Lieutenant of Field Services - Complex Investigations and Training

County of Riverside

Jurupa Valley (CA)

On-site

USD 100,000 - 130,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Job summary

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services seeks a Lieutenant of Field Services to oversee field investigations, supervise staff, and coordinate with multiple agencies. The role includes directing training programs, compliance audits, and handling high-profile cases across shelters and offices.

Ideal candidates will have strong supervisory experience in animal control, familiarity with Penal Code procedures, and the ability to manage complex operations and court interactions.

Qualifications

Two years equivalent to Riverside Sergeant of Field Services in a public or non-profit animal control program.
Experience supervising staff and coordinating with adoptions, rescue, public safety, and veterinary care.
Knowledge of supervision principles and animal control laws.

Responsibilities

Plan, supervise and direct animal control field activities and investigations across offices.
Coordinate search warrants, seizures, and testimony with law enforcement and the courts.
Develop and conduct department-wide training with Field Services leadership.
Audit compliance with Animal Services procedures and prepare reports for management.

Skills

Staff supervision

Investigations leadership

Interagency coordination

Training delivery

Policy compliance

Education

Penal Code 832 (P.O.S.T.)

Tools

ASP baton training

Stun baton training

Driver’s training

Job description

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has an opportunity for a Lieutenant of Field Services located in Thousand Palms, CA.

Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for providing supervisory coverage for Blythe field operations.

The Lieutenant of Field Services will be responsible for and oversee staff engaged in complex and high-profile animal cruelty investigations across field offices. They will provide directions on investigations regarding animal cruelty cases; develop and conduct department-wide training programs with the Commander of Field Services for new and existing staff; conduct department compliance audits regarding Animal Services standard operating procedures; coordinate and plan with other law enforcement agencies for search warrant and animal seizure operations. Additionally, the incumbent will guide officers through Penal Code section 597.1 pre- and post-seizure procedures, required notices and court documents, and preparation for testimony and criminal proceedings.

Competitive experience includes two or more years of senior or technically advanced work in a public or non-profit animal control program, supervision of staff within a related field (law enforcement, animal control, public safety), and experience coordinating with different units like adoptions, animal control, rescue, public safety, and veterinary care for the welfare of animals. Applicants with experience in animal cruelty investigations for a public agency are highly desired and strongly encouraged to apply.

Please see other job duties and requirements below.

The Lieutenant of Field Services is the full supervisory classification in the Animal Control and License Officer series performing the full range of supervisory duties and typically report to Commander of Field Services. This class is characterized by the responsibility for oversight of the day-to-day activities and training of Animal Control staff in a particular area of the County. The Lieutenant of Field Services is distinguished from the Sergeant of Field Services by the former's performance of the full range of supervisory duties. The Lieutenant of Field Services is further distinguished from the Commander of Field Services by the latter's responsibility for County-wide administration and supervision of animal control activities.

Meet the Team!

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity. The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto, and Thousand Palms.

