Animal Cruelty Investigator

Animal Cruelty Investigator

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16834

Department

Public Health Services

Division

Veterinary Public Health

Opening Date

06/24/2026

Closing Date

8/24/2026 9:00 AM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values:

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community's health and well-being.

• Transparency: We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity: Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect: We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact: We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration: We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or emailADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.

Experience:

• At least one (1) year of paid work experience providing direct customer service.
• Working knowledge of Chameleon Animal Care Software or the ability to learn within six (6) months of employment.
• Working knowledge of breeds, diseases, medical conditions, and animal handling and behavior.

Licensure/Certification:

• Valid Texas Drivers License and good driving record.
• Must complete the Department of State Health Services Basic Animal Control Officers Certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain that certification.
• Must complete the necessary FEMA ICS Training required for the department within six (6) months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to remain calm, composed, and professional in emotionally charged situations involving distressed animals or difficult cases
• Understanding of local, state, and federal laws regarding animal cruelty, animal welfare, and animal protection
• Knowledge of common animal health conditions, injury identification, and general care practices to recognize signs of abuse or neglect
• Proficient in conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting findings to support legal actions
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities to interact with the public, law enforcement, attorneys, and provide clear, concise case reports

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.

• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.

• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.

• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE:Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

N\A

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position. Working 40 hours per week.
• This position will have a rotating schedule.

Work Environment:

• This job operates in the field. Must be able to tolerate high heat and humidity for extended periods of time outdoors while working in a variety of urban and natural environments. High levels of ammonia, excessive fecal matter, blood pathogens, saliva, other fluids and all types of vectors.

Physical Demands:

• Will be required to lift and restrain large animals (50 lbs or more) into an Animal Control vehicle.
• Must be in good physical health.

Work Location:

• Harris County Pets: 612 Canino Rd, Houston, TX 77076.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

Which of the following best describes your verifiable paid work experience providing direct customer service? (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your applications employment history)

• Less than one (1) year
• One (1) year or more
• I do not have this experience

03

For this position, a valid Texas Drivers License is necessary with good driving record. Please choose the option that best describes your situation: (Please be sure to include all related details in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.)

• Yes, I currently hold a valid Texas Drivers License with good driving record
• No, I do not currently have a valid drivers license.
• No, I am currently holding other state drivers licenseI will have a Texas drivers license upon hire

04

Do you have the ability to work with Chameleon Animal Care Software or learn it within six (6) months of employment?

• Yes, I currently have working knowledge of Chameleon Animal Care Software.
• Yes - I do not currently have experience, but I can learn within six (6) months.
• Yes - I have experience with similar software and can learn Chameleon within six (6) months.
• No, I am not interested.

05

Please describe your experience with working knowledge of animal breeds, diseases, medical conditions, and animal handling and behavior. If you do not have experience in these areas, please write N/A and explain how you would approach gaining the necessary knowledge for this role. Additionally, feel free to share any relevant skills or training that would help you succeed in learning these topics

06

Are you able to complete the Department of State Health Services Basic Animal Control Officers Certification within one (1) year of employment and maintain that certification?

• Yes, I can complete the certification within one year and maintain it.
• No, I am unable to complete the certification within one year or maintain it
• No, I am not interested.

07

Are you able to complete the necessary FEMA ICS Training required for the department within six (6) months of employment?

• Yes, I can complete the required FEMA ICS Training within six months.
• No, I cant complete the required training within six months
• No, not interested

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx