Animal Services Officer, Full-time Permanent

Under the direction of the Animal Services Manager, the Animal Services Officer is responsible for responding to requests for animal services; enforcing municipal and provincial legislation with the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa; providing detailed reports; and resolving matters through education and enforcement. The Animal Services Officer will be required to provide exceptional customer service in a fast-paced, high call-volume environment under diverse and sometimes challenging circumstances and represent the Guelph Humane Society in a professional manner at all times, through demonstrating a positive attitude, fostering good community relations, and supporting the overall mission and values of the Guelph Humane Society

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

- Interact with clients, community members, staff, and volunteers with diplomacy and professionalism
- Conduct field inspections and investigations, resolving by-law matters through education and enforcement, to ensure compliance with municipal and provincial legislation pertaining to the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa and in accordance with the Provincial Offences Act
- Advise the public on animal services by-laws in the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa
- Respond to requests for service from the public and intake stray, injured, orphaned, or deceased animals
- Conduct proactive enforcement, including patrols of city parks, trails, and general public spaces
- Safely and humanely handle fractious and/or injured animals, including cats, dogs, small animals, and wildlife
- Attend court appearances and give evidence on behalf of the municipality regarding animal services matters
- Promote, enforce and sell City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa’s dog licences
- Interact with all animals safely, respectfully, compassionately, and in a manner that minimizes stress using modern, commonly accepted practices
- Record, monitor, and regularly update lost and found animal reports
- Maintain detailed daily records of activities, adhering to GHS policies and procedures
- Assist with compilation of monthly statistics of animal services activities for the department
- Work with other staff and volunteers to achieve a clean and organized facility, with strict adherence to infection control protocols
- Provide accurate, knowledgeable, and friendly service to the public
- Follow GHS policies and protocols for handling dangerous and/or infectious animals
- Participate in outreach activities within the community to provide education and public relations
- Maintain a high level of communication with all other staff and volunteers
- Treat other staff, volunteers, and members of the public with courtesy and respect
- Immediately report all incidents of injury, property damage, absence of or failure of a protective device and/or equipment
- Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations Participate in an organizational culture that contributes to the overall safety of staff, particularly as it relates to officer safety
- Embrace and consistently enact organizational values of respect, caring, integrity and partnership, supported by being authentic and accountable to yourself and your team
- Complete other duties as assigned

**KEY QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Post-secondary education in a related discipline (e.g. Animal Sciences, Animal Care, Law & Security)
- Related experience in animal care and/or law enforcement is an asset.
- Valid Ontario Driver’s License (full Class G) with clean Driver’s Abstract; Clear Police Clearance Certificate
- Knowledge of the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa would be an asset
- Knowledge of relevant court procedures, regulations, and legislation pertaining to animals (Municipal bylaws, Dog Owners Liability Act, etc.)
- Protective rabies titre an asset (or willingness to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations to obtain protective titre)
- Strong time management skills; ability to meet deadlines, re-prioritize competing demands, work with frequent interruptions
- Excellent organizational skills; Demonstrated critical thinking, discretion, tact, and diplomacy
- Knowledge of domestic animal breeds and wildlife (native and non-native species), including demonstrated understanding of proper care, handling, and husbandry
- Demonstrated knowledge of disease transmission, bio-security, and proper sanitation protocols;
- Ability to maintain professional composure and multitask in a high-paced, reactive environment Strong computer literacy (Microsoft Office - Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and able to effectively utilize shelter management software. Knowledge of PetPoint is an asset
- Demonstrated excellence in customer service and public relations skills, with the ability to handle difficult clients and high-