Animal Protection and Control Officer

Animal Protection and Control Officer As the Animal Protection and Control Officer (APCO), you will be an essential part of our mandate to protect the welfare of domestic animals and promote community safety. Your responsibilities will include enforcement of the Animal Protection and Control Act (APCA), which lays out requirements for animal care and control in the Territory. Job Summary and Requirements You will use your investigative skills, law‑enforcement experience, and knowledge of animal behaviour and care to resolve complaints, ensure compliance with legislation, and build strong relationships with the public and enforcement partners. As the APCO, your primary responsibilities involve enforcement of the APCA and supporting the Conservation Officer Services Branch through enforcement of resource legislation as needed. You’ll act as a professional representative of the Department, promoting compassion, safety, and accountability across the territory. Essential Qualifications Post‑secondary diploma or degree in a relevant field such as Conservation or Environmental Protection, Criminal Justice, Animal Health or Behaviour, or other related programs. Experience in law enforcement, animal control or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on promoting compliance while carrying out enforcement responsibilities. Experience engaging with the public to resolve complaints and provide education, preferably related to animal welfare, safety, control or legislation. Asset Qualifications Experience handling a diverse range of animals in a professional or institutional setting—including aggressive or distressed animals, using safe and humane techniques. Experience conducting investigations and laying charges, issuing tickets, collecting evidence, applying for warrants, and attending court as a witness. Knowledge, Skills and Suitability Conflict resolution skills: demonstrates the ability to recognize, address, and de‑escalate conflict through effective communication and problem‑solving strategies in a respectful and inclusive manner. Initiative: demonstrates a proactive approach by identifying needs and taking appropriate action without requiring direction; seeks opportunities to improve outcomes in the field and workplace. Cultural aptitude: applies cultural sensitivity when working with people of diverse backgrounds. Effective written and verbal communication: demonstrates professionalism when interacting with the public, coworkers, and enforcement partners; maintains calm, respectful dialogue in high‑pressure situations. Problem solving: applies sound judgment and investigative techniques to resolve complex issues in the field independently and lawfully. Current research & investigation skills: effectively gathers and analyzes evidence to support enforcement actions and investigations. Animal handling & welfare: demonstrates confidence and empathy when working with animals, including those that may be fearful or aggressive; applies humane handling practices and exercises sound judgment when difficult decisions, including euthanasia, are required to protect animal welfare and public safety. Application Requirements Do not provide a cover letter for this requisition. It will not be reviewed. Please keep your resume to a maximum of 2000 words. Applicants must demonstrate applied knowledge of relevant legislation, investigative techniques, and court procedures, supported by formal training (e.g., Justice Institute of BC or equivalent). Please include specific coursework or certifications that relate to animal control or regulatory enforcement in your resume. Additional Information: Conditions of Employment Medical clearance Security clearance (RCMP) Successful completion of a psychological assessment Valid Class 5 Yukon driver’s licence (or equivalent) Valid first‑aid/CPR certificate (or obtained within three months) Firearms possession and acquisition licence (or obtained within six months) Trained, certified and qualified to carry a service pistol, including handling and storage of firearms (obtained within one year) Successful completion of Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy or equivalent. This is a 4‑month program where the successful candidate will reside at the academy for that time. The location of the academy varies but is always out of territory and has recently been held in Alberta (obtained within one year). Declaration of any convictions under the Criminal Code of Canada for which an official pardon has not been received, as well as any convictions under the following acts: Animal Protection and Control Act, Area Development Act, Environment Act, Fisheries Act, Forest Protection Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Parks and Land Certainty Act, Pounds Act, WAPPRIITA Act, Waters Act, Wilderness Tourism Licensing Act and Wildlife Act including convictions under similar legislation in other jurisdictions. Job Requirements Travel throughout the territory in various weather conditions May include some irregular work on evenings and weekends Working independently in remote locations Wear and maintain a uniform and duty belt provided by the department Obtain and maintain certification and training standards (e.g. defensive tactics, use of firearms, chemical immobilization) The incumbent may need to lift or move heavy objects up to 500 lbs The incumbent must be able to dispatch an animal determined to be in critical distress in field, utilizing humane methods under the advice and support of a veterinarian. About the Process After you submit your application, it will be included in the pool of applications for this competition. Once the posting closes, the hiring panel will review all applications and agree on a screened selection based solely on the information provided in each application. AI, large language models, and automated screening tools are not used at any stage of the competition. Following the screening, all applicants will be notified of the outcome and advised if they will advance to the next stage of the competition. Applicants can expect to receive notification within two weeks of the closing date indicated at the bottom of the posting. For more information about the application process and free resources to help with writing your resume, visit the Yukon Government page. For more information about the position, contact Jimmy Kennedy (He/Him), Animal Protection and Control Program Manager at Jimmy.Kennedy@yukon.ca. For more information about the process, contact Rodney Hatcher (He/They), HR Consultant at Rodney.Hatcher@yukon.ca. Why Joining Us is a Great Idea Yukon government has been recognized as a Top 100 Canadian Employer since 2014. We support balancing personal and professional needs through comprehensive benefits, the ability to build your professional skills through learning and developmental opportunities, and flexible work and leave options. There’s no best way to tell you why Yukon is an amazing place to live and work, but you can see some of what our territory has to offer. Working at the Yukon Government Explore Whitehorse Travel Yukon Eligibility List 12 months Seniority level Associate Employment type Full‑time Job function Other, Information Technology, and Management Industries Government Administration Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Government of Yukon by 2x. #J-18808-Ljbffr