Job ID #31709: Animal Control Officer (Periodic)(RE-POST)

City of Hamilton•Hamilton, ON

99d•Onsite

About The Position

This position contributes to the City of Hamilton, a large Canadian city with a diverse economy, active community, rich culture, and natural beauty. The Animal Control Officer, reporting to the Supervisor of Municipal Law Enforcement, is responsible for enforcing Municipal and Provincial animal control by-laws. This role involves receiving, investigating, reviewing, and resolving animal-related complaints, gathering evidence for court cases, and patrolling assigned districts. The officer will also handle stray, domestic, and wildlife issues, including impounding healthy animals, removing injured or dead animals, and investigating animal attacks. Additionally, the role includes rescuing animals in distress, taking custody of surrendered animals, issuing dog licenses, transporting animals to veterinarians, and assisting other agencies like the Police, Fire Department, SPCA, and local veterinarians. The position also requires reporting suspected child abuse, returning impounded animals, completing various reports (animal control, vehicle operating, daily officer reports), and performing general shelter duties. Other responsibilities include cadaver removal, mediating neighborhood disputes through a public relations/education model, investigating livestock destruction as a Livestock Valuer, and performing emergency euthanasia on domestic animals and wildlife. The officer must also perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment, maintain a clean work environment, and adhere to health and safety legislation and corporate policies.

Requirements

Previous bylaw enforcement experience normally acquired by a combination of education and related work experience.
Previous relevant work experience handling / dealing with animals (all types and breeds).
Demonstrated ability to investigate infractions and to make sound decisions whether to issue courtesy warnings or notices where by-laws have been breached.
Knowledge of Provincial Offences Act respecting Animal Control and Licensing.
Ability to lift loads up to 75 pounds.
Ability to engage and apprehend potentially dangerous animals including dogs, snakes, bats.
Must experience no allergic reactions to animals.
Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
Demonstrate good driving habits with a clean driving record.
Experience in a computerized environment. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and database software. Able to input, retrieve and manipulate data at an acceptable speed.
Demonstrated ability to conduct investigations.
Demonstrated ability to prepare written reports, briefs, evidence and documents.
Demonstrated ability to identify breeds of animals.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Excellent people skills with an emphasis on customer service.
Must possess and maintain a valid Class "G" Driver's License in the Province of Ontario and a point-free driving record and/or record found satisfactory to the City of Hamilton and proof thereof is required after hire.
As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain a Criminal Reference Check, at their expense, prior to beginning work in this position.

Responsibilities

Investigate and enforce Municipal By-laws under Parts I and III of the Provincial Offences Act, respecting dog control and licensing, animal control and various parks regulations.
Investigate and resolve animal related complaints.
Gather evidence and prepare written reports for pending court cases.
Prepare notes and gather evidence to support charges.
Attend at court regarding by-law enforcement.
Provide routine patrolling of districts.
Enforce provisions of the Dog Owners Liability Act.
Issue warnings, orders to comply, notices of offence and summonses to appear.
Receive and resolve all complaints respecting stray, domestic and wildlife, including the impounding of healthy animals and removal of injured and dead animals from municipal property, highways and private lands and the investigation of animal attack complaints.
Rescue animals in distress or at risk and take custody of animals being surrendered by their owners.
Issue dog licences as required.
Pick up injured or sick animals and transport to veterinarian if necessary.
Assist Police, Fire, Community Services, SPCA Cruelty Investigators and local Veterinarians as required.
Report suspected child abuse to the Children's Aid Society.
Return impounded animals to owners or to shelter.
Complete animal control reports.
Complete vehicle operating reports.
Input information of all animals brought to the shelter into the database.
Prepare daily officer reports.
Perform general shelter duties as required.
Cadaver removal (if applicable).
Mediate neighbourhood disputes, utilizing a public relations/education model.
Investigate the destruction of livestock and determine the cause of death as a Livestock Valuer.
Perform emergency euthanasia on both domestic animals and wildlife.
Perform routine maintenance on animal control vehicles and equipment.
Maintain a clean vehicle and equipment while on duty.
Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.
Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.