Animal Control Officer - 1

POSITION:                 Animal Control Officer 1 - ACO1

STATUS:                    Permanent; Full-Time with benefits

SHIFT:                        35 hours per week - Wednesday-Sunday

LOCATION:                Richmond, BC

CLASSIFICATION:    CUPE 1622    

WAGE:                       Hourly                                                 

CLOSING DATE:       Open Until Filled

About the Position:

Reporting to the Animal Centre Manager, the Animal Control Officer 1 (ACO1) is responsible for activities related to caring for the health and welfare of animals in the Animal Centre as well as to attend to regular patrols and assigned calls outside the Animal Centre.  Work outside the Animal Centre will require administering/educating on municipal by-laws and BC SPCA animal health and welfare best practices/protocols.  In addition, this position also gives support to other team members as required.  These priorities may vary between locations and shifts.

You treat the animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and transmit these values to others both on and off the job.  You are a level-headed team player who is calm under pressure and passionate about animal welfare. You are an excellent communicator and have experience in conflict resolution.  

This position is also responsible for the capture and transport of animals with various behavior (including aggressive) and candidates should have sound knowledge of the care and handling of different species.

Some specific duties:

Responsibilities in the Animal Centre include:

• Working collaboratively with others to ensure the entire facility (interior and exterior) is kept in a clean, sanitary and professional manner on an ongoing basis.
• Treating all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and upholding these values both on and off the job.  Following BC SPCA standards, policies, and protocols at all times to ensure animal health and welfare
• Providing customer service to internal stakeholders and the public.
• Assisting with training and mentoring of less senior staff.
• Providing guidance and direction to volunteers as requested.
• Assisting colleagues when they are in need, including being proactive in identifying ways to collaborate with them to meet or exceed operational requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities in the Field include:

• Investigating and resolving animal bylaw-related complaints as per the city contract and in keeping with BC SPCA policy/procedure/standards. 
• Receiving calls from the public, addressing directly or referring to appropriate authority, and following up as necessary.
• Conducting routine patrols of assigned areas (e.g. parks).
• Issuing dog licenses to members of the public, collecting payment and issuing receipt.
• Issuing warning notices and bylaw infraction tickets for offenses and ensuring all related documentation and reports are completed.
• Completing animal transport duties.
• Ensuring all records related to any and all of the above duties are kept up to date, including documenting pertinent information, completing required forms and reports, including those that may be used in the prosecution of offences.
• Giving evidence in court or adjudication as related to prosecutions for bylaw violations.
• Working collaboratively with other stakeholders such as government representatives, police, special provincial constables, and other enforcement agencies to ensure animal welfare and public safety.
• Responding to other calls and completing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications you need to have:

• Grade 12 education, completion of Bylaw Level 1, and 1-2 years’ related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer.  Related experience includes, but is not limited to:
• Working hands-on with animals in a veterinary clinic, animal care facility, animal control setting, or other care/training facility;
• Managing and diffusing conflict; and
• Record-keeping
• Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract
• Physical ability to lift, pull, and push heavy objects as well as handle aggressive animals
• Sound knowledge of animals, their breeds, characteristics and more common diseases
• Ability to work co-operatively as a team player and demonstrate well-developed interpersonal skills
• Basic computer skills sufficient to deal effectively with the necessary front office routines
• Familiar with working in a union environment
• Ability to prioritize demands on time and work with limited supervision
• Criminal Record Check
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission, and strategic directions of the BC SPCA.