Animal Welfare Officer
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals View all jobs
- Fort St John, BC
- Temporary
- Full-time
- Conduct, or cause to be conducted, investigations into complaints of animal cruelty. This includes but is not limited to:
- Attending to all complaints following legislative requirements and BC SPCA policies, protocols, regulations, and guidelines;
- Responding to situations using knowledge of animal behaviour, animal handling techniques and proper use of rescue equipment to minimize the degree of suffering;
- Taking all necessary precautions to ensure personal and public safety;
- Ensuring complains are promptly and properly investigated;
- Determining if an animal is in critical distress and taking action necessary pursuant to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act to relieve that animal’s distress, including authorizing euthanasia;
- Gathering evidence of an offence pursuant to the PCA Act, Criminal Code, and any other legislation or regulation pertaining to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
- Recording all actions taken in the appropriate software systems
- Ensure that all records and statistics are kept in conformance with BC SPCA and Branch policies, and provide such records and/or reports in a timely manner upon request.
- Conduct 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.
- Offer expertise to assist all statutory authorities as requested.
- Take custody of animals that are at large and in distress, abandoned or apparently ownerless.
- Prepare notices of disposition in accordance with the PCA Act and BC SPCA policies.
- Assist the Regional Manager, Cruelty Investigations with applications to the Justice of the Peace for search warrants in accordance with the PCA Act, Offence Act, and Criminal as required.
- 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.
- Act as an ambassador of the BC SPCA and ensure customer and community relations are consistently professional and positive.
- Work collaboratively with other staff and volunteers, support and implement BC SPCA provincial initiatives, and adhere to BC SPCA policies and procedures.
- Follow all requirements regarding health and safety; this includes.
- To assist in local and provincial fund-raising initiatives, as required.
- To perform other duties as required.
- Must be 19 years of age or older
- Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract
- Post-secondary education in a related field or a combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer
- Willing to complete, in progress or completion of nine (9) Justice Institute of BC courses as required by Police Service; or equivalent are considered an asset:
- Tactical Communications - options:
- Verbal Judo (offered by the C&E Secretariat)
- Effectively use computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases
- Demonstrated knowledge of federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations regarding animals, animal welfare, and related activities
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Superior communication and organizational skills
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations and diffuse conflict
- Ability to explain complex concepts to those who are not subject matter experts
- Clear criminal record check
- Ability to attend training and qualify as a Special Provincial Constable within one year
- 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
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals