Animal Control Officer

If you are up for the challenge and would like to be considered for this position, we would like to hear from you. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is looking to fill the following career opportunity:
**POSITION**: Animal Control Officer 1 - ACO1
**STATUS**: On-Call; Casual
**SHIFT**: Various Shifts -Weekends and Holidays
**LOCATION**: Port Alberni, BC
**CLASSIFICATION**: Exempt
**WAGE**: $28.00 per hour
**CLOSING DATE**: Open Until Filled
**About the Position**:
Reporting to the Manager, Municipal Animal Services, the Animal Control Officer 1 (ACO1) is responsible for attending to regular patrols and assigned calls outside the Animal Centre. Work outside the Animal Centre will require administering/educating on municipal by-laws and BC SPCA animal health and welfare best practices/protocols. In addition, this position also gives support to other team members as required. These priorities may vary between locations and shifts.
You treat the animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and transmit these values to others both on and off the job. You are a level-headed team player who is calm under pressure and passionate about animal welfare. You are an excellent communicator and have experience in conflict resolution.
**Some specific duties**:

- Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and upholding these values both on and off the job. Following BC SPCA standards, policies, and protocols at all times to ensure animal health and welfare. This includes, but is not limited to:

- Using low stress animal handling techniques;
- Using Fear Free practices;
- Observing and reporting on animals’ mental and physical health and welfare;
- Administering medications as specified by authorized BC SPCA staff and community veterinarians if required;
- Transporting animals to and/or from the Animal Centre;
- Operate, maintain, and sanitize the BC SPCA’s vehicle and related equipment safely and efficiently; and
- Providing support services in the area of animal husbandry as required.
- Provides exceptional customer service to internal stakeholders and the public.
- Models appropriate care and concern for animals and humans alike and representing the BC SPCA in a professional way;
- Ensures complaints from the public are handled thoughtfully and when needs are outside of our responsibility, are transferred to the appropriate authority as expeditiously as possible; and
- Ensures inquiries/requests from internal and external stakeholders are addressed in an effective, efficient, and caring manner.
- Assists with training and mentoring of other staff as needed.
- Provides guidance and direction to volunteers as requested.
- Assists colleagues when they are in need, including being proactive in identifying ways to collaborate with them to meet or exceed operational requirements.
- Regular participation in meetings with other members of the staff to share ideas and increase productivity
- When required, assisting shelter staff in their duties
- Ensures that safe work practices are implemented as per the BC SPCA Health and Safety protocols and are being carried out to protect staff, volunteers and animals from injury and/or illness
- Other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications you need to have**:

- Grade 12 education, completion of Bylaw Level 1, and 1-2 years’ related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer. Related experience includes, but is not limited to:

- Working hands-on with animals in a veterinary clinic, animal care facility, animal control setting, or other care/training facility;
- Managing and diffusing conflict; and
- Record-keeping
- Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract
- Philosophical alignment with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare and a keen interest in all aspects animal welfare
- Physical ability to lift, pull, and push heavy objects as well as handle aggressive animals
- Sound knowledge of animals, their breeds, characteristics and more common diseases
- Ability to work co-operatively as a team player and demonstrate well-developed interpersonal skills
- Basic computer skills sufficient to deal effectively with the necessary front office routines
- Familiar with working in a union environment
- Ability to prioritize demands on time and work with limited supervision
- Criminal Record Check

**How to apply**:
The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001