*Primary Purpose *

• Under general supervision, the purpose of the position is to investigate animal cruelty within Craven County.
• Employee investigates reports, complaints and incidents of animal cruelty.
• Position is responsible for interviewing complainants, issuing citations for violations of local and state laws, and coordinating with county and/or state agencies as needed in pursuing legal action and attendance of court hearings or trials.

Essential Functions

• Investigates allegations of animal cruelty, neglect, abuse, and abandonment in potentially hostile environments
• Investigates, analyzes and evaluates cruelty scenes
• Enforces state and local animal abuse laws
• Investigates reports of nuisance animals and conducts dangerous dogs investigations in accordance with state statutes
• Interviews and obtains written statements of suspects and witnesses to determine nature of violation and action to be taken
• Prepares and issues civil citations; civil cases are heard in Small Claims Court; as necessary enlist assistance of the Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies to prepare and issue state (criminal) citations
• Prepares reports and maintains case files of investigations to ensure availability for civil or criminal prosecution
• Conducts legally authorized searches and seizures in conjunction with and executed by law enforcement personnel
• Works with other sections within the department and with state and local authorities, as needed
• Conducts surveillance as needed
• Attends court hearings as needed and attends trials of criminal defendants in connection with investigations
• Locates necessary witnesses and subpoenas them on behalf of the County
• Issues citations, warning tickets, and enforcement documents; testifies in court against owners who have ignored warnings about alleged ordinance violations
• Transports injured animals or animals in violation of County ordinances to the animal shelter; logs animals delivered
• Maintains records of locations where animals were picked up
• Responds to requests for services and capturing stray, diseased and bothersome animals; setting traps as necessary

Minimum Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED or two years previous experience in animal control, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license
• Background check with law enforcement agency required
• Must have or obtain NACA Certification Levels I, and II or equivalent
• Must have or obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification; Chemical Immobilization Certification

Additional Information

• Other duties as assigned by management staff. In the event of a disaster, may be required to assist as needed.