Animal Law Enforcement Lieutenant - Humane Society Pikes Peak Region

Looking to make a difference in the lives of pets and people? With an almost year-round beautiful blue sky and a scenic mountain backdrop, HSPPR is a nonprofit animal shelter serving El Paso, Pueblo, and Douglas Counties as well as the City of Centennial. We employ a total of 200+ employees. We are an organization that celebrates and prioritizes diversity and inclusion.

The Lieutenant rank within Animal Law Enforcement is assigned as the Officer-in-Charge of various enforcement and administrative functions at the geographical area level. The Lieutenant is responsible for supervising the ALE sergeants, corporals, and officers who carry out the day-to-day operations of that specific geographical area. Lieutenants are an assistant to the Captain and may act as the Commanding Officer in the Captain's absence.

Specifically, the Lieutenant ensures appropriate and sufficient deployment of officers depending upon the trends in his/her geographic area; responds or delegates personnel to respond to scenes of serious violations such as a major animal cruelty case, animal fighting, or dangerous animal incidents and ensures that the situation is resolved in compliance with Animal Law Enforcement policies and procedures; reviews and ensure complete and accurate follow-up investigations; and keeps the Captain informed of issues of concern within his/her command.

In addition, the Lieutenant performs administrative functions such as review of the incoming correspondence and response to Department entities, outside agencies and citizens, supervisor's daily activity reports; and violation and accident reports.

The Lieutenant ensures appropriate and timely training of the subordinates, oversees and enforces the inspection of personnel, equipment, and facilities to ensure compliance with the Department's policies and procedures; conducts interviews of sworn and civilian personnel; attends community meetings to promote Department and Organizational goals and missions and community safety programs; teaches at the Animal Law Enforcement Officer's Academy; and performs other related duties.

Lieutenants may also be assigned to lead specialized operations such as Animal Cruelty, Disaster response and Dangerous Animal Investigations. Depending on assigned duties each Lieutenant supervises the activities of his/her subordinates assigned to the specialized divisions; coordinates specialized trainings and ensures a sufficient stock of supplies/equipment for these functions; of his/her subordinates when assigned in this capacity. The Lieutenant is expected to maintain liaison with appropriate Department entities, acts as a leader at the scene of any activation for the specialized units; reviews and completes all reports for the approval of the Captain.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Employee Performance Management and Supervision

• Investigates grievances and performs disciplinary action when necessary.
• Supervises, motivates and trains assigned staff, ensuring effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encourages innovation in others.
• Assures that officers are properly trained and certified for duty.
• Coordinates with supervisors to assure proper staff coverage.
• Provides guidance and resolution for problems or staff issues.
• Reviews and submits payroll.

Animals

• Directs and monitors all aspects of the humane treatment and handling of animals in the field. Monitors and ensures that high quality standards of animal care, handling and sanitation in the field are consistent with protocols at all times.
• Monitors the maintenance, cleanliness and sanitation of equipment and vehicles.
• Provides and promotes support for major animal welfare cases.
• Oversees court hold cases to include Cost of Care checks, notify owner, euthanasia, and release.

Communication

• Assures that enforcement reflects the mission of HSPPR, ordinances are enforced consistently, resulting in positive community relations, humane education, and voluntary compliance for animal ordinances.
• Responsible for reporting all statistics. To include: monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports as directed by the Director or Assistant Directors.
• Provides recommendations to Captain of ALE on procedural changes for the department.
• Communicates with staff in timely manner.
• Implements technological changes to increase public awareness, track program activities and improve the efficiency of service.

Budget

• Monitors and manages budget for geographical area and daily operational needs.
• Assists with ALE Department budget management and provides input into budget, ensures that expenditures are monitored and properly administered.
• Orders, inventories, and maintains ALE supplies and equipment.
• Follows up on cases to determine if restitution is warranted and submitted to the court when necessary

Relationships

• Maintains professional relationship with local law enforcement and local government representatives.
• Makes recommendations for changes in laws and acts a liaison for HSPPR.
• Represents ALE interests at local meetings (internal or external) as assigned by Captain of ALE.

Safety

• Ensures the health and safety for the people and animals of the communities ALE/HSPPR serves.
• Follow all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment
• Take immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk.
• Reviews and prepares recommendation on all accident/incident reports.

Customer Service

• Represents the ALE in a professional and courteous manner at all times
• Ensure quality service is provided to both people and animal clients by departmental personnel.
• Assist staff in situations requiring immediate problem solving
• Promote good public relations in accordance with HSPPR practices; take control of situations that could be potentially damaging to the professional image of the Society.
• Inform Assistant Director or Director of developments that may affect HSPPR or the department including department progress, media exposure, public image, client concerns, and personnel issues.
• Support staff and volunteers; provide quality services to clients, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of our organization.

Other

• Commitment to the mission, values, goals and success of HSPPR.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Identify fund raising opportunities for ALE/HSPPR

Supervisory Duties:

The Lieutenant is responsible for supervising Sergeants, Corporals, and Animal Law Enforcement Officers who carry out the day-to-day operations of that specific geographical area. Lieutenants are an assistant to the Captain and may act as the Commanding Officer in the Captain's absence.

Expectations:

Communications

• Is visible to staff, communicates with Captain on significant developments within the department. Attends necessary meetings. Communicates pertinent information to staff
• Ensures that Sergeants and Corporals are communicating effectively with subordinates.
• Actively communicates and problem solves with the Captain and Chief.

Organizational Development

• Ensures that policies and procedures are being followed.
• Develops new ideas with staff.
• Develops and follows timelines for goals, annual plans and projects and is accountable for staff's decisions and actions. Supports management and discusses differences privately.

Development

• Encourages the use of volunteers, the solicitation of monetary and in-kind donations whenever possible.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Maintains control of budgets including approving invoices and preparing financial and/or statistical reports as needed.

Staff Management

• Utilizes performance-based management when counseling and evaluating staff and sets measurable goals for employee growth.
• Submits evaluations on time and encourages continuing education for staff as it relates to the organization's needs.
• Recognizes good performance and counsel staff to correct problems in a timely manner.

Availability

• Is flexible with scheduling and is available when away from the facility as needed to meet the needs of the organization.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly sits at computer stations and operates electronic equipment to ensure system operations.
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Typically stands, bends, stoops and crouches to adjust equipment.
• Regularly moves about the locations to problem solve and coordinate work.
• Must be willing to work 24-hour on-call shift and weekend day/occasional holidays.

Education/Experience Necessary:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• At least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Colorado Driver's License and insurable driving record.
• Have no convictions for felonies or crimes of moral turpitude.
• Pass a drug test, basic physical fitness test, hearing, and eye exam (specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception).
• Pass various qualifying exams and background investigations.
• A minimum of three years of experience as an Animal Law Enforcement officer
• A minimum of three years of supervisory experience is required.
• Must possess the leadership skills necessary to create and maintain a cohesive, effective ALE team that is an integral part of HSPPR.
• Experience and/or training in interviewing and interrogation techniques.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills. Organized, shows initiative, and is a conscientious worker.
• Exercises good judgment when dealing with the public, employee issues, and animal-related concerns.
• Able to exercise discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• Possess or be eligible to obtain Bureau of Animal Protection Agent commissions for both small animal and equine endorsements with the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
• Possess or be eligible to obtain State Animal Control Officer certification through the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC).
• A directly related professional degree (criminal justice or animal sciences) and/or previous experience in a similar position may be considered.

**Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 16, 2024**

The core values of the staff unite us and guide us to provide the best service to the animals in our care, our organization, and our community.

Core Values Statements-

• • Compassion: We believe that animals matter. We are committed to treating animals and people with kindness, respect, and compassion.

• • Stewardship: We are accountable and transparent in our actions and in the use of our resources to build trust in those we serve.

• • Integrity: We believe we can make the greatest impact by staying true to our mission, always doing what is best for the animals and people of our community, and by standing united in our decisions.

• • Excellence: We are passionate about our mission, and strive for excellence through continual learning, innovation, and the development of our board, staff and volunteers.

• • Collaboration: We seek strategic partnerships and alliances to advance the welfare and protection of animals and people.

• • Service: We exist to serve our communities and operate with this commitment to serve as front and center in all we do.