Job Description

Job Title:                                Humane Investigator

FLSA Status :                         Non-exempt/Non-Union/Full Time

Salary:            Starting at $25.00-30.00 per hour (DOE)

Excellent Benefits Package Available

Who We Are: Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is a local, private, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare. It is our mission is to build healthy relationships between people and animals. PHS/SPCA is truly an open admission shelter, not only accepting many pet animals who might be refused at other shelters, but also taking care of injured and orphaned native wildlife from San Francisco through San Mateo and Santa Clara County. . Our work means 5,000 lives saved each year.  To learn more about us, visit .

Who Are You: An advocate for humane care and kind treatment of animals. You respond to investigate complaints and/or reports of animal cruelty and have great attention to detail when preparing reports and case files for the District Attorney. Familiar with San Mateo County and its neighborhoods. You are an experienced Animal Control Officer and looking for the next step in your animal welfare career.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Receive, evaluate and respond to complaints of animal cruelty or neglect received by phone, e-mail, in person, or by other means.

• Enter case information, including follow-up actions, into Chameleon.
• Maintain a daily activity report.
• Impound, assist with impoundment, or seize animals as required.
• Collect and properly store evidence and submit same for testing by outside agencies or vendors as needed.
• Photograph and thoroughly document potential crime scenes.
• Photograph and assist with veterinary exams and necropsies.
• Conduct interviews with suspect(s) and witness(es).
• Prepare quality case reports and files in a timely manner for the District Attorney’s Office, the Police/Sheriff, or any other requesting agency in support of cruelty cases.
• Testify in court or at seizure hearings for cruelty or neglect cases.
• Prepare and execute search warrants and arrest warrants. Issue citations, notice of compliance forms, and/or veterinary treatment or grooming notices. Educate the public on the proper care and treatment of animals.
• Assist the public with information on reporting non-cruelty or neglect situations to the proper agencies, i.e. barking complaints or over limit of animals.
• Train department staff on aspects of cruelty/neglect situations they might encounter in the course of performing their job. Establish processes and expectations for department staff to report possible cruelty/neglect situations to Investigators.
• Assist the Animal Rescue & Control Department as needed.
• Assist law enforcement agencies as necessary.
• Provide humane care for all animals in the Society's care.
• Work closely with other PHS/SPCA Departments as needed. Assist with screening, vaccinating, and/or kenneling animals in the event of a large scale impound.
• Properly log and update case status on the weekly snapshot.
• Prepare statistical data as it relates to animal cruelty investigations.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check upon hire.
• The individual must also possess the ability to manage the emotional aspect of end-of-life services and humane euthanasia, and support staff in high-emotion circumstances.  Certified in Euthanasia and trained in decapitations. 
• High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience as an Animal Control/Humane Officer (OR) equivalent combination of education and experience equal to four (4) years as an Animal Control Officer.
• Completion of courses similar to those described in corporation code 14502 including PC832.  Completion of the Humane Academy or similar training is preferred.
• Have knowledge of Chameleon database software or become proficient within the first six months from hire date. Basic knowledge, or become proficient, with MS Office Suite and computer keyboarding skills (data entry).
• Valid California Driver’s License with a clean record to be insured with PHS insurance.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, volunteers, and other employees of the organization. Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be available to work irregular hours, shifts, weekends, holidays and standby.
• Must show maturity and good judgment; perform the job in a professional manner and work effectively under pressure.
• Able to work effectively without close supervision.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

Excellent Benefits Package Available

• Medical /Dental /Vision/Life/ Flex Spending

• Sick, Vacation and Holiday pay
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Retirement plan & employer matching

Available to all employees with pets:

• Free vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, and two pet adoptions
• Discounted euthanasia services/cremation, bloodwork, urinalysis, prescription food, and discounts at our retail stores.

For more information about our available job opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website at

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is an equal opportunity employer.  We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.  EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

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