Animal Control Officer I

at  The City of Vancouver

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Completion of the twelfth school grade supplemented by courses related to animal care and experience in enforcement & investigation.
• Related experience in by-law enforcement and investigation including experience working with and capturing animals.
• Experience in the care and handling of dogs and other animals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the by-laws, regulations, policies and procedures as it relates to the work performed.
• Considerable knowledge of the street addresses and geography of the City.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods and equipment used in handling and caring of vicious, stray, sick and/or maimed animals.
• Working knowledge of the City Animal Control By-law.
• Working knowledge of procedures for seizing animals.
• Working knowledge of the procedures for by-law enforcement.
• Ability to arrange and successfully carry out a simple work schedule.
• Ability to handle vicious and injured animals with a minimum of personal risk.
• Ability to drive a light truck.
• Skilled in manipulating the equipment used in handling vicious animals.
• Humane attitude towards animals.
• Ability to deal tactfully and responsibly with public complaints and inquiries.
• Ability to communicate effectively either orally or in writing.
• Ability to interpret and explain City By-law policies and regulations.
• Ability to promote and maintain harmonious relationships with Departmental staff, outside agencies and the business community.
• Ability to maintain detailed records on various aspects of the program.
• Ability to prepare and present evidence and to conduct oneself in a suitable manner in court.

MAIN PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

The Animal Control Officer I coordinates and performs a variety of animal control and compliance functions, including patrolling assigned areas; monitoring and enforcing animal control regulations; responding to animal control inquiries and complaints from the public; issuing citations and warnings; and performing all animal related public safety duties.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigate reports of animal nuisances, and potentially dangerous animals and communicate with and advise owners of loose animals.
• Patrol City streets, neighborhoods, and/or other designated areas in order to monitor, remove, transport, and locate stray, vicious, trapped, injured, and/or dead animals.
• Impound stray animals; photograph, and process impounded animals prior to kenneling; transport injured animals to veterinary hospitals for treatment.
• Assist law enforcement personnel and other agencies by taking animals into custody due to death, emergencies, arrests, and/or police investigations.
• Educate and provide the public with information regarding animal control laws, licensing requirements, owner responsibilities, and appropriate animal care and take enforcement action when necessary.
• Compile case evidence and prepare animal control cases for court.
• Safely defend the public from vicious or uncontrollable animals as necessary.
• Maintain and safeguard assigned equipment and supplies such as notebooks, computers, and animal control vehicles.
• Operate a computer and a two-way radio to maintain close communication with dispatching personnel and officers.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of animal control records, documentation, and reports.
• Provide courteous and professional customer service to those contacted in the course of work.
• Other related duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Candidates must attach the following records and satisfy the City’s driving requirements to be considered for this role:

• Copy of your five-year ICBC Commercial Driver’s Abstract (N Print) directly from ICBC dated within 30 days of this posting
• Copy of your five-year ICBC Driver’s Claims History directly from ICBC within 30 days of this posting
• If you have less than five years driving experience in BC, a request must be made for out of province/country abstract and claims histor