Humane Agent

Cleveland Animal Protective League

Job Description

$21-$23 per hour

Cleveland Animal Protective League is looking for a driven humane agent, animal welfare, or law enforcement professional with experience with safe and humane handling of animals, diffusing high-stress and emotional charged situations, and working knowledge of the justice system.

How you’ll impact our mission?

This is an important role within the organization that works diligently to end animal cruelty and neglect through education, investigation, and prosecution of offenders.

What you’ll do?

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.
• Follows up on notices that have been served to ensure compliance or issue 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 from the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and neighboring communities.
• Maintains confidential information regarding investigations and other APL operations.

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 the presence of disease and/or injury and utilizes proper disease control measures in resolving cases and handling animals safely and humanely.
• Communicates pertinent information to staff and monitors progress of impounded animals according to APL’s policies and procedures.

Responds to reports and calls about animals requiring assistance in a timely manner
• Responds to reports and phone calls and conducts “on-site” investigations within 24 hours 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.

What we’re looking for:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Ohio Driver’s License and insurable driving record.
• No felony or drug related criminal record.
• 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
• Post Hire: complete the 20-hour state-mandated training with curriculum as set by OPOTA, and passed the humane agent exam, and meet all eligibility requirements to be appointed by APL as a humane agent.
• Fear Free Certified or must become certified within six months of hire

Link to Full Job Description: https://clevelandapl.org/about-us/employment/humane-agent/

This is a full time job