Lead Investigator

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE STARTING YOUR APPLICATION:

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE APPLICATION IN ITS ENTIRETY AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION BEFORE IT CAN BE SAVED IN THE SYSTEM.

YOU MUST ANSWER ALL REQUIRED QUESTIONS AND COMPLETE ALL REQUIRED SECTIONS OF THIS APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH IREDELL COUNTY

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE:

Under general supervision, performs advanced public safety and investigative work in the enforcement of local ordinances and state statutes related to animal control for the Animal Services & Control Department.

Responsibilities include capturing, confining, returning, and, when necessary, humanely euthanizing stray, diseased, dangerous, and nuisance animals. The position maintains detailed and accurate records of animal intakes, investigations, and enforcement actions, and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

As a Lead Investigator, the employee exercises a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and problem-solving in conducting complex and sensitive investigations, including cases involving cruelty, neglect, and public safety concerns. At the direction of the Operations Supervisor, this role assumes responsibility for high-priority or complex cases, providing thorough investigation, documentation, and case resolution.

This position works closely with law enforcement and other partner agencies to ensure coordinated enforcement of state and local laws. This position requires frequent interaction with the public and animal owners, necessitating professionalism, tact, sound judgment, and the ability to remain firm when enforcing regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The primary function of the Animal Control Investigator is to manage complex, detail-oriented investigations involving animal cruelty, neglect, and animal bite exposures within the county. This role requires thorough case development, evidence collection, and coordination with appropriate agencies to ensure compliance with applicable laws. As well as the functions the Animal control investigator will have to be used as a back up to respond to calls for service in the County to ensure public compliance with state and county animal control laws; explains animal control laws to citizens and answers questions; notes violations of animal control laws and issues citations or warnings to citizens, and picks up or otherwise controls stray animals, as needed; captures and confines stray, diseased and bothersome animals, including domestic and wild animals, livestock and fowl; impounds animals and places them within the animal shelter according to size, sex, needs, and circumstances involved in pick-up; reports diseased or injured animals to shelter veterinarian; uses traps and/or firearms equipped with tranquilizing ammunition to subdue animals, as necessary.

Conducts thorough investigations of animal bite cases to ensure proper and complete confinement in accordance with public health laws; and prepares and submits diagnostic specimens for testing by state laboratories.

Appears in court and provides testimony as needed while maintaining and building professional relationships with judicial partners: prepares report and case files for District Attorney's office.

Serves as a lead resource and provides technical guidance and support to Animal Control Officers on investigations, enforcement actions, and field operations.

Humanely euthanizes and disposes of animals, as appropriate.

Prepares a variety of reports, including animals collected and confined, animal bites, poultry and livestock damage caused by other animals, animals destroyed by department, etc.; maintains routine activity reports.

Assists the Operations Supervisor in training new Animal Control Officers on job duties, safety practices, and standard operating procedures.

Coordinates with Shelter Veterinarian and other veterinarians to obtain medical assessments and medical records of animals involved in cases.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

Assists shelter staff and local veterinarians in conducting periodic rabies vaccination clinics for the public; collects monthly vaccination reports from local veterinarians; assists with coordinating contractual activities with spay/neuter clinics.

Picks-up and properly disposes of dead animals, as necessary.

Maintains County-owned vehicle.

Will be required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays on a rotating schedule, or as assigned.

May be required to cover shift work for an employee out on workers comp, or sick leave.

Subject to emergency callback in the event of a disaster or other local emergency.

In the absence of the Operations Supervisor, the Animal Control Investigator oversees and coordinates work with animal control officers in the field.

Performs other related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of federal, state, and local animal control laws, ordinances, and regulations related to animal cruelty, neglect, dangerous animals, rabies exposure, confinement, and animal welfare.

Knowledge of investigative principles and techniques, including evidence collection, interviewing methods, documentation, and case preparation.

Strong investigative skills to identify facts, gather evidence, conduct interviews, and develop complex cases for enforcement action or prosecution.

Skill in de-escalating difficult situations and resolving conflicts with professionalism and tact.

Ability to interpret and apply animal control laws, policies, and procedures accurately and consistently.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE "REQUIREMENTS":

Graduation from High School and six (6) month's work experience involving contact with animals, supplemented by some training in animal control; or any equivalent combination or training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Minimum of one (1) years' experience as an Animal Control Officer or Law Enforcement Officer.

NACA Animal Control Officer Certification Level 1

ADDITIONAL "REQUIREMENTS":

Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver's License.

Must achieve Certification as a Euthanasia Technician, Certification as a Rabies Vaccinator, become a Licensed Notary Public, and become Firearms qualified within six (6) months of employment.

Completion of continuing education as required by the State of North Carolina involving techniques, laws, and procedures.

This position is designated as an authorized Motor Vehicle Operator for Iredell County and requires adherence to the Iredell County Vehicle Operations Policy.

Must reside in, or within 15 minutes minimum drive time of Iredell County or must be willing to relocate into the designated area within four (4) months from hire date.

Additional Certifications and Licenses Preferred

Certification in Large Animal Rescue

Certification in Bite Stick

Certification in Pepper Spray (OCAT)

NACA Animal Control Officer Certification level 1 and level 2

"PREFERRED" QUALIFICATIONS: NONE