Position Title: Humane Agent
Supervision: Shelter Manager, Board of Directors
Job Description: Full-time position, salary position. The Humane Agent is responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases of animal cruelty and neglect in Wood County.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Understand and enforce animal cruelty statutes in Ohio Revised Code (ORC Section 959)
- Investigate all allegations of animal cruelty and neglect
- Issue citations and file complaints with court for violations of the law after:
*Educating owners in person and by using educational fliers to improve quality of life for animals
*Recommending (and assisting as needed as resources allow) compliance with the law
*Discussing violations with Shelter Manager and Prosecutor
- Prepare and execute search warrants, after discussing with Shelter Manager and Prosecutor
- Appear and testify in court as needed
- Assist with calls of sick and injured animals as directed by Shelter Manager
- Be available for after hours calls and communication with the Wood County Sheriff’s Office
- Understand basic husbandry of any species of domestic animals, including handling and transport
- Understand basic veterinary care requirements of small animals
- Create and maintain a current list of all cities, villages, and townships in Wood County and their respective regulations/laws related to domestic animals, as well as county and state regulations/laws, and new legislation
- Seek out and attend continuing education opportunities relevant to field
- Apply for grants to assist in funding continuing education opportunities
- Interact positively with all external stakeholders:
*Report suspicions of child abuse to the appropriate agency as required by law
*Educate the public about humane animal treatment, give presentations to public
*Maintain a productive working relationship with area judges, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, dog wardens, animal shelters/rescues, veterinarians, media, and WCHS staff/board
*Interact with the media after consultation with Shelter Manager and Prosecutor
- Maintain detailed records:
*Keep detailed documentation on all activities, in the field and office
*Gather evidence for cases: documentation and chain of custody procedures must be carefully followed
*Provide written monthly cruelty report for Shelter Manager and Board of Directors
*Provide written annual cruelty report for Shelter Manager, Board of Directors, and County Commissioners
- Work closely with Shelter Manager on cases to manage effects on shelter population
- Attend shelter staff and monthly board meetings as determined by Shelter Manager
- Assist with shelter operations as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned
Position Requirements:
- Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent
- Maintain valid Ohio driver’s license and be insurable for shelter vehicle policy
- Successfully pass a background check
- Successfully complete state-mandated Humane Agent Training course, and work towards National Animal Cruelty Investigation certification (three levels)
- Successfully complete Certified Humane Euthanasia Technician course
- Have a background in criminal justice, social work, or related field (i.e. Animal Control Officer) and/or prior experience with a variety of domestic animals, including farm animals is preferred
- Able to learn and perform daily shelter operations
- Able to work irregular hours that may include nights, weekends, and holidays
- Able to travel to attend continuing education opportunities
- Able to respond to physically demanding, stressful and emotional situations in a professional manner
- Able to lift at least 50 lbs unassisted, 50+ lbs assisted
- Possess strong oral and written communication skills, ability to read, write, and understand basic math
- Possess sound ethical and moral judgement, ability to maintain confidentiality
- Have operating knowledge of Microsoft Word, email, Facebook and Excel, and be willing to learn shelter software
- Utilize appropriate safety procedures for self and the public, as well as be aware that risk of job related injury, disease or infection exists
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $39,520.00 - $41,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Uniform allowance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Law Enforcement Officers & Agents: 1 year (Preferred)
- Animal Handling: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
- Ohio Animal Welfare Federation's Humane Agent Training (Preferred)
Work Location: On the road
