Lieutenant of Field Services - Complex Investigations and Training

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.

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…