Description

Job Title: Humane Agent

Position Type: Part-time, Hourly

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Reports to: Executive Director and Board of Directors           

Organization: Athens County Humane Society, a 501-C-3 Organization located in Athens, Ohio

Vested Authority: Humane Agent will serve as an at-will employee of the Board of Directors (BOD)

Position Summary

The Humane Agent is specially commissioned under ORC Sec. 1717.06 and 959 to conduct investigative and protective services activities regarding animal welfare complaints of alleged abuse or cruelty to animals in Athens County, Ohio. Work includes conducting investigations, report writing, filing complaints, coordinating with law enforcement and state and county legal authorities, public education on animal welfare issues, inspecting areas where animals are housed, and executing search warrants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Spends the majority of work time in the field investigating all animal welfare complaints and concerns in Athens County, Ohio
• Investigates suspected cases of animal abuse, animal neglect, and animal abandonment complaints in accordance with applicable law and ACHS policies and procedures
• Collects evidence in accordance with applicable law, policies, and procedures
• Communicates professionally, tactfully, positively, and cooperatively at all times
• Works daily with animals and handles individual animals in a caring and respectful manner
• Works in a manner that reflects a safe environment for animals, the public, volunteers, and other employees
• Understands and supports the ACHS policies and position statements on animal welfare
• Works closely with local veterinarians to obtain necessary evidence in animal cruelty investigations.
• Keeps accurate records of services rendered and prepares professional and timely written reports.
• Assists with writing search warrants when necessary or directed
• Assists local police agencies in the service of search warrants
• Testifies in court as needed
• Maintains statistics in Google Docs or Excel
• Communicates effectively with individuals from various socio-economic backgrounds
• Communicates tactfully with individuals who may be very hostile and uncooperative
• Willingly assists the public in all aspects of ACHS programs
• Shares information to enhance the public’s knowledge of animal welfare as well as their knowledge of ACHS’s mission and programs
• Provides information in a helpful, positive, and timely fashion, giving the public information needed to assist them with an educated decision for the welfare of their animals
• Collaborates with various law enforcement agencies, providing assistance and education in animal welfare investigations when requested
• Attends and participates in ACHS staff meetings, training sessions, or other administrative events as scheduled by the Executive Director
• Maintains a consistent, pleasant demeanor with staff, volunteers, other agencies, and the public
• Assists other agencies in disaster and crisis situations as directed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate with the public in a consistently positive, respectful, and educated manner
• Demonstrated experience dealing with crisis situations, using effective communication and problem-solving techniques, and the ability to diffuse high-stress and emotionally charged situations
• Confidence and ability to work with animals of different sizes and weights
• Confidence and ability to safely control dangerous animals
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of people
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Detail-oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively
• Knowledge of companion animal care and adoption issues, understanding of transmissible diseases in canines, zoonotic diseases, and safe and humane animal handling procedures.
• Knowledge and observation of canine posturing behaviors
• Knowledge of the judicial system and ability to interpret local, state, and federal laws
   

Minimum Qualifications

          Required:

• Three (3) years of combined training, education, and/or experience in animal shelter work, veterinary technology, animal control, military, or law enforcement, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Docs
• Must be able to be on-call for emergencies on evenings and weekends as needed
• Must successfully complete the basic Ohio Peace Officer Training Program for Humane Agents offered through the State of Ohio Attorney General
• Maintain a valid Driver’s License and an insurable driving record
• Must pass a standard police officer background investigation and all background requirements by the State of Ohio to become a Humane Agent
• An electronic deposit (ACH) of a paycheck

Preferred:

• Experience working with horses and other livestock 
• College coursework in law enforcement, criminal justice, and/or animal science field 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• The physical requirements described here are those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires:
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods, stand, kneel, walk, use and reach with hands and arms, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, and the ability to see color, either with or without accommodation
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds
• Ability to engage in self-defense against an animal or person
• Ability to work in loud, wet, cold, hot, indoor, and outdoor environments frequently

Working conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Significant contact with animals, including dogs, cats, some livestock, horses, birds, and rabbits, and will likely encounter rats, mice, spiders, snakes, ticks, lice, and fleas. Animals may be diseased, abused, deceased, injured, or living in deplorable conditions.
• Frequent exposure to high-risk situations during field duty. Contact with angry and emotional people occurs often. Animal contact and related injuries may occur. Contact with deceased animals will occur.
• Exposure to animal dander, parasites, and infectious diseases that can be carried and transmitted by animals, fumes, strong foul odors, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. Long periods of time may be spent in unsanitary conditions, including feces, urine, and possibly human waste.
• Exposure to extreme, adverse weather conditions.