Job Description

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 – APO2
STATUS: Permanent; Full-Time with benefits
SHIFT: 35 hours per week / Various Shifts
LOCATION: Anywhere covering the Lower Mainland Fraser Valley Region
CLASSIFICATION: CUPE 1622
WAGE: Hourly
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, vision and values.

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:

The main responsibility of this position is to investigate and report animal neglect and abuse. Adhering to BC SPCA operational policies and procedures, the incumbent(s) will enforce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada. Attend to outside calls may be consonant with the qualifications required of this position. The priorities may vary between locations and shifts.

Some specific duties:

Primary Key Responsibilities:
• Take custody of animals that are in distress, abandoned, injured or apparently ownerless.
• Prepare Notices of Disposition in accordance with the PCA Act.
• Required to 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 the animal’s distress.
• Inspect premises where animals are kept for sale, exhibit or hire to determine if an animal is in distress.
• Make application to a Judge or Judicial Justice 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 of prevention of cruelty to animals.
• Prepare a Report to Crown Counsel or other reports in the performance of their duties.
• To treat the animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and transmit these values to others both on and off the job.
• To provide animals under the APO’s control with proper diet and to ensure that they feed and water properly.
• To maintain a high level of standards in order to portray to the public the image of the SPCA as a compassionate and caring organization.
• To respond to related 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 technique and proper use of rescue equipment.
• To assist and/or perform the necessary humane euthanasia of any animal in order to ensure the procedure is handles in a respectful, compassionate and stress-free manner.
• To respond promptly to such other calls as may be directed
• To protect the welfare of all animals in regard to all federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations.
• To offer our expertise to assist all statutory authorities as requested.
• To operate, maintain and sanitize the SPCA’s vehicles and related equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
Secondary Key Responsibilities:
• To willingly help co-ordinate the supporting work of volunteers, in the spirit that we all work together for the benefit of all animals.
• To perform other duties, as required which are necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the Society.
• To collaborate with other Society personnel and volunteers thereby creating a positive and harmonious atmosphere, enhancing team performance.
• To provide support services in the field of animal husbandry as requested.
• To perform all of the above in a courteous, friendly way to clients, volunteers and other staff, to ensure the highest possible reputation for the Society and the maintenance of the goodwill of it community.

Qualifications you need to have:
• Minimum Grade 12 education
• 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 Warrants - INVE 1006
◦ Introduction to Criminal Law - INVE 1001
◦ Introduction to Administrative Law - INVE 1002
◦ Enhanced Investigative Interviewing- INVE 1004
◦ Testifying in Legal Proceedings/Hearings - INVE 1008
◦ Investigative File Case Management - INVE 1010
◦ Tactical Communications - options:
▪ Verbal Judo (offered by the C&E Secretariat)
▪ CRES-1717 De-escalating Hostility
▪ CRES-1100 Foundations of Collaborative Conflict Resolution

• 12 months to successfully complete the above courses paid by the BC SPCA
• Be or become a Special Provincial Constable and maintain status.
• 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.
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission and strategic directions of the BC SPCA

Benefits and RRSP:

• Full-time salaried position.
• Three weeks vacation, plus twelve sick days.
• Competitive extended health benefits (dental, vision, life insurance, LTD and AD&D) on the 1st of the 4th month of employment
• Employer RRSP contributions of 7% on the 1st of the 4th month of employment
• Eligible for JIBC professional courses paid for by the BC SPCA
• Positive work-place culture of collaboration, innovation and respect.

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