Animal Control Officer

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.

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 Control Officer

STATUS: Temporary; Part-time

SHIFT: 20 Hours per week - Various Shifts

LOCATION: Castlegar, BC

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

WAGE: Hourly

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

About the Position

The Animal Control Officer (ACO) is primarily responsible for enforcing municipal bylaws as per the municipal contracts in the assigned area. The ACO is to ensure public (people and animal) safety and improve the welfare of animals through education of BC SPCA animal management best practices and protocols. In addition, this position also gives support to other team members as required. These priorities may vary between locations and shifts.

Some specific duties: General Responsibilities

• Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and upholding these values both on and off the job. Following BC SPCA standards, policies, and protocols at all times to ensure animal health and welfare.
• Provides exceptional customer service to internal stakeholders and the public.
• Assists with training and mentoring of other staff.
• Provides guidance and direction to volunteers as requested.
• Assists colleagues when they are in need, including being proactive in identifying ways to collaborate with them to meet or exceed operational requirements.
• Ensures that safe work practices are implemented as per the BC SPCA Health and Safety protocols and are being carried out to protect staff, volunteers and animals from injury and/or illness
• Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities in the Field include

• Investigates and resolves animal bylaw-related complaints as per municipal contract(s) and in keeping with BC SPCA policy/procedure/standards.

Conducts routine patrols of assigned areas (e.g. parks).

• Issues dog licenses to members of the public, collects payment and issues receipt.
• Completes animal transport duties
• Ensures all records related to any and all of the above duties are kept up to date, including documenting pertinent information, completing required forms and reports, including those that may be used in the prosecution of offences.
• Works collaboratively with other stakeholders such as government representatives, police, special provincial constables, and other enforcement agencies to ensure animal welfare and public safety in the community.
• Responds to other calls and completing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications you need to have

• Grade 12 education,
• Completion of Bylaw Level 1, completion of Langara College Animal Control Course and 1-2 years’ related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer. Related experience includes, but is not limited to:
• Working hands-on with animals in a veterinary clinic, animal care facility, animal control setting, or other care/training facility;
• Managing and diffusing conflict; and
• Record-keeping
• Valid BC class 5 driver’s license in good standing and driver’s abstract
• Ability to reduce risk by making decisions in the field that ensure public and personal safety
• Ability to multi-task various priority tasks
• Ability to prepare and present evidence and to conduce oneself professionally in court
• Knowledge of the care and handling of animals; able to successfully manipulate the equipment used in animal handling
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to meet the public in a diplomatic, tactful and discreet manner and to establish and maintain good relationships with stakeholders
• Physical ability to lift, pull, and push heavy objects as well as handle aggressive animals
• Sound 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
• Basic computer skills sufficient to deal effectively with the necessary front office routines
• Ability to prioritize demands on time and work with limited supervision
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission, and strategic directions of the BC SPCA.

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

We are committed to a transparent, human-led hiring process. While we use technology to support application management, applications are not screened, scored, or ranked by AI systems. All hiring decisions are made by human hiring managers based on skills, experience, and alignment with the organizational values.

We thank you for your interest in the BC SPCA, however; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No emails or telephone calls, please.

The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001