Chief Animal Cruelty Investigator

Primary Purpose:

Perform advanced, comprehensive work that includes investigating and enforcing cases of criminal activity concerning the welfare of animals according to Texas State Law. This position oversees the investigation of all complaints received by the Houston SPCA regarding the well-being of a wide range of animals. The position will assist law enforcement in investigating criminal animal cases and fully document the incidents, in a matter suitable for submission in court. Provide instruction, assign, and review the work of Houston SPCA Animal Cruelty Investigators.

Essential Functions of the Position

Perform all job duties in an efficient, positive, and professional manner. Willing to assist public in all aspects of shelter programs. Share information to enhance the public’s knowledge of animal welfare as well as their knowledge of the Houston SPCA’s mission and programs. Provide information in a helpful, positive, and timely fashion, giving the public information needed to assist them with an educated decision for the welfare of animals

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Manage Houston SPCA’s investigations of animal cruelty and neglect. Effectively and efficiently coordinate our caseload, prioritizing cases and resources to ensure successful and timely responses to all cases following established Houston SPCA protocols.
• Serve as a leader and manage a team of ten professional investigators, ensuring teamwork and proper adherence to policies and procedures. Maintain appropriate staffing schedule, including an after-hours 24/7 On-Call Schedule. Manage after-hours departmental responses, as necessary.
• Manage safe capture and transport of all types of animals (companion animals (including equine), farm animals, exotics, and native wildlife) in a wide variety of environments (including hazardous health conditions and temperaments.
• Train new and current employees, including proper animal handling techniques. Ensure that safety equipment and protective gear are appropriately utilized, and equipment is kept in safe and working order.
• Personally respond and manage individual cases as needed, based on departmental resources and specifics, ensuring departmental compliance with all applicable laws and regulations during departmental actions. Maintain Organization’s Standard Operating Procedures for Field Services and Investigations. Maintain effective and consistent investigative methods throughout the department.
• Collaborate continuously with various law enforcement agencies from Harris and surrounding counties. Assist law enforcement in obtaining then executing seizure warrants and criminal warrants.
• Coordinate preparing evidence for submission to court, then manage proper court filings. Appear in court and testify when appropriate.
• Manage and coordinate our Investigations Case software. Train employees in proper case documentation. Track the caseload of the department, including reviewing new cases, tracking case progressions, and then ensuring proper case resolutions.
• Coordinate with other departments for rapid and appropriate responses to reports of animal cruelty and neglect, including our 24/7 Call Center, our 24/7 Animal Ambulance, and our Veterinarian Hospital. Also, coordinate with outside parties, including external veterinarian emergency hospitals.
• Participate in community educational opportunities, informing the public about Houston SPCA programs and promoting good animal care and responsible animal ownership. Relaying information on critical cases to our internal Communications Department.
• Support our veterinary student training program with Texas A&M University.
• Maintain effective communication with the Organization’s leadership, including responsible reporting of critical cases and issues.
• Respond to disasters and emergencies when requested (locally and in other cities).
• Protect all confidential information, including names and information on suspects and other individuals involved in investigations, customers, employees, donors, animals, and internal communications.
• Professionally represent the Houston SPCA by providing excellent customer service and focus.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Preferred Qualifications:

• Passionate about the mission of Houston SPCA and animal welfare.
• Bachelor’s degree in management, criminal justice, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of five years of previous experience in successful staff management and case management.
• Ability to create and sustain positive working relationships and a spirit of teamwork within the Investigations Department and other departments of Houston SPCA, along with volunteers and the public.
• Experience working with law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys. Experience testifying in civil and criminal courts.
• Animal Welfare Industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Effective and safe animal handling abilities (companion animals, farm animals & equine, and wildlife). Ability to exercise patience and gentleness with animals in challenging situations.
• Strong experience dealing with individuals involved in cases of animal abuse and neglect. Ability to negotiate animal surrenders to Houston SPCA.
• Strong personal ethics. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders, including staff.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with a good driving record. Insurable under our auto policy.
• Ability to work unscheduled hours, including late hours and weekends.
• Must be able to safely lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects, with or without assistance. Willingness to work in a multitude of environments, including animal crime situations.
• Computer data management skills necessary for effective reporting.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to learn and then lead process improvements in programs and procedures.
• Must be patient, courteous and work well under stressful conditions.