HUMANE OFFICER – Level 1
TRAINEE
Primary Function: The primary focus of a Level One Trainee is to learn the duties of a Level One Humane Officer. Trainees are instructed in the duties of a Level One Humane Officer as described in the Duties & Responsibilities section. Field Training lasts approximately 900 hours. Field training is a process by which an individual officer receives formal and structured instruction on the job. Although an officer graduating from a basic police academy has received a thorough introduction to basic law enforcement subjects, the new officer cannot be expected to immediately assume the full responsibilities of an experienced humane officer. The new officer must receive additional training in the field where he / she can learn from an experienced humane officer.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Investigate and enforce violations of applicable local and state laws professionally and expediently in a manner that is consistent with the Agency’s policies.
- Respond to and resolve calls from citizens and fellow law enforcement agencies relating to animal abuse / neglect and animal rescue services.
- Provide back-up assistance as requested by field officers.
- Maintain a professional attitude and appearance both in uniform and in person.
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with other animal welfare agencies, law enforcement agencies and the public.
- Prepare reports, cases and complaints as required for appropriate action and as necessary appear in court. Maintain records as required to ensure that accurate and timely information is available.
- Process daily caseload, including all related paperwork, in an orderly and timely manner.
- Provide back-up as needed to ensure the department and agency responsibilities are covered adequately as authorized.
- Maintain a high level of communication and work collaboratively with all personnel in a manner that is consistent with the Agency’s policies. Actively support and promote the missions / goals of the agency.
- Assist the department supervisor in the administrative and operational functions of the department.
- Operate motor vehicles in a safe and lawful manner, and keep vehicles stocked with required/necessary equipment.
- Monitor the animals in custody for continued health on a regular basis.
- Perform other essential duties as required to improve the functioning of this organization as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Successful completion of basic training established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training for a Level 1 Reserve Officer or full basic academy.
- Eligible to be sworn as a Humane Officer and satisfactorily complete a P.O.S.T. background check (US Citizen, resident of California, no felony or job related misdemeanor convictions).
- Must pass a medical and psychological examination as well as a drug-screening test.
- Must possess a Valid “C” California Driver License and maintain it during the course of employment.
- High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
- Must meet all requirements for a Level 1 Humane Officer.
- Successful completion of all training courses mandated by state law and the employer.
- Ability to safely operate a firearm in accordance with department policy and state laws.
- Obtain all necessary licenses and/or weapons permits.
- Communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and written, with the public, fellow employees and agency volunteers.
- Show maturity and good judgment; perform the job in a professional manner and work efficiently under pressure.
- Ability to understand, interpret and carryout oral and written instructions.
- Ability to detect symptoms of sickness in animals.
- Insurable to drive company vehicles.
- Operate motor vehicles in a safe and lawful manner.
- Operate a two-way radio in a professional manner.
- Ability to meet physical requirements.
- Flexibility to adapt to different support needs created by varying work styles.
- Originate and execute projects with little supervision.
- Apply mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, fractions and percentages to practical situations.
- Manage multiple priorities.
KNOWLEDGE OF
- State and federal laws, ordinances and regulations relating to animal welfare.
- Laws of arrest, search and seizure, probable cause, evidence gathering and right to counsel.
- Police report writing.
- Courts and legal system.
- Basic domestic animal care.
- Safe and Humane animal handling.
- Basic methods of animal collection, impoundment and registration.
- Various breeds of dogs, cats and other domestic animals, various kinds of animal behavior.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Apprehend and restrain suspects according to department policy and state law.
- While performing this job the employee is regularly required to use hands & fingers; handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.
- Requires the ability to stand, walk, run, sit and kneel, crouch or crawl and climb different levels of height.
- Perform works which involves frequent lifting, carrying and/or pushing of 75 lb. and occasionally lift, push and/or move up to 100 lb. or more. The employee will also be required to lift and carry equipment and disabled animals long distances (up to 1/4 mile) over varied and rugged terrain.
- Work with and restrain animals of all sizes. Remove livestock and pet animals caught in disaster situations such as fires, floods and earthquakes.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Dealing with possible unruly, vicious, sick, injured and dangerous animals and impounding the same safely and humanely. Possible exposure to parasites and infectious diseases.
- Dealing with possible hostile public.
- Operations of a vehicle under all types of weather road conditions.
- Must be willing to work irregular hours, shifts, weekends, holidays and standby
- Exposure to all types of weather conditions,
- The noise level in performing this job varies depending on the task being performed.
SELECTION PROCESS
- Application Review: All applications are reviewed and accepted or rejected, based on ability to meet minimum requirements.
- Written Exam & Physical Abilities Test: Candidates are tested on basic written and reasoning skills as well as strength, agility and endurance.
- Department Interview: Candidates are interviewed by a panel to asses accomplishments, job motivation, instrumentality, interpersonal and communication skills and continuous learning orientation.
- Background Investigation: Candidates’ employment, police, financial, education and military records are checked. Interviews are conducted with family members, friends, neighbors, supervisors and co-workers.
- Medical & Psychological Evaluation: spcaLA verifies that candidates are in excellent health, with no conditions that would restrict their abilities to perform their duties. A psychologist performs individual interviews and evaluations with candidates, to determine their ability to successfully perform the difficult and stressful job of a Humane Officer.
- Certification is the final step in the selection process. To be considered for hiring, you must have successfully completed all steps in the selection process.
Employment Location: 5026 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled.
Please send your resume and cover letter to spcaLA, by one of the following means:
Email: jobs@spcaLA.com
Fax: 323-730-5335
Mail: spcaLA, Attn: Human Resources
5026 W Jefferson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90016
SALARY
$39,520.00 Annually
$3,040.00 Monthly
$19.00 Hourly
Excellent benefits – including 401K with matching contributions – for full-time employees.




