Animal Protection Officer 2

POSITION: Animal Protection Officer 2 – APO2
STATUS: Permanent; Full-Time with benefits
SHIFT: 35 hours per week / Various Shifts
LOCATION: Vancouver, BC - including significant work in the Downtown Eastside.
CLASSIFICATION: CUPE 1622
WAGE: Hourly
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

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 matching of up to 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.