Animal Control Officer

**ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER** **Applicants who do not include a cover letter with their resume will not be considered.** This position entails a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities and is best suited to someone who has: - previous experience working with the public in a law enforcement capacity. - a high-level of personal integrity. - strong verbal and written communication skills. - experience working successfully in a team environment, but can also work independently without direct supervision (self-motivated). - ability to be firm, but can use discretion appropriately. - capacity to make own decisions based on clear-thinking and common sense. - excellent powers of observation used in conjunction with skilled investigation techniques (forensic interviews / evidence gathering / tactical communication). - good organizational skills and can complete accurate & detailed handwritten and typed reports in a timely manner. - experience in providing testimony and self-prosecuting tickets in court. - ability to interpret Bylaw regulations and provide detailed information & advice to the public concerning any animal related issue. - domestic animal experience with dogs, cats & other animals. - physical abilities to handle/walk/restrain large, unruly or vicious dogs. - a Certificate in Bylaw Enforcement & Investigative Skills (Level 1) from the Justice Institute of B.C. or possess similar or greater training or experience (e.g.: Police, Sheriff, Corrections, Border Services, Conservation, Insurance Investigator etc.). - experience managing persons who are emotional, uncooperative, abusive, disordered, intoxicated, violent. - ability to operate gasoline-powered equipment safely and efficiently. **EMPLOYMENT DETAILS** This position involves all aspects of Animal Control and occasional assistance in the daily operation of the Pound and Adoption Centre. Animal Control is specialized bylaw enforcement and largely is a low-level policing function. Approximately 95% of the work involves interacting with people and documenting those interactions; 5% of the work involves capturing and handling animals: dangerous animals, sick & injured animals, diseased and dead animals. Officers work to maintain community standards by: - investigating public complaints - patrolling public places to identify violations & make contact with the violator - educating animal-owners about their responsibilities - using discretion and taking action to bring about compliance Animal Control is a 7-day a week operation including most Statutory Holidays. Officers usually work 35 hours per week in a set 5-day schedule but variations will occur to satisfy operational needs. During spring and summer months Officers are occasionally required to start early (6:30 a.m.) or work late (9 p.m.). Officers are required to work Overtime whenever requested to do so and to be On-Call (usually a week at a time). When "On-Call," the Officer must accept the personal limitations of being On-Call and respond to call-outs at anytime of the day or night. Start Date: Immediately Probation Period: 6 months Wages: $41.30/hr + 4% vacation pay **MUST HAVE QUALIFICATIONS / ABILITIES** - Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent - Valid B.C. Driver’s Licence (no more than 3 points) - Clear criminal record - Bylaw Enforcement and Investigative Skills Level 1 from the Justice Institute of B.C. or possess similar or greater training or experience (e.g.: Reserve/Auxiliary Constable, Loss Prevention Officer, Youth Detention/Corrections Officer, Bylaw Officer, Cruelty Investigator, etc.). - Highly effective verbal communication skills (required for frequent public contact) - Must work independently and within a team environment - Ability to work under very high-stress situations - Ability to keep accurate notes and write detailed reports - Ability to interpret regulations and carry out enforcement tasks - A good understanding of investigation principals and prosecution procedures - A capacity for critical analysis of evolving situations - Not be intimidated by dogs or other animals - No incapacitating allergies to animals or environmental conditions - Availability to work evenings, weekends, after hours, Statutory Holidays - Strong computer skills (MS Office) - Familiar with WCB regulations and practices Officers are frequently exposed to vicious cats & dogs; occasionally exposed to snakes; large spiders; reptiles; rodents; bats; farm animals; birds; insects. Officers must handle deceased and decayed animals; sick and injured animals; abused and neglected animals. **DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / ABILITIES** - Post-secondary Diploma or Degree - Courses in: Mediation; Conflict Resolution; Tactical Communication; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention - Experience handling: dogs; cats; rodents; reptiles; snakes; birds; farm animals - Experience writing professional reports - Knowledge of: Section 49 of the Community Charter; Criminal Code of Canada; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act