Humane Investigator

This position is supervised by:  Chief Investigator

This position supervises/manages: None

Job Summary: The Humane Investigator’s primary responsibility is to conduct in-depth, complex investigations on all reports of animal cruelty & neglect; to educate the public and animal owners on proper animal care/husbandry in accordance with Texas state law; to execute animal surrenders and/or animal seizure warrants; to conduct animal rescue operations; assist the SPCA of Texas, law enforcement and other humane organizations in the event of a disaster.

Summary of Essential Responsibilities:
• Responds to reports of animal cruelty & neglect within allotted priority response time frames
• Gathers evidence, takes detailed photos and reports in support of investigation
• Maintain database by entering accurate information on cases
• Work with animal owners on proper animal care/husbandry; monitoring status of case
• Educate the public and animal owners on Texas state animal cruelty laws
• Conduct animal surrenders and/or write and execute animal seizure warrants should animal owner be noncompliant with Texas state law requirements
• Act as a witness in court
• Assists in prosecution of cases
• Check and clear voice messages; promptly answering and returning phone calls
• Builds working relationships with law enforcement agencies, humane organizations and members of the public in support of the animal cruelty investigations and the mission of the SPCA of Texas
• Conduct on-call responsibilities by responding to calls or additional duties as needed
• Responds and executes assigned duties in the event of a disaster
• Represents the SPCA of Texas by providing excellent customer service and professionalism to law enforcement agencies, humane organizations and members of the public
• Actively engage with volunteers in such a way that provides support for our volunteers and staff and proactively improves our volunteer program.
• Be an ambassador for the SPCA of Texas, sharing the work and mission with your friends and family and be knowledgeable of the various ways to support our work.

Summary of Essential Job Tasks:
• The ability to maintain professionalism under stressful circumstances
• Must be able to deal with fractious animals.
• Will be subject to exposure of animal odors, extreme levels of ammonia, diseases, possible contagious conditions, bites, scratches, animal waste and moderate noise levels.
• Must have the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must be eligible to be a “driver” for the SPCA of Texas and must perform “driver” duties as directed by the immediate Supervisor. Duties may include, but not be limited to, driving an SPCA of Texas SUV, Box Truck or livestock trailer.
• Must maintain assigned work vehicle and equipment
• Proper animal handling for domestic, fowl and livestock animals
• Protect the confidential information of public and donors.
• Must ensure to clock in/out at assigned start/end work schedule
• Must be available for on-call duties
• Additional tasks assigned by the Director of Animal Field Response

Abilities Required:
•    Must be TCOLE certified Peace Officer
•    High school diploma or equivalent
•    Valid Texas driver’s license or be able to obtain prior to employment
•    Disaster training preferred
•    Static Strength: the ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 50 pounds.
•    Judgment and Decision Making: the ability to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
•    Oral and Written Expression: the ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
•    Monitoring: the ability to monitor and assess performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
•    Emotional and Mental Requirements: the ability to work effectively under stressful conditions. Ability to rapidly and accurately process information.

Applicant Information:
• The individual performing this job may be required to work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. Shift times may vary and include weekend hours.