Animal Control Officer

POSITION: Animal Control Officer

STATUS: Temporary;
Full-Time - until Dec. 1, 2026.

SHIFT: 35 hours per week

LOCATION: Dawson Creek, BC

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

WAGE: Hourly

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

The Animal Control Officer (ACO) is primarily responsible for enforcing municipal bylaws as per the municipal contracts in the assigned area. The ACO is to ensure public (people and animal) safety and improve the welfare of animals through education of BC SPCA animal management best practices and protocols. In addition, this position also gives support to other team members as required.

These priorities may vary between locations and shifts.

General Responsibilities:

• 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.
  • 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;
  • Transporting animals to and/or from BC SPCA locations;
  • Operating, maintaining, and sanitizing 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.
• 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.
  • Regularly participates in meetings with other members of the staff to share ideas and increase productivity
  • When required, assists other BC SPCA staff in their duties, as assigned
• 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.

• Investigates and resolves animal bylaw-related complaints as per municipal contract(s) and in keeping with BC SPCA policy/procedure/standards.
  • All complaints related to nuisance animals (e.g. noise, animals at large, and dogs not leashed) as applicable to the contract;
  • Complaints of animals that pose a threat to the safety of the public – ensuring the appropriate investigations are completed as per best practice and in adherence to your legal authority;
  • Ensure safe capture, containment, and transport of animals (including dangerous animals) as required;
  • Reports of animals in distress (e.g. dogs in hot cars) – conducting investigation, collecting information/evidence, and forwarding when necessary to a Provincial Constable, or RCMP if required;
  • Issuing bylaw warning notices, bylaw infraction tickets for offences, notices to comply, court orders, and requests for warrants as required; follow up to ensure compliance;
  • Give evidence in court related to prosecutions for bylaw violations; swears information, services summons and subpoenas; and
  • Exercise some discretion in enforcing the bylaw regulations and make field decisions as to the disposition…