Within a particular geographical area or program function, plan, schedule, assign, train and supervise the activities of the Animal Control staff including the sale of licenses, collection of fees, prosecution of violations of animal control ordinances and laws and the impounding, releasing, sale and/or destruction of stray or dangerous animals.
Review evidence and criminal case reports; assist with suspect and witness interviews, search warrant affidavits, warrant applications, and the planning and coordination of search warrant and animal seizure operations.
May direct the operations of an animal shelter including feeding, kenneling, the general handling of animals, marketing efforts to encourage redemption and adoption of animals, and the accounting activities for monies received; set-up, schedule and operate low cost rabies clinics.
Interview and select new employees; prepare and review performance evaluation with supervised employee; counsel employees, attempting to resolve grievances, and when necessary, recommend disciplinary action; develop and conduct department-wide training with the Commander of Field Services to improve investigative practices, supervisory consistency, and officer performance.
Assist the Animal Services Management with the planning and development of the Animal Control program, identifying objectives of animal regulations, preparing policies and standard procedures and developing overall goals; suggest changes and improvements in existing programs and procedures; assist with the preparation of the annual budget, recommending and justifying additional personnel and equipment.
May act as Commander of Field Services in their absence; set up maintenance schedules for tranquilizer guns and any other devices required in the performance of animal control duties to ensure they are kept in safe operating condition.
Oversee significant dangerous and vicious dog investigations, especially cases involving serious injury or death; review evidence, witness statements, supplemental reports, and materials prepared for administrative hearings and Superior Court proceedings.
Interpret ordinances, statutes, regulations and policies to the staff, and the general public providing technical assistance in the resolution of difficult field investigations.
Assign emergency cases for investigation; work cooperatively with other law enforcement groups when joint action is required; assist staff in the investigation and preparation of formal complaints for court action against violators of ordinances and laws.
Review departmental policies and standard operating procedures; conduct compliance audits and verify required employee review and acknowledgement forms.
Supervise and review the recording of all citations issued; promote animal control services by community relations with civic, governmental, and private groups.
Coordinate with field supervisors and other involved agencies on complex cases and operations; communicate findings, needed corrections, and training needs to Field Services leadership.
Maintain workload statistics; prepare reports and correspondence concerning the Unit; review completion and timeliness of daily logs, citations, restraint orders, supplemental reports, and shelter-related responsibilities; conduct and attend various supervisory meetings and conferences with management; inspect and supervise maintenance of equipment and vehicles of personnel.

Experience

Two years equivalent to a Riverside County Sergeant of Field Services (senior or technically advanced level) in a public or non-profit animal control program which included responsibility for the caring for, licensing, impounding and disposing of animals in a public animal control program.

Knowledge of

Principles and techniques of supervision related to the selection, training, direction, motivation and evaluation of subordinates; State and County laws, codes and regulations governing animal control; legal liabilities and responsibilities of those concerned with the enforcement of animal control regulations and laws; causes, symptoms and safe handling of rabid animals; legal regulations, reports and procedures for handling of rabies; tranquilizer equipment safety rules, procedures and proper handling techniques; various breeds of animals and their care and feeding.

Ability to

Plan, schedule and direct the work of others engaged in animal control activities; supervise field investigations; write comprehensive and detailed reports, draft affidavits and warrants; exercise tact and good judgment; develop and maintain working relationships with the public and other governmental agencies; gather and present evidence and testify in court; work effectively under stressful situations; organize and meet deadlines; read, comprehend, and interpret laws and regulations pertaining to animal control; discharge tranquilizer guns safely and accurately; care for and safely handle animals so as to avoid injury to persons and animals.

Other Requirements

License/Certificate

Possession of a valid California Driver License is required to travel to different locations; training, animal control purposes.

Physical abilities

Handling of animals weighing up to 50-70 pounds, exposure to animal smells, excrement, dander; animals who may be rabid or upset, injured or elderly; carries out humane euthanasia procedures as appropriate and authorized. The incumbent may be exposed to inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold, and wet conditions.

Travel

This position may require frequent travel throughout the County of Riverside to assist at other shelters as needed. A county vehicle may be provided during working hours.

Schedule

May be required to work weekends, overtime, and be on stand-by availability due to shelter hours and emergency situations, such as rescues. Typical schedule is Monday through Friday but varies.

CA Basic Humane Academy or equivalent is required at time of hire.

CA Advanced Academy must be completed within one year of hire date.

Required Certifications

Penal Code 832 (P.O.S.T.) certification
First aid/CPR
Euthanasia certification
Pet first aid

Safety, Emergency, and Disaster Preparedness

ICS/SEMS/NIMS
Workplace violence training
Emergency disaster training
Emergency standby duties

Animal Handling & Field Operations

Small and large animal handling training
Exotic and wild animal training
Handling vicious animals
Breed recognition training
Animal lifting procedures
Capture equipment training (catch pole, snappy snare, snake tongs, skunk pole, leash muzzle, nets, transfer cages, traps)

Disease & Health Recognition