Humane Society Police Officer

Position Overview:

The Humane Society Police Officer (HSPO) is responsible for the investigation of alleged instances of cruelty and/or neglect of animals under Title 18 Sections 5531-5561. The Humane Society Police Officer is a trained, court-appointed police officer in York County, PA. The Humane Society Police Officer must enforce the law as it is written. The Humane Society Police Officer will work with York County community members to ensure the best possible outcome for each animal and situation. They will work closely with York County SPCA staff, local law enforcement, state police, animal control officers, county officials, and municipal leaders to assist with animal-related cases. The HSPO must possess effective communication skills and be comfortable providing education to municipalities, local law enforcement, and community members.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Enforces animal cruelty and neglect laws as a sworn police officer under authority granted by 22 Pa.C.S.A. Chapter 37.

Serves as the sole Humane Society Police Officer (HSPO) for York County, requiring on-call availability including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responds to animal welfare and injured-animal calls in priority order; conducts thorough investigations by locating and interviewing witnesses, complainants, and suspects, and gathering detailed information related to alleged offenses.

Investigates cases involving animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, hoarding, dog fighting, and rescues mistreated or abandoned animals.

Obtains and executes search warrants; takes photographs, collects, preserves, and transports evidence for veterinary examination and analysis.

Assists York County SPCA staff with the investigation and intake of animals in hoarding situations and helps staff secure animals abandoned on YCSPCA property after hours. Ensures all wellness checks and investigations are properly documented in accordance with YCSPCA reporting standards.

Prepares and maintains accurate investigatory reports, case summaries, animal intake forms, daily logs, monthly and annual summary reports.

Ensures cruelty and neglect offenders are appropriately flagged in the YCSPCA shelter management system as “Do Not Adopt” (DNA).

Manages animals, safely and humanely, using appropriate tools and equipment, including control poles, traps, feral dens, and nets.

Transports animals of various species and safely operates YCSPCA vehicles; maintains the HSPO vehicle and related equipment.

Assists shelter staff, local law enforcement and county officials with animal removals related to hoarding cases, evictions, and condemned properties.

Works collaboratively with prosecuting authorities by preparing court cases, issuing subpoenas, obtaining search warrants, and testifying in hearings and trials.

Maintains professional communication with supervisory staff, promptly reporting significant or unusual incidents. Builds and maintains community partnerships with shelters, rescues, farms, sanctuaries, and other stakeholders to support investigations and animal placement needs.

Educates the public in the field on responsible pet ownership, animal laws, YCSPCA programs, and available community resources.

Provides training and guidance to law enforcement agencies regarding animal cruelty and neglect policies and procedures.

Works cooperatively with staff and volunteers, following all YCSPCA policies, procedures, and safety practices, including the use of required protective equipment.

Treats all individuals and animals with respect and compassion.

Attends community events, outreach activities, and meetings as requested.

Performs other related duties as assigned by their supervisor or Executive Director.

Education and Experience:

Required:

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field, or a combination of law enforcement, animal control, or animal sheltering experience can be substituted.

Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Drivers License.

Must have the ability to meet the requirements to be sworn in as a Humane Society Police Officer under Title 22 PA CSA Sections 3701-3718 which includes having been a resident of the commonwealth for at least one year.

Must have the ability to meet qualifications under ACT 235 relative to Lethal Weapons Training and approval by the Commonwealth to obtain the appropriate certification to carry a weapon while on duty.

Home residence is local to York County PA.

Euthanasia certified, or the ability to get certified within the first year of employment.

Preferred:

Resident of York County PA, or willing to relocate to York County PA within the first six months of employment.

Bilingual in English and Spanish.

3+ years professional domestic animal handling experience, including aggressive animals.

3+ years professional farm animal handling experience.

Experienced with the trapping and transport of community cats.

Familiarity with community organizations such as the Office of the Aging, and Children and Youth.

A proven history of the ability to have difficult and nuanced conversations.

Skills and Abilities:

Possesses a strong passion for the York County SPCA’s mission.

