Humane Society Agent

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton (HSGD) is organized under section 1717.05 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and is the only “county humane society” in Montgomery County, Ohio. As such, HSGD is empowered by Ohio Law to employ (or have as volunteers) trained humane society agents under ORC 1717.06 to enforce state animal cruelty laws (ORC 959).

County humane societies may appoint humane society agents after they have successfully completed required certification training through the Ohio Police Officers Training Academy (OPOTA). Humane agents must be residents of the county for which they are being appointed. Once appointed by the county humane society, their appointment must then be confirmed by the county probate court before they can legally enforce ORC 959.

This position serves as a “Humane Society Agent” and law enforcement representative for the HSGD in the prevention of cruelty and neglect to animals in Montgomery County, Ohio. Humane Society Agents conduct investigations and assist in providing animal welfare education/awareness to the general public and other entities. Humane Society Agents provide quality and ethical animal and people care in accordance with the HSGD’s mission and goals and they work closely with other staff and volunteer Humane Society Agents and their activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

• Conducts effective humane investigations
• Educates the pet owning public on the responsibility, care, and humane treatment of animals in accordance with state, city, county, and federal laws. Effectively identifies need for education vs. animal seizure.
• Conducts investigations in accordance with the requirements of the law and legal proceedings.
• Investigates case reports of potential abuse and neglect by visiting the owners, keepers or harborers of animals; assesses the living conditions, and attempts to make changes in living conditions (if necessary) through verbal or written education, information and warnings.
• Follows up on notices that have been served to ensure compliance or issues summons for cases in violation of the State Animal Cruelty laws.
• Maintains evidence and court documents for cases requiring prosecution.
• Interfaces with animal control representatives and law enforcement personnel within Montgomery County and neighboring communities.
• Maintains confidential information regarding investigations and other HSGD operations.
• Stays abreast of trends in the field; pursues educational opportunities.
• Safely handles and provides proper care to animals
• Assesses proper handling of cases based on knowledge of animal breeds, husbandry needs, and care standards. Observes, appropriately identifies and responds to animal’s behavior and characteristics in order to take proper actions for the safety of the animal, self, and all others directly involved. Assures safe and proper handling of animals is maintained at all times.
• Recognizes that diseases and injuries may be present and utilizes proper disease control measures and safety measures in resolving cases and handling animals safely and humanely.
• Communicates pertinent information to immediate supervisor and staff and monitors progress of impounded animals according to HSGD’s policies and procedures.
• Rescues animals in life-threatening situations and rescues injured animals.
• Responds to reports and calls about animals requiring assistance in a timely manner

• Responds to reports and phone calls and conducts “on-site” investigation within 24 hours for cruelty/neglect calls to determine the validity of the report and appropriate disposition.
• Accurately prioritizes cases by level of urgency.
• Utilizes appropriate tactics to resolve cases including potentially violent situations. Maintains a professional demeanor at all times.
• Fulfills requirements of a humane agent under Ohio Law as a mandated reporter for child abuse and neglect by notifying social services/child welfare agencies of potential concerns.
• Performs a “Policing” role by patrolling pre-approved, targeted areas to search for evidence of animal related activity including cruelty, neglect, pet overpopulation, animal injury, animal sickness, etc.
• Accurately documents and reports all call response and humane investigations case activity in a timely manner

• Produces and maintains timely, clear, complete, accurate written investigation logs and reports.
• Accurately and completely enters case information into the current case database in a timely manner.
• Accurately utilizes forms and notices to assure successful prosecution if necessary.
• Appropriately uses audio, video, and still camera equipment in the collection of evidence.
• Collects, maintains, secures and documents evidence for cases in accordance with departmental policy and procedure and the law.
• Produces daily, weekly, monthly and annual reports.
• Performs administrative functions to support humane investigations work

• Answers phones, returns phone calls and records accurate information.
• Responds to email requests and reports promptly.
• Maintains library of educational materials and utilizes resources available in the department.
• Assists in maintaining supplies required for the department.
• Maintains orderly files.
• Performs client service and public education

• With supervisory approval, may give presentations, serve as a representative for the department at various HSGD events, and take individuals on educational, investigative ride-alongs.
• Promptly notifies CEO of pertinent and/or high profile situations and/or potential media case.
• Refers all media requests to CEO.
• Promotes HSGD programs, events, and services.
• Actively supports and works cooperatively and collaboratively with other staff, department managers, and volunteers. Proactively provides relevant information on animals and cases.
• Models “Compassion” core value behavior: Treats animals & people with respect, empathy, and kindness. Listens and responds to the needs of people who surrender animals to us, use our programs and services, support us, work and volunteer for us, and to other animal welfare organizations that turn to us for help.
• Performs all duties and responsibilities with utmost honesty, integrity and professionalism.
• Ensures humane investigations vehicles, equipment, and supplies are maintained and ready to provide safe, productive, high quality animal care and handling

