Regional Manager, Animal Protection Services

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:                 Regional Manager, Animal Protection Services

STATUS:                    Permanent; Full-time

SHIFT:                        35 Hours per week

LOCATION:                Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, BC

CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt           

WAGE:                        Salaried                      

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 people-focused 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:

The Regional Manager, Animal Protection Services is accountable for overseeing cruelty investigation activity in the assigned area.  In addition to ensuring the prompt and effective investigation of complaints of animal cruelty by direct reports, this leadership position provides on-going training, direction, coaching, and recognition to their direct reports. Collaborates with relevant provincial departments to provide assistance to branches in matters related to cruelty investigations, advocacy and humane education in order to meet goals and objectives congruent with the strategic plan and the mission of the BC SPCA. The Regional Manager, Animal Protection Services also represents the BC SPCA in all matters relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals in the assigned area.

While the core duties of the position remain constant, there may be some regional variations as assigned by the Senior Director, Animal Protection Services.

Primary Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Administration:

• Responsible for leading an assigned team of cruelty investigations staff including: recruitment, onboarding/orientation, scheduling, providing ongoing coaching and guidance, facilitating training and development, delivering recognition, and managing performance.
  • If in a unionized area, this also includes application of the collective agreement, participating in the resolution of grievances, and preparation for collective bargaining as required.
• Develops annual strategic and operational goals for the region that are consistent and flow from the Strategic Plan; works with direct reports to set individual goals and conducts performance reviews.
• Acts a direct liaison between APS, branches and all provincial departments to support and strengthen the success of provincial and local initiatives, goals and strategic plans through regular two-way dialogue
• Tracks and reports on the successful implementation and maintenance of standard operating policies/procedures and related programs in assigned region and takes immediate steps to address any challenges to implementation or maintenance of these policies, procedures and programs
• Responsible for recruitment and selection of Animal Protection Officers (APOs) with recruitment of staff and volunteers through participation in interviews and location orientations as needed
• Ensures that safe work practices as outlined in the BC SPCA Health & Safety Program and applicable laws/regulations are implemented to protect staff, volunteers and animals from preventable injury and/or illness.
• Assists in the development of cruelty investigator training standards and in establishing standards of investigation for the BC SPCA; provides the training and examination for all cruelty investigators in the region and ensures completion of training is recorded.
• Works with the Senior Director, Animal Protection Services to develop an annual budget and regularly monitors for compliance within the approved budget.
• Analyzes performance in relation to key performance indicators and provides feedback, guidance, training and encouragement in order to positively impact results
• Assists in the implementation of high customer service standards, monitors overall customer satisfaction in region and appropriately addresses customer questions and complaints as needed
• Creates and provides reports, as required.
• Models appropriate behaviour to direct reports and other BC SPCA employees.
• Ensures that direct reports:

• act as a Special Provincial Constables as defined in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and as described by the BC SPCA Special Provincial Constable/Animal Protection Officer job description.
• Follow all legal requirements and BC SPCA policies and procedures in conducting any activity related to cruelty investigations.
• Gather evidence and prepare legal documentation including, but not limited to: Notice of Disposition, applications to the Justice of the Peace including Information to Obtain Search Warrants and Search Warrant, reports to Crown Counsel,
• Execute search warrants in accordance with all BC SPCA Policies and Procedures.
• authorize the euthanasia of an animal determined to be in critical distress.

• Collaborates with Regional Manager, Animal Centre Managers or other members of the Animal Care Services (ACS) department to identify and respond to assigned community needs, ensuring excellent relations and promotion of the BC SPCA’s mission in the community. Attends events as required.
• Assists in, and sometimes leads, the development and delivery of training to Animal Care Services (ACS) department and other departments regarding matters related to cruelty.
• Develops positive media relations and contacts for regional issues.  Utilizes opportunities provided by the BC SPCA for media contact as well as keeps the Community Relations department updated on matters that could result in direct media contacts.
• Liaise with other agencies and the public on matters pertaining to cruelty investigations; offers expertise to assist statutory authorities, local governments, and First Nations as required.
• Liaise with statutory authorities, local governments, and First Nations other agencies and the public on matters pertaining to Disaster response 

Special Projects:

• Participates in and/or leads special projects as assigned by the Senior Director, Animal Protection Services (e.g. developing/delivering training to internal/external stakeholders, participating in emergency response efforts, etc.)
• Represents the Protection and Outreach Services department, and in some cases the BC SPCA as a whole, on internal/external committees and task forces as requested and approved.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications you need to have:

• Post-secondary diploma/degree with enforcement vocational training (e.g. Justice Institute, RCMP/police training) and management/business training preferred (or equivalent.) A minimum 8 years’ related experience including experience in a managerial/supervisory role.
• Either appointed as or eligible to be appointed as a Special Provincial Constable or equivalent knowledge, skills or abilities.
• Proven visionary leader with the ability to inspire people to achieve great things.
• Demonstrated ability to organize work, meet priorities and to work within a demanding work schedules with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with respectfully with a diverse group of internal and external parties at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage a budget and meet financial targets.
• Ability to successful deal with conflict; demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills.
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
• Ability to regularly travel throughout the assigned region and Province as necessary.  Must have a valid Class 5 BC Drivers’ License.
• Must have a genuine compassion for animals and knowledge of the Five Freedoms and related animal welfare standards.
• Computer skills – Windows, MS Office incl. PowerPoint and Excel.
• Willing to undergo a Criminal Record Check.
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission, values and strategic directions of the BC SPCA.

How to apply:

If you are up for the challenge and would like to join the Protection Services Team, we would like to hear from you. The successful candidate will be legally entitled to work in Canada and required to undergo a criminal record check as a condition of employment and provide a current driver’s abstract.  To apply click on the link to submit your resume and cover letter together as one document:  http://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