Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Animal Services

Reporting to the Supervising Officer, Animal Services, the Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Animal Services enforces the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw to promote community safety and well-being through proactive enforcement and public education. The role involves attending residential and commercial properties to address animal-related complaints, conducting investigations, gathering evidence, managing aggressive or unpredictable animals, issuing tickets and orders, and collaborating with emergency and social services agencies. The Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Animal Services must be capable of effectively triaging and responding to emergency calls alongside WPS/WFPS and providing testimony in court when required.

As the Bylaw Enforcement Officer, Animal Services your duties will include:

• Addresses complaint reports from the public, police, fire departments, and other agencies. Conducts investigations and enforces regulations by issuing notices, orders, tickets, and warrants as necessary.
• Provides 24/7 support to Police, Fire, Emergency Services, and other City departments in various situations, including crime scenes, fires, medical emergencies, and more.
• Prepares and submits information for obtaining warrants to enter, seize, or inspect property. Executes warrants with the assistance of the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS).
• Educates and advises the public on the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, encouraging compliance and promoting responsible pet care practices.
• Offer expert and compassionate capture, handling, restraint, and transportation services for domestic, exotic, and wild animals, including those with unpredictable behaviors.
• Respond to community reports of animals running at large, particularly those posing a risk to public safety, ensuring the safety of individuals, animals, and the public in unpredictable situations.
• Capture and safely transport animals found running at large within the community.
• Remove dangerous, injured, or deceased animals from public and private properties.
• Administers and assists with animal health procedures, including vaccinations, medication, sedation, and euthanasia, under the supervision of a veterinarian.
• Performs kennel duties, including animal care (feeding, watering, cleaning), monitoring health and behavior, and administering medications as needed.

Your education and qualifications include:

• Certificate in by-law enforcement related program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Minimum two (2) years experience in enforcement, conflict resolution, justice or related discipline which includes knowledge of the powers and authority granted to special constables, relevant bylaws, regulations, policies, and protocols related to the role with the ability to interpret and effectively communicate this information.

• One (1) year of experience working with dogs is preferred , including the ability to safely and responsibly handle unpredictable and aggressive dogs and other animals in various conditions.

• Experience conducting thorough investigations, collecting relevant evidence, taking statements from witnesses, and making objective observations while presenting findings.

• Experience providing respectful and inclusive customer service including active listening, empathy and problem solving with the ability to maintain composure.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, including the ability to gather and interpret information, identify issues, and develop practical solutions.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to express complex information clearly and concisely.

• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain positive working relationships with employees at all levels of an organization, including external contacts and the general public.

• Ability to remain composed in difficult or confrontational sitatuions.

• Strong file management and organizational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.

• Proficiency in software such as Microsoft Office, with additional software skills considered an asset.

• Knowledge of court procedures and the ability to confidently testify in a court of law.

• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team setting.

• IMPORTANT: Applicants who have been educated outside of Canada must have education which is comparable to the minimum qualification in Canada. Applicants submitting foreign credentials require an official academic assessment report issued by a recognized Canadian assessment service https://canalliance.org/en/ at application.

Conditions of employment:

• The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.
• Completion of the Animal Service Officer Physical Fitness Assessment is required prior to the start date, at the candidate's expense. Must be able to consistently meet the physical demands of the position throughout their employment.
• A Police Information Check (Vulnerable Sector) satisfactory to the employer is required from the applicant(s) or successful candidate(s), at their expense.
• Successfully qualify and maintain a Special Constable designation within a specific timeframe determined by the Department.
• Possess and maintain a valid Manitoba Class 5 F Driver’s Licence. Prior to the start date must provide a Driver’s Notice in Force document which can be obtained free of charge from any insurance agency.
• The successful applicant will be required to provide PPE (CSA approved footwear).
• Ability to work a variety shifts including evenings, weekends, overtime, statutory holidays and stand-by.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.