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: - 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 (must be self-motivated) - previous experience working with the public in an enforcement / security capacity - an ability to be firm, but can use discretion appropriately - a capacity to make own decisions based on clear-thinking and common sense. - experience managing persons who are emotional, unstable, uncooperative, abusive, intoxicated, violent - superior powers of observation used in conjunction with skilled investigation techniques (interviews / evidence gathering / tactical communication) - good organizational skills: can complete accurate & detailed hand-written notes and typed-reports in a timely manner - domestic animal experience with: dogs, cats & other animals. Officers must be physically capable & competent to handle/walk/restrain large, unruly or vicious dogs - an ability to interpret Bylaw regulations and retain & provide detailed information & advice to the public concerning animal-related issues - a Certificate in Bylaw Enforcement & Investigative Skills (Level 1) _**or**_ possess similar or greater training or practice (e.g.: Police, Sheriff, Corrections, Customs, Conservation, Insurance Investigator, Security Guard, etc.) **EMPLOYMENT DETAILS** This position involves all aspects of Animal Control including the daily operation of the Pound and Adoption Centre. Animal Control is: specialized Bylaw Enforcement. Approximately 95% of the work involves interacting with people and documenting those interactions; 5% of the work involves capturing and handling animals (domestic & wild). Officers work to maintain community standards by: - investigating public complaints - patrolling public places to identify violations & face-to-face contact with violators - educating animal-owners about their responsibilities - taking action to bring about compliance including use of punitive consequences Animal Control is a 7-day a week operation including many Statutory Holidays. - **Officers work 40 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 (7:00 a.m.) or work late (9:00 p.m.). Officers are required to work Overtime whenever required to do so and to be On-Call (rotating schedule). 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: ASAP Probation: 6 months **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 & Investigative Skills Level 1 from the Justice Institute of B.C. **or** possess similar or greater training or experience - Availability to work: Evenings, Weekends, Call-outs, Statutory Holidays - Must interpret regulations and carry out enforcement tasks - Must have superior verbal & written communication skills - Must work independently and within a team environment - Must be able to work accurately & communicate effectively under very high-stress situations - Must keep accurate notes and write detailed reports - Must be diligent and carry out thorough investigations & lawfully obtain evidence for prosecution purposes - Must be able to analyze evolving situations and use discretion appropriately - Must not be intimidated by dogs, cats or other animals - Must not have incapacitating allergies to animals or environmental conditions Officers are frequently exposed to vicious dogs & cats; occasionally exposed to snakes; reptiles; rodents; bats; farm animals; birds; large spiders & other 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, wild animals - Experience in court; providing testimony and self-prosecuting tickets - Knowledge of: S.16 & S49 of the Community Charter; Criminal Code of Canada; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act - Certification(s): Defense & Control Tactics; ASP; O.C. - Firearms Licence / Canadian Firearms Safety Course **PHYSICAL FITNESS** Officers will be required to: give foot chase to catch animals; climb fences; climb ladders; go on to roof tops; crawl into confined spaces; move objects & furniture; lift, carry, push/pull objects up to 100 pounds; walk on any type of ir