Major Case Investigator

Are you an experienced investigator with a background in enforcement? Are you results-oriented and mission-driven in approach? Animal Welfare Services at the Ministry of the Solicitor General is seeking professional, dedicated and experienced individuals across Ontario to conduct complex investigations in response to animal welfare complaints, including the most egregious alleged contraventions of the Provincial Animals Welfare Services (PAWS Act). **Note**: - These positions require irregular hours with potential for overtime with mínimal or no notice (including mornings, afternoons, and evenings), as well as rotational after hours standby to provide support to police services. This is non-negotiable. - There will be requirements for extensive and extended travel (sometimes on short notice) throughout the province, including remote areas. **Animal Welfare Service Regions**: **Greater Toronto Area (GTA)**: Mississauga, Whitby, Niagara Falls **Central**: Bracebridge, Peterborough, Barrie **East**: Kingston, Ottawa, Cornwall **West**: Sarnia, London, Owen Sound **North**: Sudbury, North Bay, South Porcupine **OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism**: We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace. Visit the **OPS Anti-Racism Policy** and the **OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint** pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service. We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's **Human Rights Code**. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation. **What can I expect to do in this role?**: - Plan and conduct major investigations and review complaints surrounding the welfare of animals in accordance with the PAWS Act, including cases that require multiple follow-ups stretching over weeks and months, involving large numbers of animals, coordination between multiple partners and service providers, and several investigations happening concurrently. - Coordinate and conduct compliance and enforcement activities of commercial and residential owners of animals under provincial and federal animal welfare statutes and regulations. - Support the development of the Major Investigation Management (MIM) unit through the development of tools and processes that will establish a strong investigative unit responsible for complex, high-profile cases. - Enforce the PAWS Act, develop warrants, lay charges. - Handle highly sensitive, urgent issues pertaining to the welfare of animals on short notice with a diverse set of stakeholders. - Provide guidance, leadership and advice to Animal Welfare Inspectors, Senior Investigators and management on complex investigations, and assist with routine service calls in your respective region and neighboring regions. - Prepare reports, correspondence and case files for investigations and inspections. - Provide testimony in court proceedings. **The work environment of a Major Case Investigator**: - The position is very demanding psychologically with a requirement of managing people who may have difficult and aggressive personalities and/or people who may struggle with mental health. - The position requires assessing, touching, lifting, and approaching a wide variety of animals including but not limited to dogs, cats, horses, cattle, swine, sheep, exotics, primates, marine mammals, etc. The position can at times be very physically demanding. - The position can involve being exposed to multiple chemicals, biological and environmental hazards while on the job. This includes working in environments where there is a presence of strong odors, feces, dead animals, blood, loud noise, cold/hot/inclement weather, etc. - Animal Welfare Services (AWS) defines major cases as egregious alleged contraventions of the PAWS Act (e.g., dogfighting, cross border animal trade, and acts of animal cruelty), cases of investigative complexity (e.g., multiple concurrent inspections, multiple leads, witnesses, information and/or data), and special and or complex cases based on severity, scope, profile, for example cases involving significant media coverage, high number of animals, and/or resource-intensive animals (e.g., due to size, needs, or safety risks). **How do I qualify?**: **Mandatory**: - to obtain and maintain Provincial Security Clearance, Provincial Offences Officer and Peace Officer Status. - to Pass the Regulatory Compliance Training, Personal Safety Training and Animal Welfare Training Programs (provided on the job). - to complete Major Investigation Management (MIM) training (provided on the job). - to wear a uniform and carry personal safety equipment (baton, handcuffs and OC spray). - to work extended