Assistant Animal Facilities Inspection Program Manager/Investigator

This position will remain posted until filled. 

This position is located at the headquarters office in Manhattan, KS.

The Kansas Animal Facility Inspection (AFI) Program, which is part of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, is responsible for the regulation and enforcement of companion animal facilities that are required to be licensed under the provisions of the Kansas Pet Animal Act (KPAA). The KPAA requires licensing and inspection of all:

• dog and cat breeders who produce, offer, or sell three or more litters a year
• pounds, shelters, and animal rescues
• pet shops
• research facilities
• distributors of companion animals sold in the state and out of the state
• pet boarding facilities

The AFI Program also accepts complaints from the public regarding pet facilities operating with and without a license. 

The AFI Program is comprised of designated field staff that inspect and regulate such licensed facilities in Kansas and dedicated office staff that maintain licensing information and assist in administering the program. 

The Assistant AFI Program Manager will provide administrative support to the Program Director, investigate complaints, provide support to inspection staff, contribute to the training and education of AFI staff and licensees, and ensure that the health and welfare of the animals under AFI licensees’ care meet Kansas requirements. 

Duties may include:

INVESTIGATIONS: 

• Investigate complaints made against unlicensed facilities that may require licensure under the KPAA, investigate unsatisfactory inspections requiring legal action and any other incidences of non-compliance with the Kansas Pet Animal Act 
• Perform individual interviews and use various sources (internet, social media, and advertisements) as part of the investigation process 
• Develop relationships with local authorities, associated response agencies, other response agencies, as well as pet animal industry stakeholders to strengthen those partnerships, expedite our response to complaints, and facilitate the exchange of key information that may either fall within or outside the jurisdiction of the investigator  
• Work closely with the AFI inspectors, Kansas Animal Health Commissioner, Animal Facilities Inspection Program Director, and the KDA Legal Department
• Coordinate and collaborate with the AFI Inspectors and assist with inspections as needed, in an effort to accomplish the required inspections and investigations under the KPAA in the most efficient and responsive manner 

ADMINISTRATIVE: 

• Assist the Program Manager with duties related to the day-to-day operations of the Animal Facilities Inspection (AFI) Program 
• Serve as the supervisor for some AFI staff members 
• Assist with the continued development and improvement of AFI program regulations, policies, and procedures
• Provide training and expertise in animal health, welfare, and disease control to AFI staff and stakeholders 
• Contribute to or develop projects that help educate our licensees regarding the Kansas Pet Animal Act (KPAA) and the recognition of those licensees that excel in operating facilities with higher standards

ADDITIONAL DUTIES: 

• Occasional public speaking, presentations, conferences, and exchange of information through contacts of related organizations regarding the Kansas Pet Animal Act
• Provide other agency support duties as assigned by the Kansas Animal Health Commissioner
• Cross train with Animal Facilities Program Inspectors to learn their role in KPAA enforcement 

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Minimum Qualifications:

• Professionally minded individuals with at least four years of direct experience in animal science, public health (Infectious Disease/ZoonosisCompanion (pet) animal experience or a related field. Candidates may also qualify through a combination of relevant education, work experience, training or certification. 
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Working knowledge of electronic data platforms
• Capacity to meet the demands of a physical, strenuous work environment
• Occasional travel: including overnight stay
• Employee must have a valid Class C (or higher) Kansas driver’s license or equivalent license from another state. Employee is responsible to maintain an acceptable driving record to safely drive state vehicle and be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.