• Works in cooperation with the staff to monitor and maintain HSGD vehicles.
• Keeps an accurate vehicle log and proactively provides a copy of the log to immediate supervisor along with monthly statistics.
• Operates HSGD vehicles in accordance with the law.
• Utilizes HSGD vehicles strictly for the performance of job duties.
• Maintains equipment, tools and appliances in good working order and reports any malfunction, loss or breakage immediately.
• Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to:

• Informs supervisor of special needs cases for potential public relations or direct mail pieces.
• Takes immediate action to correct/report safety hazards; follows safety guidelines at all times.
• Attends staff, community meetings and events as assigned.
• Traps cats in Montgomery County and helps citizens with cat related issues.
• Trains, encourages, motivates and provides positive guidance to staff and volunteers for HSGD
• Performs euthanasia when required (field euthanasia for severe injuries…if euthanasia certified).
• Performs “on-call” duty on weekends and evenings for emergency calls. Must respond to calls within 30 minutes and report to duty if needed.
• Is required to follow all Humane Society Agent policies and procedures.
• Is required to wear a uniform and badge when on active duty.
• Represents the HSGD as a professional.
• Performs other job-related duties and activities as needed.
• Keeps management informed.
• Works extended hours; as needed.
• Travel, as requested.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE:

• College degree; or High School diploma/GED with history of courses in animal law
• Two years of humane investigations experience strongly preferred. Minimally, three years of animal welfare, law enforcement, or other experience in a related field
• Certified euthanasia technician or ability to become certified within six months of hire
• Basic knowledge of animals and proper care of animals. Additional education may be provided.
• Succinct communication skills, both verbal and written; ability to organize thoughts in a logical, clear and concise manner
• Basic computer skills in a Windows environment
• Ability and willingness to learn current shelter software programs
• Ability to use animal equipment, such as snares, poles, nets, drugs (medications), traps, needles and syringes
• Demonstration of animal handling skills and ability to control dangerous animals
• Valid Ohio Driver’s License and proof of insurance in accordance with state law
• Must be Insurable to drive company vehicles through HSGD insurance carrier
• Demonstrated experience dealing with crisis situations, using effective communications and problem solving techniques and ability to diffuse high-stress and emotionally charged situations
• Working knowledge of judicial system and ability to interpret local, state, federal laws.
• Ability to work in a fast-pace environment with a variety of people
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize and perform duties efficiently and effectively
• Committed to maintaining the Humane Society of Greater Dayton’s high standard of animal care and mission to foster compassion and end animal suffering

Other:

In order to act as a Humane Society Agent for a county Humane Society, the following must apply:

• Must successfully complete a minimum of twenty hours (or current standard) of state-mandated training on issues relating to the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty and neglect and animal husbandry as soon as a session is accessible
• Must pass a written, state-mandated exam
• Must be appointed by a county humane society organized under section 1717.05 of the Ohio Revised Code
• Must meet eligibility requirements to be appointed by the Montgomery County Probate Court
• Must be sworn-in as a Humane Agent by the probate court in Montgomery County
• Must live in Montgomery County as a condition of continued employment throughout the duration of employment as Humane Agent
• No felony or drug related criminal record

BEHAVIOR TRAITS:

• Attention to detail
• Flexibility
• Results oriented, driven and decisive (including the ability to make recommendations)
• Effective time management and planning skills
• Ability to absorb information quickly and perform duties in a timely and accurate fashion
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and respond/interact effectively and diplomatically to multiple customers (internal and external)
• Ability to shift attention quickly and accurately from one matter to another
• Ability to interact effectively and efficiently with management and other staff and function as part of a team

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently bends, lifts, stoops, walks
• Frequently positions self to handle animals of all sizes in a variety of areas and positions (high spaces, low spaces, small spaces, etc.)
• Frequently positions self to drive vehicle and perform vehicle cleaning functions
• Frequently lifts or moves animals weighing up to 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodations.
• Occasionally moves or lifts animals more than 75 lbs. with reasonable accommodations

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed constantly outside in all types of weather and in an animal shelter that operates seven days per week
• Exposure to animals, including some that may be unhealthy, contagious, or dangerous, exposure to high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, and cleaning agents
• Subject to animal bites and scratches
• Subject to exposure to potentially violent/dangerous situations
• Must be able to detect and recognize animal behavior that is potentially dangerous.
• Frequently moves about the shelter, various outside areas, and various dwellings in order to interact with animals and the public
• Regularly operates a computer and other office equipment in a shared office environment (i.e. desk, calculator, copier, and printer)
• Constantly communicates with supervisor, public, staff members and volunteers and must be able to exchange accurate information
• Must be able to modify work schedule to meet HSGD’s operational needs
• Required to be “on call” and work non-standard hours as necessary
• May be required to work overtime as necessary.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Work related stress is moderate to high
• Frequent operation of a Cruelty Investigations vehicle or van
• Frequent use of animal control related items such as a “catch pole”, etc.
• Frequent exposure to all types of animals and a need for exceptional animal handling skill sets