Investigator II Livestock Welfare Investigator

State of Delaware; Delaware; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Delaware seeks an Investigator II to protect animal welfare by conducting humane investigations into livestock and poultry concerns across the state. You will respond to complaints, evaluate evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare detailed reports for boards and agencies.

Responsibilities include conducting surveillance, testifying when required, and coordinating with authorities. A focus on public service and cross-cultural communication is essential.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in conducting investigations which may include conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence, and documenting findings.
• One year of experience in collecting, evaluating and analyzing relevant information to make recommendations on alleged or probable violations of state or federal laws, rules and regulations.
• One year of experience in providing clear, prompt and accurate information to respond to and resolve complaints.
• Six months' experience in civil, criminal or administrative proceedings such as providing testimony before boards/commissions/authorities, preparing evidence/sworn statements, or managing and prioritizing cases.

Responsibilities

• Conducts investigations of alleged or probable violations or compliance issues by identifying, obtaining, verifying, and analyzing relevant information or evidence.
• Collects, controls, and evaluates evidence such as physical, financial, background, and other records, documents and items.
• Formulates questions and conducts interviews to obtain information and ascertain facts from witnesses, complainants, victims or other parties.
• Interprets, explains and ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Makes judgments after evaluating all available facts and recommends appropriate action to authorities, commissions, or technical supervisors, and may take enforcement action as necessary.
• Uses commercial and proprietary automated information systems, computer software, and the internet to research, document, verify and report on investigative/intelligence data and related information.
• Documents details of all calls, emails, inquiries, interviews, and other interactions during the investigation and may be assigned to respond to hotlines.
• Prepares and submits investigative reports that clearly and accurately document findings, supporting facts, and action taken.
• Testifies and presents evidence before boards, commissions, administrative bodies, or courts.
• Delivers excellent customer service to internal and external customers and the public in person, electronically, or by written communication.
• Communicates and interacts effectively with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, ages, and races.
• May conduct surveillance, undercover investigations, and on-site inspections on assigned cases; and may make arrests or obtain search warrants pertaining to an investigation.
• May make recommendations to subpoena information.

Job description

Summary Statement

This position acts as a livestock and poultry cruelty investigator for the State to protect and promote the welfare of Delaware’s cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horse, poultry and other livestock species through humane investigations and education of constituents. The Investigator is also responsible for responding to complaints of livestock at large and evaluating applicants for, issuing, and maintaining exotic animal permits in the State.

Summary Statement

This position acts as a livestock and poultry cruelty investigator for the State to protect and promote the welfare of Delaware’s cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horse, poultry and other livestock species through humane investigations and education of constituents. The Investigator is also responsible for responding to complaints of livestock at large and evaluating applicants for, issuing, and maintaining exotic animal permits in the State.

Selective Requirement

Selective Requirements must be met in addition to the job requirements. Applicants who do not possess the selective requirement will not be qualified.

• Six months experience in the handling and care of farm animals or enforcement activities in accordance with animal welfare, laws, rules and regulations.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Conducts investigations of alleged or probable violations or compliance issues by identifying, obtaining, verifying, and analyzing relevant information or evidence.
• Collects, controls, and evaluates evidence such as physical, financial, background, and other records, documents and items.
• Formulates questions and conducts interviews to obtain information and ascertain facts from witnesses, complainants, victims or other parties.
• Interprets, explains and ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Makes judgments after evaluating all available facts and recommends appropriate action to authorities, commissions, or technical supervisors, and may take enforcement action as necessary.
• Uses commercial and proprietary automated information systems, computer software, and the internet to research, document, verify and report on investigative/intelligence data and related information.
• Documents details of all calls, emails, inquiries, interviews, and other interactions during the investigation and may be assigned to respond to hotlines.
• Prepares and submits investigative reports that clearly and accurately document findings, supporting facts, and action taken.
• Testifies and presents evidence before boards, commissions, administrative bodies, or courts.
• Delivers excellent customer service to internal and external customers and the public in person, electronically, or by written communication.
• Communicates and interacts effectively with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, ages, and races.
• May conduct surveillance, undercover investigations, and on-site inspections on assigned cases; and may make arrests or obtain search warrants pertaining to an investigation.
• May make recommendations to subpoena information.

Job Requirements for Investigator II

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

• One year of experience in conducting investigations which may include conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence, and documenting findings.
• One year of experience in collecting, evaluating and analyzing relevant information to make recommendations on alleged or probable violations of state or federal laws, rules and regulations.
• One year of experience in providing clear, prompt and accurate information to respond to and resolve complaints.
• Six months' experience in civil, criminal or administrative proceedings such as providing testimony before boards/commissions/authorities, preparing evidence/sworn statements, or managing and prioritizing cases.

Additional Posting Information

The State of Delaware recognizes the value of telework and flexible working schedules. This position is eligible for Alternative Work Schedules according to the State of Delaware’s Alternative Work Arrangement Policy . More information will be shared at the time of interview.

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources. Possess or obtain an Animal Welfare Officer certification within 4 months of hire. Training will be provided by the Office of Animal Welfare. As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving). Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire. All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov .

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com . If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail] . The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.