Animal Welfare Officer

POSITION:                 Animal Welfare Officer

STATUS:                    Temporary; Full-Time   with benefits (potential to become permanent after 1 year pending completion of requirements)

SHIFT:                        35 Hours per week - Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

LOCATION:                Kelowna, BC - Will work out of Kelowna while an AWO, but once appointed an SPC/APO will be required to travel to the north and south Okanagan to assist with files as well as assist with files in the Thompson and Kootenay Regions.

CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt           

WAGE:                       Salaried                                                          

CLOSING DATE:       Open Until Filled

About the Position:

Reporting to the Regional Manager Animal Protection, this position responds to concerns and complaints of animal cruelty within the assigned geographic area.  This includes conducting investigations in accordance with federal, provincial and municipal legislation and following BC SPCA policies, protocols, regulations and guidelines.

Read the Article: The frontline for animals: Why becoming a BC SPCA Animal Protection Officer might be the career for you

Some specific duties:

• 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. 

Qualifications you need to have:

• 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:
  • 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 - options:
    • Verbal Judo (offered by the C&E Secretariat)
    • CRES-1717 De-escalating Hostility                      
    • CRES-1100 Foundations of Collaborative Conflict Resolution

• Learn more at the JIBC Animal Protection Officer Career Path

• 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

Benefits:

• Three weeks vacation, plus twelve sick days.
• Competitive extended health benefits (dental, vision, life insurance, LTD and AD&D) on the 1st of the 4th month of employment
• Eligible for JIBC professional courses paid for by the BC SPCA
• Positive workplace culture of collaboration, innovation and respect.