Animal Service Officer

**Why join the Niagara SPCA team?**

The Niagara SPCA and Humane Society is Niagara’s animal charity.

Serving Niagara Region, the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society operates animal shelters in Niagara Falls, Welland and Port Colborne, providing shelter for homeless, injured and abandoned animals and adopting them to caring families. We also operate a Cat Adoption Centre as well as a Spay/Neuter Clinic in Welland, helping to solve pet overpopulation through prevention. Our mission is to deliver innovative programs and compassionate services that enhance the lives of pets in need, and the people who care for them. Our core values are teamwork, responsive solutions and compassionate service. Together, we enhance lives, inspire compassion and bring joy to pets and people.

**About the opportunity**:
As an Animal Services Officer, you will be responsible for ensuring the welfare of animals within the community while effectively communicating with the public and other stakeholders. This role requires strong communication skills to educate pet owners and address concerns regarding animal care and safety. You will also utilize your computer skills for record-keeping and reporting. In this role you will support the organization's mission to promote responsible pet ownership and enhance community awareness regarding animal welfare. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of animals and their owners.

**Hours of Work**:
Part time hours (approx. 24 hours, weekly) PLUS 2-3 on call shifts per week (on calls are attached to a shift worked). Every other weekend and holidays.

**Primary Duties**

This role will focus mainly on support for existing staff. Large focus on animal pick up, stray, sick or injured.
- Enforcement of laws (related bylaws and related Provincial Acts
- Animal pickups and deliveries
- Pickup and handling of stray and injured animals
- Sale of dog and cat license tags
- Park patrols, including coyote patrols
- Strong reporting and record keeping skills
- Court appearances
- Professional client service
- Ability to de-escalate and handle stressful situations
- Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Issuing of fines
- Other duties assigned by management
- Clean driving record (must provide proof)
- Animal (care and handling) background
- Has never been investigated for cruelty to animals
- Police clearance certificate (must provide proof)
- Ability to follow organizational policies
- Able to report for work on short notice
- Ability to work alone or as a team player is a must
- Physically capable of lifting animals of various sizes alone
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Computer knowledge is an asset
- Ability to work days, nights (on-call), weekends, holidays
- Reside within reasonable distance from the service areas due to
- Must have own transportation

**Qualifications**:

- Post-secondary education in a related discipline (i.e. Law enforcement, Corrections, Municipal by-law and/or Criminology)
- Post-secondary education (certification or diploma) in animal care from recognized institution.
- Experience working directly with animals.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Province of Ontario, Class “G” Driver’s License, required.
- An opportunity to make a difference in the lives of pets, people and communities.

The Niagara SPCA and Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 4 months

Pay: $24.26 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Discounted or free food

**Experience**:

- Enforcement: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-07-28