About the position
San Diego Humane Society is seeking full-time Humane Officers to join our dedicated team across all locations. Our mission is to inspire compassion, and as a Humane Law Enforcement Officer, you will play a crucial role in impacting the lives of over 40,000 animals each year. Your primary responsibilities will include patrolling designated areas to enforce state laws and local ordinances, ensuring the humane treatment of animals, issuing citations, and investigating complaints related to animal neglect and cruelty. Additionally, you will educate the public on proper animal care, contributing to a more informed community regarding animal welfare. In this role, you will be required to comprehend and enforce California state laws and local animal control codes, including regulations governing licensing and rabies prevention. You will humanely handle, capture, restrain, confine, and transport domestic animals and livestock using appropriate humane equipment and techniques. Investigating and enforcing animal cruelty laws, as well as addressing incidents involving vicious dogs and public nuisances, will be part of your daily duties. You will also be responsible for issuing citations, preparing and executing search and arrest warrants, and preparing cases for filing criminal charges with the City Attorney or District Attorney. As a member of the Emergency Response Team, you will receive training and equipment to respond to animal-related emergencies, including wildfires. There are opportunities for advancement within the organization, such as becoming a Field Training Officer or joining the Dangerous Dog Task Force, as well as other specialized positions in animal rescue and sheltering. If you are compassionate, honest, and trustworthy, and are excited about participating in animal investigations and rescue operations, we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Patrol designated areas to enforce state laws and local ordinances regarding animal care.
- Ensure humane treatment of animals and issue citations for violations.
- Investigate complaints involving animal neglect and cruelty.
- Educate the public on proper animal care and welfare practices.
- Comprehend and enforce California state laws and local animal control codes.
- Humanely handle, capture, restrain, confine, and transport domestic animals and livestock.
- Investigate and enforce animal cruelty laws and incidents involving vicious dogs.
- Prepare and execute search and arrest warrants, and prepare cases for filing criminal charges.
- Conduct thorough investigations, including obtaining evidence and interviewing involved parties.
- Respond to animal-related emergencies as part of the Emergency Response Team.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- One year of paid, full-time experience in an animal control agency, humane society, veterinary facility, or similar environment handling animals.
- Six months of experience as an Animal Control Officer may substitute for the one-year requirement.
- Valid California driver's license and approval by SDHS insurance carrier to drive for work purposes.
- Strong customer service experience preferred.
- Bilingual skills, particularly in Spanish, are a plus.
- Ability to pass a full background check post-offer, as well as physical, drug, and psychological screenings.
Nice-to-haves
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
- Experience in customer service roles.
Benefits
- 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year.
- Paid time off, including a Birthday Day Off.
- Comprehensive benefits package including training and well-being programs.
- Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines, and spay/neuter services.
- Negotiable relocation bonus.
- Opportunities for advancement within the organization.
