Humane Investigator

Peninsula Humane Society•San Mateo, CA

About The Position

The Humane Investigator investigates complaints and reports of animal cruelty or neglect, documents cases, prepares files for the District Attorney and other agencies, and provides testimony as required. The role also educates the public, trains department staff to identify and report possible cruelty or neglect, assists law enforcement and Animal Rescue & Control, and provides humane care for animals in the Society’s care. The position requires managing the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia and supporting staff in high-emotion circumstances. This is a full-time, non-exempt, non-union position reporting to the Animal Rescue & Control Director and Manager. The starting salary is $32.00–$35.00 per hour, depending on experience. An excellent benefits package is available.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience as an Animal Control/Humane Officer, or an equivalent combination of education and experience equal to four years as an Animal Control Officer.
Completion of courses similar to those described in Corporation Code 14502, including PC 832.
Ability to pass a criminal background check upon hire.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; write simple correspondence; and present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group settings.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Basic arithmetic skills, including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing, including with units, weight measurement, and volume.
Ability to follow detailed but straightforward written or oral instructions and address problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Knowledge of Chameleon database software, or ability to become proficient within six months of hire.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, computer keyboarding, and data entry, or ability to become proficient.
Certification in euthanasia and training in decapitations.
Valid California Driver’s License and a clean driving record sufficient to be insured under PHS insurance.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequently lifting or moving up to 50–75 pounds.
Availability to work irregular hours and shifts, weekends, holidays, and standby.

Nice To Haves

Completion of the Humane Academy or similar training is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive, evaluate, and respond to animal cruelty or neglect complaints received by phone, email, in person, or other means.
Enter case information and follow-up actions into Chameleon, maintain a daily activity report, and update case status on the weekly snapshot.
Impound, assist with impoundment, or seize animals as required.
Collect, store, and submit evidence for testing by outside agencies or vendors as needed.
Photograph and thoroughly document potential crime scenes; photograph and assist with veterinary exams and necropsies.
Interview suspects and witnesses.
Prepare timely case reports and files for the District Attorney’s Office, Police/Sheriff, or other requesting agencies.
Testify in court or at seizure hearings for cruelty or neglect cases.
Prepare and execute search warrants and arrest warrants.
Issue citations, notices of compliance, and veterinary treatment or grooming notices.
Educate the public about proper animal care and direct people to appropriate agencies for non-cruelty or neglect situations.
Train department staff on cruelty and neglect situations they may encounter and establish processes for reporting potential cases to Investigators.
Assist the Animal Rescue & Control Department and law enforcement agencies as needed.
Provide humane care for animals in the Society’s care and work with other PHS/SPCA departments as needed.
Assist with screening, vaccinating, and kenneling animals during large-scale impounds.
Prepare statistical data related to animal cruelty investigations.
Support staff in high-emotion circumstances and manage the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia.