Humane Officer

HUMANE OFFICER

Employment Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Operations Director

SUMMARY

The Humane Officer promotes public safety, protects animal welfare, and ensures compliance with local ordinances and South Dakota Codified Laws. This position supports the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society's mission through community education, investigations, enforcement, animal care, and humane euthanasia when necessary.

Humane Officers serve as ambassadors of SFAHS while providing professional, compassionate animal management services. In addition to field responsibilities, this position supports the Behavior Team during periods of reduced call volume by assisting with enrichment, training, playgroups, and behavior programs that improve animal welfare and outcomes.

SFAHS CORE VALUES

Compassion • Community Responsibility • Innovation • Inclusivity • Transparency

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Law Enforcement & Compliance

• Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and legal procedures.
• Conduct investigations and enforce animal-related regulations.
• Prepare reports and court testimony as required.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Public Engagement & Communication

• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership and animal-related regulations.
• Provide professional customer service, conflict resolution, and community outreach.
• Maintain accurate reports, records, and case documentation.

Enforcement & Investigation

• Respond to calls for service and investigate animal welfare, public safety, and ordinance violations.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies as needed.
• Conduct animal bite investigations, quarantines, cruelty investigations, and related enforcement activities.
• Safely handle domestic animals, wildlife, and exotic species.

Vehicle & Equipment Operation

• Safely operate department vehicles and equipment.
• Maintain vehicles, equipment, and supplies in a clean and operational condition.

Humane Euthanasia Procedures

• Assist with wildlife euthanasia on an as-needed basis following established SFAHS protocols.
• Perform euthanasia professionally, compassionately, and humanely.

Animal Care & Behavior Support

• Assist with animal intake, care, cleaning, enrichment, vaccinations, and transportation as needed.
• Support the Behavior Team through dog walking, enrichment, playgroups, training support, and behavioral observations.
• Document and communicate behavioral progress to assist with treatment plans and program evaluation.
• Assist with behavior-related initiatives when Humane Officer responsibilities are limited.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Confidentiality & Professional Conduct

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding investigations, animal welfare cases, medical information, personnel matters, and organizational operations.
• Understand that much of the work performed in this position is confidential and may not be discussed outside official job responsibilities.
• Exercise professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion in all interactions.
• Failure to maintain confidentiality may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE

Starting wage is $18.00 per hour, paid biweekly.

This position is primarily scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Humane Officers participate in a rotating on-call schedule. On-call duty covers the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Officers are expected to respond to after-hours calls, emergencies, and animal-related incidents during their assigned on-call rotation.

On-call compensation includes a $25 nightly stipend, plus time-and-a-half pay for any after-hours calls that require a response.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience in animal care, animal control, law enforcement, veterinary medicine, shelter operations, or a related field preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to lift and carry animals and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in stressful situations.
• Comfortable working with aggressive, fearful, injured, sick, deceased, or potentially dangerous animals.
• Ability to work in shelter, office, residential, and outdoor environments.
• Ability to safely handle domestic animals, wildlife, and exotic species.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and a rotating on-call schedule.
• Knowledge of animal welfare, behavior, law enforcement, or related fields preferred.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license required.
• Must be insurable under SFAHS vehicle insurance requirements and successfully pass a motor vehicle record review.

BENEFITS

Eligible full-time employees receive benefits effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment, including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Accident, Cancer, and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• $50 Monthly Wellness Stipend
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Discounts

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

• I understand that this position description is intended to provide a fairly comprehensive and accurate overview of the position, but it will not cover all aspects, details, or required tasks. Other functions, responsibilities, and requirements may be assigned, and this position description may be changed at the direction of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society at any time.
• I understand that this is not an employment contract and that both my employer and I may choose to end the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice.
• I understand that if an offer of employment is made, I will be expected to complete a background check.
• I will maintain confidentiality regarding all matters of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.
• The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, genetic information, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by South Dakota or federal law.
• In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
• I understand that schedules, on-call rotations, duties, responsibilities, work assignments, and departmental priorities are subject to change based on operational and business needs.