ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATOR/ASSISTANT CODE ENFORCEMENT MANAGER FOR ANIMAL SERVIC

The Animal Cruelty Investigator is responsible for investigating complaints of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. This position requires conducting field investigations, collecting evidence, enforcing animal welfare statutes, and working collaboratively with law enforcement, prosecutors, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations to ensure humane treatment of animals and public safety. This position serves as an Assistant Manager for Enforcement and supervises the day-to-day operations of the Animal Services Enforcement Officers.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Enforce applicable federal, state, and local animal welfare laws, ordinances, and regulations to ensure the public’s safety and the humane treatment of animals and ensure maintain the public’s safety.
• Respond to complaints and reports of animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, hoarding, and abuse.
• Conduct thorough investigations, including interviews with complainants, witnesses, and animal owners.
• Inspect properties and animal living conditions to assess animal welfare and compliance with laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Collect, document, and preserve evidence, including photographs, videos, written statements, and veterinary records.
• Prepare detailed investigative reports, affidavits, and case files for legal proceedings.
• Obtain and execute warrants, when necessary, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, organizations and prosecutors.
• Issue citations, warnings, or notices of violation as appropriate.
• Testify I court regarding investigations. Evidence, and findings.
• Coordinate the seizure, transport, and care of animals involved in cruelty cases.
• Work closely with veterinarians to evaluate animal health and document injuries or neglect.
• Collaborate with local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ social services, and animal welfare partners.
• Provide education and guidance to the public on responsible animal care and cruelty prevention.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and databases related to investigations.
• Particaptes in training, continuing education, and professional development
• Supervises the day-to-day operations of the Animal Services Code Enforcement Officers and acts as the manager in the manager’s absence and makes recommendations to the Director of Code Enforcement and/or county administration.
• Transport detainers and prisoners.
• Performs other duties and related work as instructed and assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent

Class 3-A or Above South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Law Enforcement Certification

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Animal Cruelty and Fighting Investigations Training must obtain must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.

Reasoning/Math/Language Skills:

Ability to read analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquires or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands for the essential functions of this position involve bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, grasping walking, standing, stooping, jumping, digging and physically raising and manipulating objects of varying size, shape, weight, and material. Position involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis, in addition, you must be able to lift in excess of 50 lbs. This position requires walking for extended periods, treading rough and uneven terrain, and working near motoring traffic and natural environmental hazards. May be required to work outside of normal work schedule, especially during special assignments, inclement weather and/or other departmental-related emergencies. Frequently exposed to outside environment in all weather conditions, noise, and oil or grease daily.

Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment):

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
Extreme noise levels, Animals.
Fumes and/or noxious odors.
Traffic; Moving machinery.
Heights.
Disease/pathogens.
Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.
Other extreme hazards not listed above.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:

Orangeburg County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Orangeburg County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.