Firearms Officer

Government of Alberta•Calgary, AB

12d•CA$76,613 - CA$100,492•Hybrid

About The Position

The Alberta Chief Firearms Office (ACFO) is responsible for administering the federal Canadian Firearms Program to oversee firearms licenses and registration, maintain provincial firearms safety training standards, assist and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to help enhance public safety, inform Albertans about firearms safety and advocate for law-abiding firearms owners. Firearms in Canada are regulated by the Firearms Act and Part III of the Criminal Code. The Government of Alberta administers the Canadian Firearms Program in the province, while the federal government is responsible for creating firearms legislation and regulations in Canada. The Alberta Firearms Act clarifies the role of the Alberta Chief Firearms Office. Join the Chief Firearms Office as a Firearms Officer and play a critical role in ensuring that firearms licensing, compliance, and community safety standards are met across the province. Reporting to the Regional Operations Manager, you will provide operational services for the provincial delivery and management of the federal Firearms Act. The services provided enhance public safety through the responsible administration of firearm licensing, serving a wide variety of stakeholders. You will be responsible for providing clear and concise advice on complex issues and making the final recommendation to the Chief Firearms Officer on the eligibility of the client. As part of the role, you will encourage compliance with corrective actions, investigate public safety concerns, resolve regulatory issues, and determine eligibility for firearms licensing, sale, transport and transfer. This will be achieved through a variety of activities, consultations, and communication with the firearms industry, including importers, exporters, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. You will also liaise with a wide range of organizations, such as club and range operators, individual firearms clients, law enforcement agencies, court officers and other government employees. The position requires a high degree of discretion and confidentiality as well as the ability to work with complex situations under strict timelines.

Requirements

University degree in a related field (Public Administration, Public Policy, etc.)
Two years of related experience (Firearms Agent, Policy Analyst, etc.)
Must hold a Restricted Possession and Acquisition License (R-PAL).
Handling firearms is a requirement of this position.
Must complete Alberta Peace Officer Investigator training and be eligible to obtain a Peace Officer Appointment.
Must obtain and maintain Peace Officer status (Alberta Peace Officer Level 2).
Must obtain and maintain an Enhanced Reliable Security Clearance conducted by the RCMP.

Nice To Haves

Working experience dealing with firearms safety principles and the role of firearms regulation in mitigating risk to individuals and the public.
Working knowledge of the Firearms Act, Canadian Firearms Program, and Part III of the Criminal Code.
Working experience applying risk-based decision making, consistent with legislative criteria (e.g., evaluating whether an individual poses a safety risk).

Responsibilities

Working in accordance with the Firearms Act, other related federal and provincial legislation and the Canadian Firearms Program.
Investigating and analyzing complex situations and making recommendations to approve or deny firearm licenses.
Advising the Regional Operations Manager on best approaches for establishing tracking, reporting and evaluation systems.
Responding to general and complex inquiries related to the Canadian Firearms Program.
Investigating and analyzing complex situations and making recommendations to approve or deny firearms licences to individuals and business (importers, exporters, wholesalers and retailers).
Coordinating and conducting inspections of firearms businesses, shooting ranges and client residences for the purposes of complying with the Firearms Act and regulations.
Independently conducting interviews to inform eligibility issues and make recommendations to the CFO for the approval, refusal or revocation of firearms licences.
Outlining best practices for unique situations to facilitate consistent application of firearms licensing legislation, policy and operating procedures.
Carrying out CFO policies, procedures and strategic priorities to effectively conduct investigations, analysis, prepare recommendations and provide information sessions.
Contributing to tracking, reporting and evaluation systems for the operational cycle as directed by the Regional Operations Manager.
At the request of the Regional Operations Manager, liaising, collaborating and participating on national working groups and committees in the development of standard operating procedures, policy guidelines and directives and by leading their implementation within Alberta.
Responding to general and complex inquiries related to the Canadian Firearms Program, including specific questions related to the decisions and roles of Firearms Officers.
Delivering and contributing to the development of public education programs to promote the understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Canadian Firearms Program and its objectives and goals.