Humane Law Enforcement Officer

Job Description
Job Summary:

Enforce DC animal cruelty code, investigate and resolve animal neglect/cruelty complaints, and interact frequently with DC citizens. Collect evidence, research information for warrants, document investigation details, impound animals, and play an integral role in transforming animal welfare in DC.

A relocation stipend for up to $1,000 for non-reimbursable expenses may be offered.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enforces DC animal cruelty code, ensuring compliance for the care of animals and to relieve suffering.
• Promptly and thoroughly investigates complaints of cruelty to animals, resolving cases through education, direct aid to respondents, impoundment and criminal prosecution as appropriate.
• Collects and preserves evidence, including witness statements, photographic documentation and physical evidence.
• Coordinates veterinary examinations to document evidence and treat injured and abused animals seized from situations of cruelty and neglect.
• Provide daily care to animals housed in HLE offices.
• Draft affidavits in support of arrest and search warrants for the recovery of neglected and abused animals.
• Testify in court and at hearings on behalf of the Humane Rescue Alliance.
• Prepare impound letters and hearing letters for signature, ensure their completion and delivery, and digitally archive.
• Keeps abreast of current information relating to cruelty to animals and the care and treatment of animals.
• Collaborate with local law enforcement agencies and community groups to reduce animal cruelty.
• Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner. Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Knowledge of law enforcement techniques, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of and experience in animal health and well-being, breed, species, sex and age, care of wild and domestic animals, and animal and zoonotic diseases.
• Knowledge of restraint, handling techniques, general animal safety practices, including recognizing animal behavior patterns.
• Ability to recognize signs of animal neglect, abuse and cruelty.
• Ability to learn and maintain knowledge of local animal laws and court procedures.
• Possess and ability to maintain professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible, detail oriented and able to prioritize.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills. Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and professionally with a variety of individuals representing the public, board members, volunteers, donors, and employees.
• Computer literacy with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet and database management software to efficiently accomplish work.
• Ability to work a rotational on-call schedule, nights and weekends.
• Possess and maintain valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• Possess and maintain clean criminal record.
• Ability to wear a ballistic vest at all times in the field.
• Possess and maintain certification for Euthanasia by Injection (EBI) or obtain certification within six months of hire
• Possess and maintain certification for Chemical Capture, or obtain certification within one year of hire
• Possess and maintain certification for Expandable Baton, or obtain certification within six months of hire
• Possess and maintain certification for Pepper Spray (OC) or obtain certification within six months of hire
• Ability to maintain certification and perform humane euthanasia of dogs and cats
• Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive professional manner.
• Passion for the HRA mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias.
• HRA requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious exemption applies. New employees must submit proof of full vaccination, or request for a medical or religious exemption, before their first day of work in HRA's workplace. Employees receiving a medical or religious exemption will be required to submit a weekly, time-stamped, negative COVID test to HR.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

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

• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.
• Ability to be comfortable working with cats, dogs, small animals, reptiles, fish, and wildlife.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, and bending.
• Due to the nature of shelter work, may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; common allergens; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.
• Work various shifts, including holidays, evenings, and weekends

Education and Experience

• Two years of experience in animal control/welfare, law enforcement, or humane investigations.
• Must successfully complete HRA basic training program. Additional certification may include certification for euthanasia and administration of animal vaccines and medications.

Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.

HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.