Animal Protection Officer 2

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 Protection Officer 2

STATUS:                    Permanent; Full-Time

SHIFT:                        35 hours per week / Various Shifts

LOCATION:                Surrey, BC - Anywhere covering the Lower Mainland Fraser Valley Region

CLASSIFICATION:    CUPE 1622    

WAGE:                        $ 29.57 per hour                                                        

CLOSING DATE:       Open Until Filled

We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices.  Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion by reading our Foundational Principles on our website.  We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission and principles. 

The BC SPCA is a dynamic organization with facilities and services across the province of BC. Join an expanding team in an exciting time of change in an organization that makes a difference! Please read below for additional details and let us know if you have the skills and experience we are looking for by submitting your application.

About the Position:

This position will ensure the prompt and effective investigation of complaints of animal cruelty, enforcing animal cruelty legislation, treating animals humanely, with compassion and concern in the designated region as well as represent the Society in all matters relating to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 

Some specific duties:

As an APO 2 you will be expected to act as a Special Provincial Constable as defined in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and carry out the full range of duties of an APO 2 relating to all Federal and Provincial laws relevant to animals. The successful candidate must be approved by the Ministry of the Attorney General for appointment as a Special Provincial Constable under the Police Act.

This position will protect the welfare of all animals, the safety of the public and enforce all federal and provincial laws and regulations. You will ensure that all complaints are properly and promptly investigated and that all actions taken are recorded in sufficient detail. You will carry out cruelty investigations in an objective, effective and diplomatic manner.

You will respond to calls of both an emergency and non-emergency nature in an effective, efficient and caring manner. You will respond to situations using your knowledge of animal behaviour, animal handling techniques and proper use of rescue equipment. You will also ensure all requested reports, including statistical reports, are submitted on time to the Regional Manager, Cruelty Investigations.

You are able to work with a wide variety of people, remain calm and professional in tense situations, and are passionate about animal welfare. You are an excellent communicator and have experience in conflict resolution.

Qualifications you need to have:

**Must meet qualifications in order to be appointed as Animal Protection Officer**

• Minimum Grade 12 education
• Post-secondary education (preferred)
• Minimum of six (6) Justice Institute courses; or equivalent.
  • Introduction to investigative skills and processes or Cruelty Investigators’ course;
  • Investigative interviewing;
  • Report writing;
  • Application and execution of search warrants;
  • Incident scene documentation;
  • Introduction to the Criminal Justice System which includes conflict; negotiation and medication skills.
• Must be a special Provincial Constable and maintain status.
• SPCA Special Constable training course
• SPCA Animal Protection Officer examination, consisting of two parts, one testing general knowledge of animal welfare and the other testing the officer’s practical abilities.
• SPCA Euthanasia course.
• Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations regarding animals, animal welfare and related activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada.
• Computer skills sufficient to deal effectively with necessary routines.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Superior communication and organizational skills are critical to this position.
• Ability to regularly travel throughout the assigned region and Province as necessary.

• Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract
• Criminal Record Check
• Animal Protection Services work is considered high-risk for potential psychological health and safety hazards. To ensure prospective employees are suited to reasonably handle the psychological demands involved in APS work, finalist candidates are required to complete a psychological assessment conducted by a 3rd party provider.

How to apply:

If you are interested in joining our team and are legally entitled to work in Canada, we would like to hear from you. Click on apply now or use the link to apply https://spca.bc.ca/about-us/careers/

We thank you for your interest in the BC SPCA, however; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls, please. 

The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001