Animal Protection Officer

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: Kamloops, BC - Covering Kamloops and 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. We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission and principles.

The BC SPCA is a dynamic organization with facilities and services across the province of BC. Join an expanding people-focused team in an organization that makes a difference!

About the Position:

This position will ensure the prompt and effective investigation of animal cruelty complaints, enforce animal cruelty legislation, treat animals humanely, 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 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 animal welfare.
• To act as an Animal Protection Officer as defined in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
• Conduct investigations into complaints of cruelty to animals.
• Ensure that all complaints are properly and promptly investigated and that actions taken are recorded in sufficient detail.
• Protect the welfare of all animals and the safety of the public and enforce all federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations.
• Carry out cruelty investigations in an objective, effective and diplomatic manner.
• Inspect establishments where animals are kept for sale, hire or entertainment to determine if an animal is in distress.
• Respond to calls of both an emergency and non-emergency nature in a caring manner.
• Minimize suffering and reduce the chance of further injury to the animal, personal safety, and the safety of the public.
• Use knowledge of animal behaviour, handling techniques, and proper use of rescue equipment.
• Respond promptly to other calls as directed by the supervisor.
• 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 action 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 pertaining to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
• Take 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:

• High school diploma or equivalent – Post-secondary education preferred.
• Successful completion of Justice Institute of BC courses in relevant areas.
• Law enforcement experience is an asset.
• Genuine compassion for animals and sound knowledge of animal welfare standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
• Proficiency in animal husbandry and handling.
• Ability to organize work, meet priorities, and work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Position is physically demanding and requires maintaining fitness and endurance.
• Excellent computer skills; proficient in Excel, Word & Outlook.
• Ability to 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.
• Psychological assessment for high-risk work is required.

How to Apply:

To apply click on the link to submit your resume and cover letter together as one document: http://spca.bc.ca/about-us/careers/