If you are up for the challenge and would like to be considered for this position, we would like to hear from you. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is looking to fill the following career opportunity:
POSITION: Animal Protection Officer (APO)
STATUS: Permanent; Full-Time
SHIFT: 35 Hours per week
LOCATION: Williams Lake, BC - Covering the Cariboo Region - extensive and overnight travel, often at little to no notice, will be required- Travels 50% of the time
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
WAGE: Salaried
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion by reading our Foundational Principles on our website. We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission, vision and values.
The BC SPCA is a dynamic organization with facilities and services across the province of BC. Join an expanding people-focused team in an exciting time of change in an organization that makes a difference!
Please read below for additional details and let us know if you have the skills and experience we are looking for by submitting your application.
About the Position:
This position will ensure the prompt and effective investigation of animal cruelty complaints, enforce animal cruelty legislation, treat animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and represent the BC SPCA in all matters relating to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Primary Key Responsibilities:
The APO is expected to carry out the full range of duties of an Animal Protection Officer relating to all Federal, and Provincial laws relevant to animals as may from time to time be agreed with those levels of government and to act at all times with good humor and compassion, portraying the image of the Society as an understanding body of individuals concerned with the welfare of each and every individual animal and with the feelings of the owners.
To act as an Animal Protection Officer as defined in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
Conduct or cause to be conducted, investigations into complaints of cruelty to animals.
Shall ensure that all complaints are properly and promptly investigated and that all actions taken are recorded in sufficient detail
To protect the welfare of all animals and the safety of the public and enforce all federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations
To carry out cruelty investigations in an objective, effective and diplomatic manner.
To carry out inspections of any establishment where animals are kept for sale, hire or entertainment during the normal business hours of those establishments to determine if an animal is in distress
To respond to calls of both an emergency and non-emergency nature in an effective, efficient and caring manner.
To give due regard, in dealing with all animal related calls, to:
minimize the degree of suffering and reduce the chance of further injury to the animal, personal safety as well as the safety of the public
To respond to situations using knowledge of animal behaviour, animal handling techniques and proper use of rescue equipment
To respond promptly to such other calls as may be directed by the supervisor
To offer expertise to assist all statutory authorities as requested
Take custody of animals that are straying at large, abandoned or apparently ownerless
Prepare Notices of Disposition in accordance with the PCA Act and BC SPCA policies
Make decisions with respect to the determination of critical distress in accordance with the PCA Act
May authorize the euthanasia of an animal determined to be in critical distress
Investigate complaints to determine if an animal is in distress, and take whatever action necessary pursuant to the PCA Act to relieve that animal’s distress
Make application to the Justice of the Peace for and execute search warrants in accordance with the PCA Act, Offence Act and Criminal Code
Gather evidence to assist in the proving of elements of an offence pursuant to the PCA Act, Criminal Code and any other legislation or regulation pertaining to the prevention of cruelty to animals
Take any action necessary to ensure compliance with Federal or Provincial legislation or regulations pertaining to the keeping, care or prevention of cruelty to animals
Prepare Reports to Crown Counsel or other reports in the performance of their duties
Ensure all requested reports, including statistical reports, are submitted on time to the Manager of Cruelty Investigations
Liaise with other agencies and the public on matters pertaining to cruelty investigations.
Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Knowledge, skills and abilities required to be successful in this role:
Must meet qualifications in order to be appointed as Animal Protection Officer
High school diploma or equivalent – Post-secondary education preferred
Minimum of nine (9) Justice Institute of BC courses as required by Police Service; or equivalent.
Introduction to Investigative Skills and Processes - INVE 1003
Report Writing for Professional Investigators - INVE 1005
Application for and Execution of Search Warrants - INVE 1006
Introduction to Criminal Law - INVE 1001
Introduction to Administrative Law - INVE 1002
Enhanced Investigative Interviewing- INVE 1004
Testifying in Legal Proceedings/Hearings - INVE 1008
Investigative File Case Management - INVE 1010
Tactical Communications - INVE 1012
12 months to successfully complete the above courses paid by the BC SPCA
Be or become a Special Provincial Constable and maintain status.
Law enforcement experience is an asset
Must have genuine compassion for animals and sound knowledge of the Five Freedoms and related animal welfare standards
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations
Proficiency in animal husbandry and handling
Demonstrated ability to organize work, meet priorities and work within a demanding work schedule with minimal supervision.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work with internal and external stakeholders at all levels in a positive manner
Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills
Strong customer service, interpersonal and presentation skills
Position is physically demanding and includes heavy lifting, pushing and pulling which requires an individual with the ability to maintain a level of fitness and endurance to fulfill the required duties
Excellent Computer skills; proficient in Excel, Word & Outlook
Ability to regularly travel throughout the assigned region and Province as necessary.
Valid BC Class N or 5 driver’s license and driver’s abstract
Criminal Record Check
Animal Protection Services work is considered high-risk for potential psychological health and safety hazards. To ensure prospective employees are suited to reasonably handle the psychological demands involved in APS work, finalist candidates are required to complete a psychological assessment conducted by a 3rd party provider.
Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission and strategic directions of the BC SPCA
How to apply:
If you are up for the challenge and would like to join the Protection Services Team, we would like to hear from you. The successful candidate will be legally entitled to work in Canada and required to undergo a criminal record check as a condition of employment and provide a current driver’s abstract. To apply click on the link to submit your resume and cover letter together as one document: http://spca.bc.ca/about-us/careers/
We thank you for your interest in the BC SPCA, however; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.
The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001
