Animal Care & Control / Medico-Legal Death Investigator

Under supervision of the Division Manager, this full-time position performs work of moderate to considerable difficulty in two specialized areas: (1) enforcing animal welfare and rabies control laws, and (2) investigating unattended or unnatural deaths. The role requires strong investigative skills, interagency collaboration, compassion with the public, and the ability to work in challenging environments involving both animals and deceased individuals.

(Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
 
 

• Animal Care & Control
  • Patrols assigned areas, investigates animal-related complaints, captures/impounds animals, and performs euthanasia when required.
  • Issues citations, prepares reports, files complaints, and testifies in court.
  • Conducts health checks of quarantined animals and assists in vaccination clinics.
  • Serves as a training resource for Animal Care staff and assists in emergency operations involving animals.

• Medico-Legal Investigations
  • Investigates unattended, accidental, or suspicious deaths; gathers facts, evidence, and confidential records.
  • Collects toxicological specimens, catalogs evidence, and ensures chain of custody.
  • Conducts decedent removal and transport; assists with death certificates and case documentation.
  • Ensures forensic photography and evidence integrity; communicates effectively with law enforcement, medical staff, and families.

• Knowledge of animal welfare laws, zoonotic diseases, and rabies control practices.
• Knowledge of investigative methods, laws of evidence, and Arizona statutes related to death investigations.
• Skills in apprehending animals safely and handling deceased individuals respectfully.
• Proficiency in computer software (Word, Excel, Outlook, case management systems).
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to maintain professionalism in stressful or graphic environments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with diverse communities, agencies, and colleagues.

High School Diploma or G.E.D.; with three years’ animal control/welfare experience; OR Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a related field with investigative experience; AND Certification in National Animal Control Officer Levels I–III (or ability to obtain); AND American Board of Medico-Legal Death Investigators (ABMDI) certification preferred, or obtained within 18 months if budget allows; AND must be able to lift up to 150 lbs alone and 500 lbs with assistance; AND Valid Arizona Driver’s License required.