Hybrid Field Investigator presso Nebraska Humane Society

Position Title: Field Investigator

Department: Field

Reports To: Senior Director of Field Operations

Position Summary: 

The Field Investigator is responsible for handling high priority or extensive investigations that are beyond the capabilities of Animal Control Officers due to time, availability or skillset constraints. This position is responsible for investigating complaints of animal cruelty and neglect as well as complaints of dangerous and potentially dangerous animals. This position is also responsible for conducting follow up investigations involving cases that were previously handled by Animal Control Officers, and taking necessary enforcement action on all cases such as issuing citations and other court documents, while also performing the duties of Animal Control Officer as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

• Investigate high priority complaints of animal cruelty and neglect, especially those which will likely result in search and seizure.
• Investigate high priority complaints of animal bites, attacks or property damage, especially those which will likely result in search and seizure or other court or administrative proceedings.
• Investigate various violations of all Animal Control ordinances.
• Take over investigations involving residents who have become uncooperative with Animal Control Officers after repeated enforcement attempts.
• Educate pet owners on proper care, maintenance and control of animals, and promote humane and kind treatment toward animals.
• Issue citations for misdemeanor Animal Control ordinance violations.
• Prepare multiple clear and concise case reports daily containing proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. 
• Appear in court to give testimony regarding misdemeanor or felony offenses.
• Prepare and present Search Warrant affidavits to necessary Court Judges.
• Serve Search Warrants once approved by Court Judges.
• Prepare and present Impound Order documentation to necessary Court Judges.
• Serve Impound Orders once approved by Court Judges.
• Prepare and present Arrest Warrant affidavits to necessary Court Judges or City Prosecutors.
• Maintain contact with City Prosecutors and Deputy County Attorneys on active investigative cases in the court system.
• Meticulous implementation and monitoring of Potentially Dangerous Animal declarations as well as Reckless Owner declarations.
• Practice legal and justified actions of Search and Seizure.
• Meticulous implementation and monitoring of court ordered animal holding periods and change over dates.
• Meticulous implementation and monitoring of billing statements associated with court ordered animal holds based on associated ordinances.
• Maintain contact with Animal Control Officers regarding animal cruelty and neglect investigations.
• Maintain contact with Animal Control Officers regarding dangerous and potentially dangerous animal investigations.
• Advise Animal Control Officers of appropriate actions involving potential search and seizure of animals involved with cruelty, neglect, or dangerous animal violations.
• Train new Animal Control Officers on proper handling of animal cruelty investigations and proper evidence collection.
• Review all reports as they pertain to animal cruelty and neglect investigations, as well as dangerous animals, potentially dangerous animals, and reckless owners to ensure proper proceedings are being implemented and followed.
• Notify the Director of Field Operations immediately in the event of mishandling case investigations or evidence is observed.
• Maintain and safely operate assigned equipment.
• Represent the Nebraska Humane Society in a professional and compassionate manner to the public.
• Be available by phone while off duty for questions from Dispatchers or Animal Control Officers pertaining to investigations.
• Perform all duties of Animal Control Officer as assigned by the Director of Field Operations.
• Fill in for the Director of Field Operations when assigned.
• Perform any additional tasks as assigned by the Director of Field Operations or Night Shift Supervisor.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

• High school diploma or GED, required.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred.
• Previous animal handling experience, preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as an Animal Control Officer with performance in good standing and a rating of “Exceeds Expectations” or above, or as a law enforcement officer in the State of Nebraska. 
• Experience with current versions of Microsoft Office. 
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must have a good driving record, a valid driver’s license, and be able to provide proof of vehicle insurance.
• Must be able to navigate city streets and county roads and locate addresses or described locations with little to no difficulty.
• Must be able to exercise independent judgment, make decisions and remain emotionally resilient while working in high stress or disturbing situations.
• Must be able to sort and prioritize calls for service based on high and low priority status and must be able to determine the most logical route to each.
• Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Must be comfortable and skilled working with a culturally diverse staff and community.
• Must show affection and compassion for animals, concern for their welfare and willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
• Must be able to manage the emotional aspect of end of life services and humane euthanasia, and support employees in high-emotion circumstances.
• Must display strong maturity, good judgment, professional conduct, and personal appearance.
• Must be considerate and respectful of all employees, volunteers and customers.

Work Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions within the work environment.

• The noise level in the office environment is usually quiet, though braking or whining of animals may be escalated at certain times in certain areas of the building.
• High exposure to animals whose reactions to the shelter environment cannot be predicted.
• Temperatures in the shelter environment are varied, though usually moderate, and dependent on the season.
• Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to work around animals without severe allergic reactions.
• As work may need to be done outside of the shelter, the employee may encounter environmental issues outside of our control such as fallen tree limbs, rainstorms, or snow/ice. When this occurs the employee must report the issues immediately to their direct supervisor who will work to resolution.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully preform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must have use of all extremities.
• Must be able to lift 50 to 100 pounds.
• Must have good vision for detailed work.
• Must have good coordination.
• Must be able to use a computer.
• Must be able to work with animals without allergic reaction.
• Must be able to safely operate a cargo van or work truck with areas of limited visibility.
• Must be able to handle all types of animals.
• Must be able to safely ascend and descend from steep hills, walls, ladders, etc.
• Must be able to confidently perform tasks in areas off the ground at various levels of heights (roof tops, trees, etc).
• Must be able to confidently perform tasks in extremely confined spaces.
• Must be able to enter and work in settings where extremely cluttered, hoarded or unsanitary conditions and strong odors may exist.
• Must be able to communicate clearly.