Animal Protection Officer

POSITION:  Animal Protection Officer (APO)

STATUS:  Permanent;
Full-Time with benefits

SHIFT:  35 Hours per week - Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

LOCATION:

Kelowna, BC
-Roaming officer - required to travel to the north and south Okanagan to assist with files as well as assist with files in the Thompson and Kootenay Regions

CLASSIFICATION:  Exempt

WAGE:  Salaried

CLOSING DATE:  Open Until Filled

About the Position:
This position will ensure the prompt and effective investigation of animal cruelty complaints, enforce animal cruelty legislation, treat animals humanely, with compassion and concern in the Okanagan Region, and represent the BC SPCA in all matters relating to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This role is viewed as a roaming position; therefore, it requires that our selected APO will be available and willing to travel throughout the province for half of the year.

Primary

Key Responsibilities:

The APO is expected to carry out the full range of duties of an Animal Protection Officer relating to all Federal, and Provincial laws relevant to animals as may from time to time be agreed with those levels of government and to act at all times with good humor and compassion, portraying the image of the Society as an understanding body of individuals concerned with the welfare of each and every individual animal and with the feelings of the owners.

To act as an Animal Protection Officer as defined in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act

Conduct or cause to be conducted, investigations into complaints of cruelty to animals.

Shall ensure that all complaints are properly and promptly investigated and that all actions taken are recorded in sufficient detail

To protect the welfare of all animals and the safety of the public and enforce all federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations

To carry out cruelty investigations in an objective, effective and diplomatic manner.

To carry out inspections of any establishment where animals are kept for sale, hire or entertainment during the normal business hours of those establishments to determine if an animal is in distress

To respond to calls of both an emergency and non-emergency nature in an effective, efficient and caring manner.

To give due regard, in dealing with all animal related calls, to:

minimize the degree of suffering and reduce the chance of further injury to the animal, personal safety as well as the safety of the public

To respond to situations using knowledge of animal behaviour, animal handling techniques and proper use of rescue equipment

To respond promptly to such other calls as may be directed by the supervisor

To offer expertise to assist all statutory authorities as requested

Take custody of animals that are straying at large, abandoned or apparently ownerless

Prepare Notices of Disposition in accordance with the PCA Act and BC SPCA policies

Make decisions with respect to the determination of critical distress in accordance with the PCA Act

May authorize the euthanasia of an animal determined to be in critical distress

Investigate complaints to determine if an animal is in distress, and take whatever action necessary pursuant to the PCA Act to relieve that animal’s distress

Make application to the Justice of the Peace for and execute search warrants in accordance with the PCA Act, Offence Act and Criminal Code

Gather evidence to assist in the proving of elements of an offence pursuant to the PCA Act, Criminal Code and any other legislation or regulation pertaining to the prevention of cruelty to animals

Take any action necessary to ensure compliance with Federal or Provincial legislation or regulations pertaining to the keeping, care or prevention of cruelty to animals

Prepare Reports to Crown Counsel or other reports in the performance of their duties

Ensure all requested reports, including statistical reports, are submitted on time to the Manager of Cruelty Investigations

Liaise with other agencies and the public on matters pertaining to cruelty investigations.

Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required to be successful in this role:

** Must meet qualifications in order to be appointed as Animal Protection Officer*
* High school diploma or equivalent - Post-secondary education preferred

Minimum of nine (9) Justice Institute of BC courses as required by Police Service; or equivalent.

Introduction to Investigative Skills and Processes - INVE 1003

Report Writing for Professional Investigators - INVE 1005

Application for and Execution of Search…