Humane Investigator

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Respond to reports of animal cruelty and neglect within allotted priority response time frames.
• Gather evidence, take detailed photos, and prepare reports in support of investigations.
• Maintain database by entering accurate case information.
• Work with animal owners on proper animal care and husbandry; monitor case status.
• Educate the public and animal owners on Texas state animal cruelty laws.
• Conduct animal surrenders and/or write and execute animal seizure warrants if owners are noncompliant with Texas state law.
• Act as a witness in court and assist in prosecution of cases.
• Check and clear voice messages; promptly answer and return phone calls.
• Build working relationships with law enforcement agencies, humane organizations, and the public to support animal cruelty investigations and the SPCA of Texas mission.
• Conduct on-call responsibilities by responding to calls or additional duties as needed.
• Respond and execute assigned duties in the event of a disaster.
• Represent the SPCA of Texas by providing excellent customer service and professionalism to law enforcement, humane organizations, and the public.
• Actively engage with volunteers to provide support and improve the volunteer program.
• Serve as an ambassador for the SPCA of Texas, sharing its work and mission with others.

Requirements

• Must be TCOLE certified Peace Officer.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to employment.
• Disaster training preferred.
• Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to deal with fractious animals and exposure to animal odors, extreme ammonia levels, diseases, contagious conditions, bites, scratches, animal waste, and moderate noise levels.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Eligibility to be a “driver” for the SPCA of Texas and perform related duties, including driving an SPCA of Texas SUV, Box Truck, or livestock trailer.
• Proper animal handling for domestic, fowl, and livestock animals.
• Ability to protect the confidential information of the public and donors.
• Must clock in/out at assigned start/end work schedule.
• Availability for on-call duties.

Skills

• Judgment and Decision Making: Ability to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Oral and Written Expression: Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.
• Monitoring: Ability to monitor and assess performance to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Emotional and Mental Requirements: Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions and rapidly process information.

Schedule

• Full-time position.
• Shift times may vary and include weekend hours.
• May require working more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week.
• Standard hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• On-call responsibilities as needed.