Investigator II

AGR/Agriculture • Sussex, DE

10d

About The Position

This position serves as a livestock and poultry cruelty investigator for the State of Delaware, protecting and promoting the welfare of cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, poultry, and other livestock through humane investigations and public education. The Investigator also responds to complaints about livestock at large and evaluates applicants for, issues, and maintains exotic animal permits in the State.

The role investigates alleged or probable violations and compliance issues by identifying, obtaining, verifying, and analyzing relevant information and evidence. It involves interviewing witnesses, complainants, victims, and other parties; interpreting and explaining applicable laws and regulations; evaluating facts and recommending appropriate action; documenting investigative activity; preparing reports; and presenting evidence or testifying before administrative bodies or courts. The Investigator may also conduct surveillance, undercover investigations, and inspections, and may make arrests or obtain search warrants when pertinent to an investigation.

The position requires effective communication and customer service with internal and external customers and the public. A valid driver's license and an Animal Welfare Officer certification, obtained within four months of hire, are required. Training for the certification will be provided by the Office of Animal Welfare. A satisfactory criminal background check is also required. This position is eligible for Alternative Work Schedules under the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy; additional details are provided at interview.

Requirements

• At least six months of experience handling and caring for farm animals or conducting enforcement activities in accordance with animal welfare laws, rules, and regulations.
• One year of experience conducting investigations, which may include interviewing to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence, and documenting findings.
• One year of experience collecting, evaluating, and analyzing relevant information to make recommendations regarding alleged or probable violations of state or federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• One year of experience providing clear, prompt, and accurate information to respond to and resolve complaints.
• Six months of experience in civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings, such as providing testimony before boards, commissions, or authorities; preparing evidence or sworn statements; or managing and prioritizing cases.
• Possess or obtain an Animal Welfare Officer certification within four months of hire; training will be provided by the Office of Animal Welfare.
• Possess a valid driver's license that is not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified.
• Satisfactory criminal background check.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Investigate alleged or probable violations and compliance issues, identifying, obtaining, verifying, and analyzing relevant information or evidence.
• Collect, control, and evaluate physical, financial, background, documentary, and other evidence.
• Formulate questions and conduct interviews with witnesses, complainants, victims, and other parties to obtain information and establish facts.
• Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate available facts, recommend appropriate action to authorities, commissions, or technical supervisors, and take enforcement action when necessary.
• Use automated information systems, computer software, and the internet to research, document, verify, and report investigative and intelligence data.
• Document calls, emails, inquiries, interviews, and other interactions, and respond to hotlines when assigned.
• Prepare and submit investigative reports documenting findings, supporting facts, and actions taken.
• Testify and present evidence before boards, commissions, administrative bodies, or courts.
• Provide customer service and communicate effectively with internal and external customers and the public across diverse groups.
• Conduct surveillance, undercover investigations, and on-site inspections on assigned cases when needed.
• Make arrests or obtain search warrants pertaining to an investigation when needed.
• Make recommendations to subpoena information when appropriate.
• Investigate livestock and poultry cruelty and promote the welfare of livestock through humane investigations and constituent education.
• Respond to complaints of livestock at large.
• Evaluate applicants for, issue, and maintain exotic animal permits in Delaware.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package; details are provided on the State of Delaware benefits website.
• Eligible for Alternative Work Schedules under the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed