Salary: $48,156.00 – $64,788.00 Annually
Location: Multiple Locations – Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-07616
Department: Dept. of Agriculture
Division: Animal Services
Opening Date: 06/17/2023
Closing Date: Continuous

The Compliance Program supports the Animal Services Division’s programs by monitoring and auditing noncompliance with regulations, conducting comprehensive investigations of reported violations and performing field enforcement to ensure compliance with state animal health and livestock regulations. The program also educates stakeholders to reduce enforcement actions.

As an Investigator for the Animal Services Compliance Program you will serve on a regional basis and will work independently on all aspects of formal and informal compliance cases. In this position you will be given primary responsibility for the Western region of the state. As a Limited Authority Washington Peace Officer you will respond to alleged violations, gather evidence, interact with possibly aggressive individuals, conduct surveillance, participate in searches, interview both witnesses and suspects and more. Case activities for this position include investigation, preparation, development, and completion of civil and criminal actions, issuing notices of infractions, placing hold and quarantine orders and other compliance actions. 

Position and Salary Information
WSDA is recruiting for a full-time permanent Investigator position within the Animal Services Division. This position is located in Olympia, Washington. This is a non-represented position.

The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The typical starting salary range for this position is: $48,156 Step A – $63,216 Step L annually. 

Effective July 1 this classification will increase from Range 49 to Range 52  with a typical starting salary range for this position as follows –

• $4,324 Step A – $5,673 Step L Monthly
• $51, 888.00 Step A  – $68,076 Step L  Annually

Duties
Some of what you’ll do:   

• Conduct thorough investigations of reported violations. Investigative reports must be concise and sufficient to present to a prosecuting attorney, for use in a court of jurisdiction, or an administrative hearing. 
• Prepare and coordinate the service of search warrants and subpoenas. 
• Complete civil actions, civil infractions, and administrative corrective actions, written or verbal warnings as appropriate of the incident. 
• Perform field activities and enforcement such as:
  • Conduct surveillance activities and inspections of animals, livestock, poultry, and paper documents at public livestock markets, residential farms/ranches, and other locations. 
  • Inspect incoming and outgoing paperwork at public livestock markets to ensure animal health and traceability regulations are being followed. 
  • Perform spot checks on entry permits and animal destined to restricted holding or slaughter facilities to limit diversion en route. 
  • Conduct inspections or audits at rendering plants and independent haulers as needed. 
  • Participate in emphasis projects as directed. 
• Assist area veterinarians and livestock inspectors in tracing animals and contacting suspects that may have violated regulations. 
• Participate with other managers and officers to develop strategic and long-term goals for the Compliance Program. 
• Provide outreach and education information to industry stakeholders and producers regarding Washington’s animal surveillance activities, rules and regulations. 
• Present and/or provide local law enforcement agencies with state animal health and livestock identification information. 

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in police science, animal science, agriculture, or other related field. 

Experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis but must have training and experience in conducting investigations and requirements needed to develop a case that satisfies legal requirements.

Certification as a Washington State Law Enforcement Officer, current or separated in good standing within the previous 24 months and qualified to receive a limited law enforcement commission from the Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

Out of state candidates must establish and provide proof of equivalence to the above qualification through the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC) prior to applying.  

• Ability to conduct comprehensive investigations of reported violations ranging in complexity and scope with demonstrated ability to prepare detailed case files
• Demonstrated history of professional judgement and making of sound and effective decisions. 
• Ability to work independently with little direct supervision or as part of a team during an emergency event. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to include development and delivery to a variety of audiences. 
• Familiarity operating computers to use word processing programs, spreadsheets, databases and email programs. 
•  Ability to acquire and maintain a valid driver’s license prior to first day of employment. 

Desired Qualifications:  

• Incident command training (ICS 100, 200, and NIMS 700).
• Knowledge of livestock and the livestock industry. 
• Law enforcement investigative experience. 

How to apply
You must complete your careers.wa.gov profile and answer the supplemental questions. In addition to completing the online application, and supplemental questions applicants must attach the following documents to their profile to be considered for this position:

· Current resume detailing experience and education

· A cover letter describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

· Three professional references 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/4075368/animal-services-investigator