Firearms Officer

at  Government of Saskatchewan

Firearms Officer - INV001386
Employment Type: Permanent Full-time
Location(s): SK-Stoon-Saskatoon
Ministry: 092 Firearms Secretariat
Salary Range: $37.740-$47.295 Hourly
Grade: SGEU.09.
The Saskatchewan Firearms Secretariat is hiring two (2) Firearms Officer positions in Saskatoon.
The Saskatchewan Firearms Secretariat’s mandate is to administer the Federal Firearms Act, and ensure safe and proper regulated licensing, transporting, and carrying of firearms within the province. The Firearms Officer (FO) will liaise with law enforcement, inter provincial governments, municipal and public agencies, businesses, and non-profits, as well as the public at large regarding firearm practices and protocols. FOs provide information and awareness through education, conduct inspections, and investigate all firearm related inquiries and concerns throughout the province.
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Firearms Officer, the Firearms Officer’s role focuses on firearms safety through assisting in administering the Firearms Act, policy compliance and enforcement, and conducting investigations. As an FO, you will be approachable and direct with outstanding communications skills (verbal and written) to influence, persuade, negotiate, and mediate varying circumstances. You will determine approval, refusal or revocation of firearms licenses, through an inclusive problem solving and holistic decision-making approach utilizing information and sound judgement, that adheres to the legislation, regulations, and acts, and you will respond to inquiries and identify potential risks to public safety.
The successful candidate will be required to be authorized to carry firearms and be able to pass the Provincial Firearms Standards approved by the Saskatchewan Police Commission, and be qualified to carry and use O.C. Spray, and extendable baton. Additionally, you may be required to undergo medical and physical testing (to demonstrate overall health and fitness) and will be required to undergo psychological testing, criminal record check, background checks, qualify for a heightened level of security clearance, possess a valid driver’s license, successfully complete a period of position-specific training including Use of Force and Risk Management, and work varied shifts with extended hours that include northern travel.
The incumbent will be appointed as a Special Constable pursuant to The Police Act, 1990.

To be successful in this position, you will have knowledge of the Firearms Act, Regulations, the Criminal Code of Canada, and have experience with courts, court processes and providing court testimony. Your exceptional interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills and non-judgmental demeanor will assist in providing information, promoting awareness and training and analyzing complex situations. You must have experience conducting thorough interviews, investigations, and inspections as well as:

• Developing and maintaining collaborative work relations (stakeholders, governments, law enforcement agencies, and communities);
• Delivering education and information sessions, promoting awareness, and assessing compliance;
• Conducting interviews with individuals and organizations;
• Conducting inspections of firearms businesses, shooting ranges and private dwellings;
• Determining safety, security and compliance standards and procedures are met (in storage and handling of firearms);
• Reviewing, analyzing, and making recommendations for alternative certification and prohibition orders;
• Approving, refusing, or revoking firearms licenses;
• Preparing and submitting legal documents (notices of refusal, revocation, court briefs, affidavits, and disclosure material); and
• Maintaining security and safety standards and procedures when accessing police, court, and other secure information databases (computer systems, databases, word documents).

Our candidate of choice will be accountable, results-orientated individuals that can meet multiple demands in a continuously changing environment. Your excellent interpersonal skills will assist in developing and maintaining professional relationships with third party agencies and individuals. Your experience and working knowledge in the following will support you in completing the FO duties:

• Firearm classifications, action types, safety, verification, operation and activities;
• Policies, Legislation, Acts and Regulations (Firearms Act, Criminal Code), and other statutes related to firearms;
• Experience handling, using, and identifying firearms;
• Conducting interviews, investigations and inspections;
• Knowledge of law, law enforcement, court procedures and legal processes, and court testimony;
• Conflict resolution and negotiation/ mediation techniques and practices;
• Multi-cultural perspectives, challenges, and opportunities (Indigenous); and
• Proficiency in working with various databases, systems, spreadsheets, and word documents.

Typically, the knowledge and skills required for this position would be obtained through a 2-year diploma course in Police Studies or Justice combined with experience in policing, investigations, interviewing, working with various specialized procedures and protocols related to firearms.

Conditions of employment must be met to commence in this position:

• Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) or Restricted Possession and Acquisition License (RPAL), current and valid;
• Successful completion of The Canadian Firearms Safety Course and/or Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course;
• Valid First Aid/CPR certificate;
• A current and valid driver’s license;
• Ability to obtain Special Constable status in Saskatchewan;
• Ability and Authorization to carry a firearm. (*Required to successfully complete the Provincial Firearms Qualification Standard, use of force training, OC Spray, and expandable baton training);
• Psychological assessment (*Requirement); and
• Obtain a heightened security clearance (RCMP enhanced reliability security clearance), criminal record check, and background checks.
• Due to the nature of this position the FO must be able to work in environments that may include exposure to unsettling and/or graphic material, travel, and work in remote locations, and working overtime /variable hours as needed, and be physically able to lift and carry up to and including 25 KG.

• Firearm classifications, action types, safety, verification, operation and activities;
• Policies, Legislation, Acts and Regulations (Firearms Act, Criminal Code), and other statutes related to firearms;
• Experience handling, using, and identifying firearms;
• Conducting interviews, investigations and inspections;
• Knowledge of law, law enforcement, court procedures and legal processes, and court testimony;
• Conflict resolution and negotiation/ mediation techniques and practices;
• Multi-cultural perspectives, challenges, and opportunities (Indigenous); and
• Proficiency in working with various databases, systems, spreadsheets, and word documents