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 (APO)
STATUS: Permanent; Full-time
SHIFT: 35 Hours per week
LOCATION: Prince George (North Cariboo), BC - Covering the Northern Region-extensive and overnight travel, often at little to no notice, will be required- Travels 50% of the time
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.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU NEED TO HAVE:

• 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 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 - INVE 1012
• Be or become a Special Provincial Constable and maintain status.
• Law enforcement experience is an asset
• Genuine compassion for animals and sound knowledge of the Five Freedoms and related animal welfare standards
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations
• Proficiency in animal husbandry and handling
• Demonstrated ability to organize work, meet priorities and work within a demanding work schedule with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with internal and external stakeholders at all levels in a positive manner
• Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills
• Strong customer service, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Position is physically demanding and includes heavy lifting, pushing and pulling which requires an individual with the ability to maintain a level of fitness and endurance to fulfill the required duties
• Excellent Computer skills; proficient in Excel, Word & Outlook
• Ability to regularly travel throughout the assigned region and Province as necessary.
• Valid BC Class N or 5 driver’s 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

• 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.