Animal Protection Officer 1

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

19h•CA$25 - CA$25•Onsite

About The Position

The BC SPCA is seeking an Animal Protection Officer 1 to conduct investigations into complaints of animal abuse and ensure the welfare of animals by enforcing relevant laws and regulations. This role requires the ability to act as a Special Provincial Constable (SPC) or meet the criteria for appointment. The officer will conduct cruelty investigations objectively and diplomatically, maintain detailed records, and respond to calls effectively and compassionately. Responsibilities include inspecting establishments where animals are kept, using knowledge of animal behavior and handling, taking custody of distressed or abandoned animals, preparing disposition notices, authorizing euthanasia for animals in critical distress, gathering evidence, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare legislation. The role also involves acting as an ambassador for the BC SPCA, supporting provincial initiatives, assisting with fundraising, maintaining security, operating SPCA vehicles, coordinating volunteers, collaborating with staff, participating in meetings, and treating animals with compassion. The position is on-call, casual, with various shifts and requires regular travel throughout the assigned region and province.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Must be a Special Provincial Constable (SPC) or meet the criteria for appointment.
Successful completion or willingness to complete the nine (9) Justice Institute of BC courses as required by Police Service; or equivalent.
Introduction to Investigative Skills and Processes - INVE 1003
Report Writing for Professional Investigators - INVE 1005
Application for and Execution of Search Warrants - INVE 1006
Introduction to Criminal Law - INVE 1001
Introduction to Administrative Law - INVE 1002
Enhanced Investigative Interviewing- INVE 1004
Testifying in Legal Proceedings/Hearings - INVE 1008
Investigative File Case Management - INVE 1010
Tactical Communications (options: Verbal Judo, CRES-1717 De-escalating Hostility, CRES-1100 Foundations of Collaborative Conflict Resolution)
Law enforcement experience is an asset
Genuine compassion for animals and sound knowledge of the Five Freedoms and related animal welfare standards
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations
Proficiency in animal husbandry and handling
Demonstrated ability to organize work, meet priorities and work within a demanding work schedule with minimal supervision.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work with internal and external stakeholders at all levels in a positive manner
Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills
Strong customer service, interpersonal and presentation skills
Position is physically demanding and includes heavy lifting, pushing and pulling which requires an individual with the ability to maintain a level of fitness and endurance to fulfill the required duties
Excellent Computer skills; proficient in Excel, Word & Outlook
Ability to regularly 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
Finalist candidates are required to complete a psychological assessment conducted by a 3rd party provider.
Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission and strategic directions of the BC SPCA
Legally entitled to work in Canada

Nice To Haves

Post-secondary education preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct investigations into complaints of animal abuse.
Ensure all complaints are properly and promptly investigated and that all actions taken are recorded in sufficient detail.
Carry out cruelty investigations in an objective, effective and diplomatic manner.
Ensure that all records and statistics are kept in conformance with Society and Branch policies, and provide such records as required.
Protect the welfare of all animals and enforce all federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations relevant to the position.
Carry out inspections of any establishment where animals are kept for sale, hire or entertainment during the normal business hours of those establishments to determine if an animal is in distress.
Respond to calls in an effective, efficient and caring manner.
Give due regard in dealing with all animal related calls to minimize the degree of suffering and reduce the chance of further injury to the animal as well as ensure personal and public safety.
Respond to situations using knowledge of animal behaviour, animal handling techniques and proper use of rescue equipment.
Offer expertise to assist all statutory authorities as requested.
Take custody of animals that are at large and in distress, 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.
Authorize the euthanasia of animal determined to be in critical distress.
Investigate complaints to determine if an animal is in distress, and take action necessary pursuant to the PCA Act to relieve that animal’s distress.
Gather evidence of an offence pursuant to the PCA Act, Criminal Code (as applicable to level of SPC) and any other legislation or regulation pertaining to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Take any action necessary to ensure compliance with Federal or Provincial legislation or regulations pertaining to the keeping, care or prevention of cruelty to animals.
Ensure all reports are submitted on time to the Senior Animal Protection Officer or Senior Manager, Cruelty Investigations.
Act as an ambassador of the BC SPCA and ensure customer and community relations are consistently professional and positive.
Support and implement BCSPCA provincial initiatives and adhere to all operational policies and procedures.
Assist in local and provincial fund-raising initiatives.
Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
Ensure the security of the building when entering and exiting by ensuring all doors and gates are locked when required.
Operate, maintain and sanitize the SPCA’s vehicles and related equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
Willingly help co-ordinate the supporting work of volunteers, in the spirit that we all work together for the benefit of all animals.
Work together and collaboratively with other staff and volunteers for the purposes of creating a harmonious team environment and to enhance team performance.
Regularly participate in meetings with other members of staff to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve the enjoyment of working for the BCSPCA and to increase its productivity.
Treat the animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and transmit these values to others both on and off the job.
Provide support services in the field of animal husbandry as requested.
Respond promptly to such other calls as may be directed by the supervisor.
Perform other duties as required.