District Humane Agent- Oxford and Androscoggin Counties

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The location of this position is Oxford and Androscoggin Counties. This is investigative and protective services work in the investigation of complaints alleging abuse of or cruelty to animals, the inspection of animal facilities, and the monitoring of events involving animals. Work includes coordinating and conducting investigations with other law enforcement agencies; securing and executing search warrants; collecting, securing, and maintaining continuity of physical evidence; affecting arrest of alleged offenders; and maintaining liaison between federal, state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. Work is performed under general supervision.

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

• Receives and investigates complaints alleging cruelty to or abuse of animals in order to ascertain validity.
• Inspects pet shops, kennels, shelters, fairs, circuses, concerts, and other place where animals are kept in order to ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and requirements.
• Gathers, compiles, and presents information in order to promote the successful prosecution of court cases.
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts interagency investigations in order to ensure complaint investigation and other work is coordinated and accomplished in a proper and timely manner.
• Explains and interprets animal welfare laws, rules, and regulations to law officers, public officials, and others in order to promote understanding of and compliance with requirements.
• Writes reports of investigations and inspections.
• Testifies in court regarding results of investigations in order to provide information and assist in the prosecution of cases.
• Observes, handles, and examines animals for signs and symptoms of abuse and/or neglect in order to determine complaint validity and/or alleged violation of animal welfare laws, rules, and regulations.
• Takes abused and/or neglected (often vicious and/or dangerous) animals into physical custody through legal process in order to protect the animal.
• Collects, secures, and maintains continuity of physical evidence in order to ensure evidence is usable and effective in the prosecution of cases

• ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Knowledge of the proper care, handling, maintenance, and treatment of large and small animals.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to meet enforcement problems with firmness and tact.
  • Ability to deal effectively and courteously with the public.
  • Ability to physically examine and handle abused, neglected, and/or vicious or dangerous animals humanely.

   

  FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: (These may be acquired on the job and are needed to perform the work assigned):

  • Knowledge of Maine animal welfare laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Knowledge of first aid techniques and practices for animals.
  • Knowledge of investigation methods and techniques.
  • Knowledge of public speaking principles, practices, and techniques.
  • Ability to apply animal welfare laws to field situations.
  • Ability to plan, coordinate, and conduct interagency investigations.
  • Ability to prepare cases for trial.
  • Ability to train others.

   

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A three (3) year combination of training, education, and/or experience as an animal shelter employee, Veterinary Technician, or in animal control enforcement or equivalent experience. Qualifying experience must include experience with horses and livestock.