Animal Protection Investigator

About the organization

A nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to promoting compassion and respect for all living creatures. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, it provides a wide range of services, including animal adoption, wildlife rescue, veterinary care, humane education, and enforcement of animal-related laws. The organization operates as a safe place for stray, injured, and neglected animals, striving to reunite pets with their owners or find them loving homes. It is committed to community outreach, education, and advocacy, ensuring the well-being of animals and fostering a humane community.

Position Overview

The Animal Protection Investigator is responsible for investigating complaints and reports of animal cruelty or neglect, preparing case reports and files for legal authorities, and providing testimony as required. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the humane treatment of animals and supporting legal action when necessary.

Responsibilities:
 

• Receive, evaluate, and respond to complaints of animal cruelty or neglect via phone, email, in person, or other communication channels.
• Enter and update case information and follow-up actions in the case management database.
• Maintain accurate daily activity reports.
• Impound or assist with the impoundment and seizure of animals when required.
• Collect, preserve, and store evidence; submit evidence to outside agencies or vendors for testing as needed.
• Photograph and thoroughly document potential crime scenes.
• Photograph and assist with veterinary exams and necropsies.
• Conduct interviews with suspects and witnesses.
• Prepare detailed case reports and files in a timely manner for District Attorney offices, law enforcement, or other requesting agencies.
• Provide testimony in court or at seizure hearings as needed.
• Prepare and execute search warrants and arrest warrants; issue citations and compliance notices; educate the public on proper animal care and treatment.
• Provide guidance to the public on reporting non-cruelty matters to the appropriate agencies.
• Train internal staff on recognizing cruelty/neglect concerns and establishing reporting expectations.
• Assist Animal Control or Rescue departments as needed, including during large-scale impounds.
• Assist law enforcement agencies when necessary.
• Ensure humane care and handling of all animals under the organization’s care.
• Log and update case status in weekly reports.
• Prepare statistical data related to cruelty investigations.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, candidates must be able to complete all essential responsibilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Ability to manage the emotional aspects of end-of-life situations, including humane euthanasia, and to support staff through high-emotion circumstances.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience as an Animal Control/Humane Officer
  OR an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling four (4) years in animal control.
• Completion of courses similar to California Corporation Code 14502 requirements, including PC 832.
• Completion of the Humane Academy or similar training is preferred.

Skills & Competencies
Language Skills

• Ability to read and interpret instructions, correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write clear reports and professional correspondence.
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to present information in one-on-one and small-group settings with staff, volunteers, and the public.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide; comfort working with measurements and units.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to apply common sense to carry out tasks based on detailed written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to solve problems involving concrete variables in standard situations.

Computer Skills

• Experience with a case management database (e.g., Chameleon) or willingness to become proficient within six months of hire.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, keyboarding, and data entry.

Licenses & Certifications

• Certified in Euthanasia and trained in decapitation.
• Valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record and insurability.