Humane Investigator

Peninsula Humane Society•San Mateo, CA

1d•$32 - $35

About The Position

The Humane Investigator investigates complaints and reports of animal cruelty or neglect, prepares reports and case files for the District Attorney and other agencies, and provides testimony as required. The position receives and responds to reports, documents investigations, collects evidence, interviews suspects and witnesses, and takes enforcement actions such as preparing warrants and issuing citations or notices. The investigator also educates the public, trains department staff, assists law enforcement and Animal Rescue & Control, and provides humane care for animals in the Society’s care. The role requires managing the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia and supporting staff in high-emotion circumstances. The employee must pass a criminal background check. The position involves frequent outdoor work and exposure to varied weather, with occasional exposure to zoonotic disease, aggressive or feral animals, hazardous chemicals, and potentially hostile members of the public. Irregular hours, shifts, weekends, holidays, and standby availability are required. The position has designated start times for time-sensitive duties.

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 perform the essential duties satisfactorily; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
Ability to manage the emotional aspects of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia and support staff in high-emotion circumstances.
Must pass a criminal background check upon hire.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos; write simple correspondence; and effectively present information to customers, volunteers, and employees in one-on-one and small-group settings.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including calculations using units, weight, and volume.
Ability to follow detailed but uncomplicated 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 Microsoft Office, keyboarding, and data-entry knowledge or ability to become proficient.
Certified in euthanasia and trained in decapitations.
Valid California Driver’s License with a clean record sufficient to be insured under PHS insurance.
Ability to stand, walk, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl regularly; sit and/or drive occasionally; and frequently lift and/or move up to 50–75 pounds.
Vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Available to work irregular hours, 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, properly 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.
Conduct interviews with 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 and arrest warrants; issue citations, notices of compliance, veterinary treatment notices, and grooming notices.
Educate the public about proper animal care and direct people reporting non-cruelty or neglect matters to the appropriate agencies.
Train department staff on cruelty and neglect situations and establish processes for reporting possible 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/or kenneling animals during large-scale impounds.
Prepare statistical data related to animal cruelty investigations.