current market and assessed value considered, process abatement applications and enter data into designated databases.
- Prepare and provide justification of the annual department budget, compile and distribute supporting forms for recap sheet.
- Prepare lien releases for Chapter land properties and estimates for betterment payoffs.
- Explain assessment methods and techniques to the general public, as well as assist with questions and problems relating to various assessment methods and techniques when necessary.
- Complete in-house cyclic re-evaluations and produce certified lists of abutters as needed to update property record cards.
- Gather information for assessment data from property owners, contractors, real estate agents, attorneys, bankers and public officials.
- Assist in preparation, documentation and defense of values for cases before the Appellate Tax Board.
- Receive and maintain building permits for inspection purpose, listing data and enters information on property records.
- Process various types of forms, applications, reports and other types of information; assist in maintaining all department files and Maintain a variety of files, documents and data systems; prepare, maintain and update various client records, reports in conjunction with HIPPA / DOR regulations; verify and distribute information as requested; photocopy, mail or fax materials as necessary.
- Update and print out field cards, update and copy maps, deeds and parcel book, and update plot cards and record building permits.
- Commit betterments to the Collector and Town Accountant betterment payoffs for bank closings and betterment payoff history.
- Compile, verify and maintain all information regarding the Abutters List, maintain property records for real property, including collected data and calculated cost, process abatement applications and enter data into designated databases.
- At end of shift, ensure that the staff secures the office, equipment and perform general housekeeping duties as required.
- Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience:
BS / BA Degree in a job related field of endeavor is required. Three to five (3 – 5) years of related experience in municipal / real estate assessment or taxation or the equivalent combination of education, experience and training. Must complete MAAO course 200 within 6mth-1 yr. and DOR course 101 within 2 yrs. of date of hire. Must participate in continue education towards earning MAAO. Must have / maintain a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of modern property appraisal principles and practices.
Thorough knowledge of the Massachusetts tax laws and a working knowledge of zoning and building codes; and mapping procedures and knowledge of CAMA systems
Ability: Ability to accurately appraise real and personal property, ability to maintain overview of detailed and accurate records, using data processing; ability to compute using various statistical methods; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with town officials and the public and ability to coordinate office activities and supervise staff.
Skill: Must possess proficient skills in the use of computer assisted mass appraisal software, spreadsheet software and word processing software; good public relations skills and good oral and written communication skills.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, communicate, or hear; occasionally required to walk, must be able to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 15 pounds. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard and calculator at efficient speed.
Supervision:
Supervision Scope: Performs highly responsible functions of a complex and technical nature requiring a high degree of professional judgement and initiative in ensuring that all municipal transactions conform to law and to professional standards as well as in formulating decisions regarding policies, procedures, operations and plans.
Supervision Received: Works under the direction of the Director of Finance / Treasurer.
Supervision Given: Two full-time senior clerks.
Job Environment:
- Administrative work in performed under typical office conditions; field work is performed with some exposure to varying conditions of weather; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderately noisy.
- Makes frequent contact with the general public, other Town officials and Town departments, attorneys, appraisers, real estate agents surveyors, and governmental agencies in person, by written correspondence, email, and by telephone
- Has access to department related confidential material related to exemption requests and records, and data related to business and industrial activities.
- Errors could result loss of municipal tax revenue, inequitable assessments, legal and/or financial ramifications and poor public relations.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employers and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)