TAHC - Livestock Enforcement Investigator, Sulphur Springs (Smith, Gregg, Harrison and Panola Counties)

Position Location:            Position headquarters will be located in the Sulphur Springs Region. Must reside within one of the following counties: Smith, Gregg, Harrison, or Panola Counties

Your Skills. Our Mission. Stronger Together at TAHC!

 Start your career at the Texas Animal Health Commission as we work together to protect the livestock industry. Whether you’re looking to begin your career, apply your current skills and experience, or explore opportunities to innovate, we encourage you to apply! At TAHC, we promote a culture of teamwork, open communication, transparency, and a commitment to educating the public while safeguarding Texas livestock. Join us and make a difference—because protecting Texas agriculture starts with you!             

General Description:

Performs complex (journey-level) investigative work within the Texas Animal Health Commission.  The Livestock Enforcement Investigator will report to a Senior Investigator. Position is responsible for conducting roadside inspections and investigations related to the transportation of livestock moving in and throughout the State of Texas; enforcement of TAHC rules and regulations including livestock shipment inspections; conducts inspections at statewide events including, but not limited to, livestock shows, fairs, rodeos, and other livestock related events and congregational points; conducting surveys, and assisting with various agency animal health related programs. Works with state law enforcement and other government agencies. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is subject to irregular working hours and extensive travel, primarily within the state of Texas.

Essential Duties:

• Conducts compliance inspections and investigations for movement of livestock in and throughout the State of Texas.

• Enforces TAHC rules and regulations related to livestock movement throughout the state.

• Conducts compliance inspections at statewide events including, but not limited to, livestock shows, fairs, rodeos, and other livestock related events and congregational points.

• Coordinates and/or conducts inspections and investigations of alleged violations of laws, rules, and regulations.

• Investigates complaints involving allegations of noncompliance with TAHC rules and regulations.

• Reviews background and personal history investigations, records, and verifies information; interviews of witnesses and complainants; evaluates and summarizes investigative findings.

• Files criminal complaints with proper courts of law; testifies and presents evidence at formal hearings or court proceedings.

• Maintains frequent contacts with court personnel, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement agencies, private veterinarians, livestock producers, and market owners and operators.

• Coordinates and communicates with TAHC Compliance Department to keep management informed of all issues related to inspections, investigations, and daily schedules.

• May develop and provide training to field staff, animal health and law enforcements agents on compliance matters, including TAHC livestock shipments and roadblock activities.

• Works with state law enforcement and other government agencies.

• Assists with Emergency Management activities.

• Completes and submits weekly time reports, travel vouchers, and complaints filed reports.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Experience in investigative or animal health inspector work may substitute for a degree on a year-for-year basis. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of investigative principles, techniques, and procedures; of the laws governing the activities regulated by the TAHC; and of court procedures, practices, and rules of evidence. Skill in operation of computer and applicable software; exceptional skills in written and verbal communication and the ability to interact effectively with staff and associates at all levels, as well as members of the general public. Ability to plan, organize, and conduct investigations; prepare concise reports; and to testify in hearings and court proceedings.

IMPORTANT: The TAHC is an emergency response agency. This position is subject to participate in rotating duty assignments away from its regular duty station for up to two weeks at a time.  This duty may involve working in adverse conditions; may require irregular working hours and compensatory time; and may include duties other than those specified in the standard position description.

Other Requirements: Must have a valid Texas driver’s license and safe driving record. Employment of selected candidate is contingent upon the receipt of an acceptable criminal background check and an acceptable moving violation record from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Must have reliable transportation.  Mileage reimbursed at current allowance rate.

At time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. will be confirmed using E-Verify. All males who are age 18 through 25 and required to register with the Selective Service must present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.

How to Apply: To submit your application for employment, follow the link provide below, then select Apply Online. Create and/or Login to your on-line applicant profile and electronically submit your State of Texas Application for Employment. All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed.   If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete.   Resumes do not take the place of this required information.

Veterans, Reservist or Guardsmen with an MOS or additional duties that fall in the fields related to the minimum requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at: Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The Texas Animal Health Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability in employment or in the provision of services.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any requests for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the applicant to our Human Resources Department (512) 719-0700. For a telecommunications relay service for the hearing impaired, please dial 711.