| Location | Reading, PA |
Title: Animal Protection Officer II Position Summary: The Animal Protection Officer II (Humane Police Off icer) is responsible for conducting animal cruelty and negle ct investigations, enforcing applicable Pennsylvania animal welfare laws, protec ting animals from abuse and neglect, and promoting responsible animal ownership throughout the community. This position works collaboratively with law enforc ement agencies, veterinary professionals, courts, municipalities, and communit y members to ensure animal welfare and public safety. The Humane Officer condu cts investigations, gathers and preserves evidence, prepares legal documentation, a nd may testify in court proceedings when necessary. The position also suppo rts ARLs mission through education, advocacy, and humane intervention while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and integ rity. Supervisor: Shelter Manager ARL Culture: Working at the ARL requires a positive attitude and high emotional intelligence. We have an inclusive, mission-driven, people-first cul ture of compassion in adherence with our organizational values ( www.berksarl.org/values) and the animal-sheltering industry's human-animal support services model (www.humananimalsupportservices.org ). Advocacy of the ARL and animal welfare as it relates to animal sheltering is central to organ izational goals and community/stakeholder conversations. Staff members at all levels are expected to be ARL mission ambassadors. This person will be devoted to assisting the organization accom plish the necessary philanthropic duties that will assist in raising funds and spread ing positive awareness of the organization to the community. These duties include , but are not limited to: -Providing needed information for stories and promo tions. -Ensuring the needs of the animals and public are m et whenever possible. -Assisting with events or fundraising as needed. Examples of Duties and Responsibilities: Humane Law Enforcement & Investigations ¥ Receive, investigate, and document reports of alleg ed animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and animal fighting violations. ¥ Conduct humane investigations in accordance with Pe nnsylvania animal cruelty statutes and applicable local ordinances. ¥ Conduct investigations by interviewing involved par ties, collecting and preserving evidence, maintaining confidential recor ds, and preparing case files for legal review and prosecution. ¥ Issue warnings, notices of violation, citations, an d criminal complaints as authorized by Pennsylvania law and ARL policies. ¥ Execute search warrants and assist with animal seiz ures when legally authorized and appropriate. ¥ Work collaboratively with local, county, and state law enforcement agencies during investigations involving animal cruelty, neg lect, public safety concerns, or large-scale animal incidents. ¥ Participate in court proceedings, including testimo ny related to investigations and animal cruelty prosecutions. Community Education & Compliance ¥ Educate community members regarding animal welfare laws, responsible pet ownership, and compliance requirements while servin g as a resource for municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and the p ublic. Animal Welfare Assessment ¥ Assess animal welfare conditions, including housing , health, behavior, husbandry, and veterinary care, and coordinate vete rinary evaluations when necessary. Additional Duties ¥ Assist with planned response efforts involving anim al cruelty investigations, hoarding situations, neglect cases, disaster respon se, and large-scale animal seizures as assigned. ¥ Participate in agency emergency preparedness activi ties and mutual aid responses when requested. ¥ Excellent time-management and prioritizing for resp onding to assignments for animal and humane calls within the contracted m unicipalities ¥ Assisting Local and State Police, County Sheriffs a nd Constables and other agencies with animal related matters ¥ Handling various species of animals using low stres s handling techniques, including companion animals, agricultural animals, exotic pets, and occasional native wildlife. ¥ Ensuring that animals are provided with a comfortab le, safe transport from the field back to the shelter, or to the field, for release ¥ Follow all policies, procedures and laws including, but not limited to humane animal care, professional customer service, disease control ¥ Work cooperatively with all the ARL departments on effective daily operation of the shelter ¥ Other responsibilities as assigned by the Animal Pr otection Officer Lead or Shelter Manager Skills and Requirements: ¥ High school diploma or its educational equivalent ¥ Valid and current PA State Drivers License in good standing ¥ Pennsylvania Humane Society Police Officer (HSPO) c ertification required or ability to successfully obtain certification within a designated timeframe established by ARL. ¥ Demonstrated knowledge of Pennsylvania animal cruel ty statutes, dog law, evidence handling, investigative techniques, and co urtroom procedures preferred. ¥ Experience conducting investigations, preparing rep orts, and presenting testimony in legal proceedings preferred. ¥ Comfortable with public speaking ¥ Ability to represent the ARL in a professional mann er in court related cases ¥ Criminal Background free of Animal Cruelty related offenses, Felonies and high misdemeanors ¥ Animal Welfare experience mandatory with a proven r ecord of dedicated care in the field of humane work ¥ Able to operate large vehicles ¥ Strong written and verbal communication, customer s ervice, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills with the ability to work effectively in high-stress environments and handle animals safely and humanely . ¥ Basic familiarity with computers, MS Word and MS Ou tlook ¥ Highly motivated and creative with experience and a passion for connecting with current and future clients ¥ Knowledge of animal behavior modification, evaluati on and enrichment practices ¥ Compassion for animals and human beings, commitment to ARL's mission, culture and goals ¥ Able to work well under pressure, in emotionally ch arged situations and handle confrontation politely and professionally wh ile finding a solution ¥ Ability to positively interact with colleagues, cow orkers, and community members from widely varied backgrounds with integri ty and honesty throughout all facets of the position, maintaining confidentiality at all times ¥ Possibility of being deployed out of state for natu ral/manmade disasters Work Environment: ¥ Exposure to odors and airborne particles including animal fur and toxic chemicals ¥ High levels of noise ¥ Can be fast-paced and stressful, working with emoti onal clients ¥ Matters with criminal, violent and dangerous elemen ts ¥ Flexible work hours will be required (including hol idays, weekends, and overtime) ¥ Physical requirements include being able to withsta nd prolonged periods of sitting or standing; lifting or moving up to 50 pou nds Overtime: This position is eligible for overtime. Full-time hourly pay, based on experience. Educatio n opportunities, plus benefits, including medical, prescription, vision and dental insurance, paid time off, and IRA plan. Will require nighttime, weekend and holiday w ork. Note: This job description is not intended to be all-incl usive. Employees may be required to perform other related duties to meet th e on-going needs of the organization. Animal Rescue League is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed , gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommod ations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them. EOE/M/F/D/V/S O. I acknowledge that I have read and understood the a bove job description in its entirety and am capable of performing all of the st ated requirements. ___ Employee Signature Date __ _ Director of Human Resources Signature Date