Integrates York County SPCA values into all job responsibilities.

Possesses the ability and willingness to work with a variety of personalities and backgrounds to fulfill the goals of the case/organization.

A proven history of the ability to have difficult and nuanced conversations.

Possesses the ability to solve problems and work cooperatively in a team environment with an affection for animals and a concern for their welfare.

Is comfortable and able to work humanely with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical, behavioral, and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies.

Demonstrates a knowledge of law enforcement techniques, principles, and practices, PA Rules of Criminal Procedure including, but not limited to, evidence collection and preservation. Knowledge of local and state animal laws and court proceedings.

Demonstrates a knowledge of safe animal handling techniques, animal physiology, and behavior to determine proper handling, appropriate levels of animal care, and assessing basic animal health/body conditions in a variety of species.

Possesses excellent computer, written, and verbal skills to effectively communicate with individuals from various backgrounds.

Communicates skillfully and effectively with a culturally diverse community in a professional, pleasant, respectful, courteous, and tactful manner always.

Travels willingly throughout York County, PA, as needed.

Works a variety of shifts and travels throughout York County to provide support as needed.

Demonstrates maturity, good judgement, and professional personal appearance including wearing of neat and clean uniform.

Possesses the ability to follow schedules and keep commitments.

Manages time efficiently and to work individually as well as within a team.

Possesses the ability to prioritize duties and perform multiple tasks.

Adapts to changes in the workplace; has excellent organization skills and is detail-oriented.

Works efficiently without supervision and uses talents to creatively further the mission of the York Count SPCA.

Possesses a thorough understanding of the York County SPCA’s programs and services.

Demonstrates success in creating and promoting a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace environment.

Upholds the mission and values of the York County SPCA throughout their work.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift 75 pounds and pass a physical (if requested) to demonstrate ability to respond to the physical and environmental demands of this position.

The ability to independently retain leash control of dogs up to 150 pounds.

Ability to work both inside and outside of the shelter.

Ability to bend, squat, and stand for extended periods of time.

Ability to sit in a vehicle for extended periods of time.

Salary and Benefits

$60,000 - $80,000 per year, paid bi-weekly, direct deposit required.

The York County SPCA offers retirement benefits with a dollar-for-dollar match up to a maximum of three percent (3%) of your salary per year. The organization offers a SIMPLE IRA.

Health insurance allowance provided, with the option to select an individual plan based on personal preference. Allowance amount varies by age and typically covers the majority, if not all, health insurance costs.

Company paid dental and vision insurance.

Company paid life and short-term disability insurance.

216 hours of Paid Time Off per year plus six paid holidays.

The York County SPCA will provide a flexible work schedule to compensate for evening and weekend work to ensure a healthy work/life balance.

Working Conditions and Expectation:

Minimum 40 hours per week. Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the YCSPCA and community. This may include weekends, nights, holidays, and on-call work.

Comfortable with regular exposure to animal odors, diseases, possible contagious conditions, bites, scratches, animal waste, and moderate noise levels.

Potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases and cleaning chemicals.

Potential for exposure to dangerous and fractious animals.

Potential for exposure to dangerous people and unsanitary living conditions.

Purpose:

The York County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (YCSPCA) is a charitable organization that provides long-term human and animal services to residents of York County through programs that find permanent, loving homes for stray and displaced animals. We work hard towards helping control the animal population growth rates, investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty offenders, and educating the public about animal wellness and safety.

York County SPCA employees believe and support our organizational values of Compassion, Integrity, Resilience, Collaboration, Lifesaving, and Excellence (CIRCLE).

Compassion – We believe in the inherent goodness of people and pets.

Integrity – trust is the cornerstone of our success and is earned through consistent displays of integrity.

Resilience – Resilience is the spring within us, always ready to bounce back, no matter how far we are pushed down.

Collaboration - Building bridges and creating partnerships allows us to save more lives.

Lifesaving – Saving lives is not just a duty but a noble and sacred endeavor.

Excellence – Excellence is not just a goal – it’s our DNA.