Animal Protection Officer

POSITION:                 Animal Protection Officer (APO)

STATUS:                    Permanent; Full-Time with benefits

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

LOCATION:                Kelowna, BC -Roaming officer - 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:

This position will ensure the prompt and effective investigation of animal cruelty complaints, enforce animal cruelty legislation, treat animals humanely, with compassion and concern in the Okanagan Region, and represent the BC SPCA in all matters relating to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This role is viewed as a roaming position; therefore, it requires that our selected APO will be available and willing to travel throughout the province for half of the year.

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