Animal Control Officer

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA)•Port Alberni, BC

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The BC SPCA is seeking an Animal Control Officer 1 (ACO1) to join their expanding team. This role is responsible for regular patrols and assigned calls outside the Animal Centre, involving education on municipal by-laws and BC SPCA animal health and welfare best practices. The position also supports other team members as needed. The ideal candidate is compassionate, level-headed, calm under pressure, passionate about animal welfare, an excellent communicator, and experienced in conflict resolution. Responsibilities include the capture and transport of animals, including those with aggressive behavior, and requires sound knowledge of animal care and handling. The role emphasizes humane treatment of animals, adherence to BC SPCA standards, low-stress handling techniques, observation of animal health, administering medications if required, transporting animals, operating and maintaining BC SPCA vehicles and equipment, and providing animal husbandry support. Additionally, the role involves exceptional customer service, professional representation of the BC SPCA, thoughtful handling of public complaints, addressing inquiries efficiently, assisting with training and mentoring staff and volunteers, collaborating with colleagues, participating in staff meetings, and assisting shelter staff when needed. Ensuring safe work practices are implemented according to BC SPCA Health and Safety protocols is also a key responsibility.

Requirements

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: 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.

Responsibilities

Attending to regular patrols and assigned calls outside the Animal Centre.
Administering/educating on municipal by-laws and BC SPCA animal health and welfare best practices/protocols.
Supporting other team members as required.
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.
Using low stress animal handling techniques.
Using Fear Free practices.
Observing and reporting on animals’ mental and physical health and welfare.
Administering medications as specified by authorized BC SPCA staff and community veterinarians if required.
Transporting animals to and/or from the Animal Centre.
Operating, maintaining, and sanitizing the BC SPCA’s vehicle and related equipment safely and efficiently.
Providing support services in the area of animal husbandry as required.
Providing exceptional customer service to internal stakeholders and the public.
Modeling appropriate care and concern for animals and humans alike and representing the BC SPCA in a professional way.
Ensuring complaints from the public are handled thoughtfully and when needs are outside of our responsibility, are transferred to the appropriate authority as expeditiously as possible.
Ensuring inquiries/requests from internal and external stakeholders are addressed in an effective, efficient, and caring manner.
Assisting with training and mentoring of other staff as needed.
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.
Regular participation in meetings with other members of the staff to share ideas and increase productivity.
Assisting shelter staff in their duties when required.
Ensuring that safe work practices are implemented as per the BC SPCA Health and Safety protocols and are being carried out to protect staff, volunteers and animals from injury and/or illness.
Other duties as assigned.