Humane Officer en Sioux Falls Area Humane Society

Job Title: Humane Officer

Employment: Hourly, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Humane Officer Supervisor

SUMMARY:

The Humane Officer is responsible for promoting public safety, animal welfare, and compliance with animal management ordinances and South Dakota State Codified Laws. This role ensures humane care and management of animal populations, upholding SFAHS’s mission of compassionate, responsible animal stewardship. Humane Officers engage in community education, enforce animal management regulations, conduct investigations, and perform humane euthanasia when necessary.

SFAHS CORE VALUES:

Compassion, Community Responsibility, Innovation, Inclusivity, Transparency

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Law Enforcement & Compliance

· Demonstrate thorough knowledge of laws, codes, and legal procedures related to animal management.

· Testify in civil and criminal court as required.

· Familiarity with legal documents including summonses, subpoenas, and notices.

· Stay informed on legal opinions and department regulations through continuous training.

2. Public Engagement & Communication

· Educate the community on responsible pet ownership and animal-related regulations.

· Communicate effectively with the public, offering animal management guidance and dispute mediation.

· Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor in all interactions.

· Prepare comprehensive reports, logs, citations, and memos.

3. Enforcement & Investigation

· Respond to calls for service and conduct self-initiated investigations of ordinance violations.

· Collaborate with Local Law Enforcement to issue warnings or citations to violators and complete investigative reports.

· Handle diverse animal types, including domestic, exotic, and wildlife, with skill and care.

· Investigate cases of animal abuse or neglect and apprehend animals posing health hazards.

· Investigate animal bite cases, rabies quarantines, and disease submissions

· Initiate and assist Local Law Enforcement with Vicious Declarations

4. Vehicle & Equipment Operation

· Safely operate animal enforcement vehicles and maintain equipment readiness.

· Utilize the required equipment proficiently, both in routine and emergency situations.

5. Humane Euthanasia Procedures

· Administer sedation and euthanasia medications accurately.

· Maintain controlled substance logs and dispose of deceased animals as required.

· Train qualified personnel in euthanasia techniques.

· Remain informed on current laws and guidelines in regard to euthanasia practices and controlled substances.

6. Additional Duties

· Assist with facility intakes, aggressive animal handling, staff & volunteer bite reports, and cleaning of kennels/enclosures as needed.

· Transport SFAHS animals as-needed to E-vet, events, etc.

· Present “Safety Training” to new members of staff

DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:

· Training Humane Officer: Base pay eligible; daytime hours only.

· Practicing Humane Officer: Eligible for a raise upon completion of NACA ACO I training.

· Sworn in Humane Officer: Fully operational, on-call for overnight shifts; additional raise with NACA ACO II training.

· Senior Humane Officer: Competent in handling court documentation and conducting euthanasia.

· Lead Humane Officer: Position potential upon department expansion.

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING & REQUIREMENTS

· Receive and maintain PrEP (Rabies Pre-exposure Vaccine)

· Complete NACA ACO I & II Certifications

· Complete EBI (Euthanasia by Injection) Certification

· Be sworn in in both First and Second Judicial Circuit

· Complete CEU materials to maintain standing NACA Certification

COMPENSATION:

This position starts at $18 per hour paid on a biweekly basis.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent and or/previous field experience.

Must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for employment at SFAHS.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

· Must be able to lift animals and items that weigh 50+ pounds

· Ability to remain calm and collected during high-intensity situations

· Adaptable to a variety of environments including office work and field work

· Ability to assess situations and make sound decisions

· Ability to work weekends, holidays, on-call from home 2-3 nights/week (following NACA training and certification, with a $25 bonus per night on call)

· Minimum of 1 year experience working with animals (both domestic and exotic/wild)

· General knowledge or experience working with Law Enforcement, state and local

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

A valid driver’s license is required and the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Record background check.

BENEFITS:

SFAHS provides full-time team members with a comprehensive benefits package. New team members become eligible for benefits the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. Team member benefits include:

· Medical Insurance

· Vision and Dental

· Short- and Long-Term Disability 

· Life and AD&D Insurance

· Accident, Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

· 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match

· $50/month Wellness Stipend

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· Professional Development Opportunities

· Discounts on merchandise, veterinary care items, and more.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

· I understand that this position description is intended to provide a fairly comprehensive and accurate description of the position, but it will not cover all aspects, details or tasks required. Other functions, responsibilities and requirements may be assigned, and this position description may be changed at the direction of Sioux Falls Area Humane Society at any time.

· I understand that this is not a contract for employment and that both my employer and I may choose to end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice.

· I understand that if an offer of employment is made, I will be expected to complete a background check.

· I will hold confidentiality in all matters of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

· The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and will consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, genetic information, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by South Dakota or federal law.

· In accordance with the American’s with Disabilities Act, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.