Oxford Counties - 0921

Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry•Lewiston, ME

2d•Remote

About The Position

This is investigative and protective services work in the investigation of complaints alleging abuse of or cruelty to animals, the inspection of animal facilities, and the monitoring of events involving animals. Work includes coordinating and conducting investigations with other law enforcement agencies; securing and executing search warrants; collecting, securing, and maintaining continuity of physical evidence; affecting arrest of alleged offenders; and maintaining liaison between federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. Work is performed under general supervision.

Requirements

Knowledge of the proper care, handling, maintenance, and treatment of large and small animals.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to meet enforcement problems with firmness and tact.
Ability to deal effectively and courteously with the public.
Ability to physically examine and handle abused, neglected, and/or vicious or dangerous animals humanely.
Knowledge of Maine animal welfare laws, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge of first aid techniques and practices for animals.
Knowledge of investigation methods and techniques.
Knowledge of public speaking principles, practices, and techniques.
Ability to apply animal welfare laws to field situations.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and conduct interagency investigations.
Ability to prepare cases for trial.
Ability to train others.
A combination of education, training and/or experience that demonstrates proficiency in the knowledge of or professional expertise in the proper care, handling, nutrition/maintenance, and treatment of small and large animals (to include horses) -OR- professional experience in animal control or humane enforcement and/or veterinary technician experience.

Nice To Haves

At least two (2) years of expertise/experience in the proper care, handling, nutrition/maintenance, and treatment of small and large animals (to include horses) or professional experience in animal control or humane enforcement and/or veterinary technician experience.

Responsibilities

Receives and investigates complaints alleging cruelty to or abuse of animals in order to ascertain validity.
Inspects pet shops, kennels, shelters, fairs, circuses, concerts, and other place where animals are kept in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and requirements.
Gathers, compiles, and presents information in order to promote the successful prosecution of court cases.
Plans, coordinates, and conducts interagency investigations in order to ensure complaint investigation and other work is coordinated and accomplished in a proper and timely manner.
Explains and interprets animal welfare laws, rules, and regulations to law officers, public officials, and others in order to promote understanding of and compliance with requirements.
Writes reports of investigations and inspections.
Testifies in court regarding results of investigations in order to provide information and assist in the prosecution of cases.
Observes, handles, and examines animals for signs and symptoms of abuse and/or neglect in order to determine complaint validity and/or alleged violation of animal welfare laws, rules, and regulations.
Takes abused and/or neglected (often vicious and/or dangerous) animals into physical custody through legal process in order to protect the animal.
Collects, secures, and maintains continuity of physical evidence in order to ensure evidence is usable and effective in the prosecution of cases.

Benefits

13 paid holidays
12 days of sick leave
3+ weeks of vacation leave
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – up to $40 per month
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Living Resources Program – employee assistance program
Parental leave – forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – MaineSaves 457(b) account