Animal Welfare Officer

If you are up for the challenge and would like to be considered for this position, we would like to hear from you. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is looking to fill the following career opportunity:

POSITION: Animal Welfare Officer
STATUS: Temporary; Full-Time (potential to become permanent after 1 year pending completion of requirements)
SHIFT: 35 Hours per week- extensive and overnight travel, often at little to no notice, will be required- Travels 50% of the time
LOCATION: Prince George (North Cariboo), BC - Covering the Northern Region
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
WAGE: Salaried
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices. We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission and principles.

About the Position:
Reporting to the Regional Manager, Cruelty Investigations, this position responds to concerns and complaints of animal cruelty within the assigned geographic area. This includes conducting investigations in accordance with federal, provincial and municipal legislation and following BC SPCA policies, protocols, regulations and guidelines.

Some specific duties:

• Conduct, or cause to be conducted, investigations into complaints of animal cruelty. This includes but is not limited to:
• Attending to all complaints following legislative requirements and BC SPCA policies, protocols, regulations, and guidelines;
• Responding to situations using knowledge of animal behaviour, animal handling techniques and proper use of rescue equipment to minimize the degree of suffering;
• Taking all necessary precautions to ensure personal and public safety;
• Ensuring complaints are promptly and properly investigated;
• Determining if an animal is in critical distress and taking action necessary pursuant to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act to relieve that animal’s distress, including authorizing euthanasia;
• Gathering evidence of an offence pursuant to the PCA Act, Criminal Code, and any other legislation or regulation pertaining to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
• Recording all actions taken in the appropriate software systems;
• Ensuring that all records and statistics are kept in conformance with BC SPCA and Branch policies, and provide such records and/or reports in a timely manner upon request;
• Conducting 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;
• Offering expertise to assist all statutory authorities as requested;
• Taking custody of animals that are at large and in distress, abandoned or apparently ownerless;
• Preparing notices of disposition in accordance with the PCA Act and BC SPCA policies;
• Assisting the Regional Manager, Cruelty Investigations with applications to the Justice of the Peace for search warrants in accordance with the PCA Act, Offence Act, and Criminal as required;
• Taking any action necessary to ensure compliance with Federal or Provincial legislation or regulations pertaining to the keeping, care or prevention of cruelty to animals;
• Acting as an ambassador of the BC SPCA and ensuring customer and community relations are consistently professional and positive;
• Working collaboratively with other staff and volunteers, supporting and implementing BC SPCA provincial initiatives, and adhering to BC SPCA policies and procedures;
• Following all requirements regarding health and safety;
• Assisting in local and provincial fund-raising initiatives, as required;
• Performing other duties as required.

Qualifications you need to have:

• Must be 19 years of age or older;
• Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract;
• Post-secondary education in a related field or a combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer;
• Completion of applicable courses at the Justice Institute of BC (or similar) are considered an asset;
• Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute plus effectively use computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and databases;
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations regarding animals, animal welfare, and related activities;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Superior communication and organizational skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations and diffuse conflict;
• Ability to explain complex concepts to those who are not subject matter experts;
• Clear criminal record check;
• Ability to attend training and qualify as a Special Provincial Constable within one year;
• Animal Protection Services work is considered high-risk for potential psychological health and safety hazards. To ensure prospective employees are suited to reasonably handle the psychological demands involved in APS work, finalist candidates are required to complete a psychological assessment conducted by a 3rd party provider.

How to apply:
If you are interested in joining our team and are legally entitled to work in Canada, we would like to hear from you. Click on apply now or use the link to apply here.

We thank you for your interest in the BC SPCA, however; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.

The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001