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 Protection Officer 1
STATUS: On-Call; Casual
SHIFT: Various Shifts
LOCATION: Vancouver, BC - anywhere covering the Lower Mainland Fraser Valley Region
CLASSIFICATION: CUPE 1622
WAGE: Hourly
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
About the Position:
This position conducts investigations and conducts himself or herself at all times in accordance with BC SPCA policies, protocols, regulations and guidelines. Must be a Special Provincial Constable (SPC) or meet the criteria for appointment.
Some specific duties:
- To conduct, or cause to be conducted, investigations into complaints of animal abuse.
- To ensure that all complaints are properly and promptly investigated and that all actions taken are recorded in sufficient detail.
- To carry out cruelty investigations in an objective, effective and diplomatic manner.
- To ensure that all records and statistics are kept in conformance with Society and Branch policies, and provide such records as required.
- To protect the welfare of all animals and enforce all federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations relevant to the position.
- 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 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 as well as ensure personal and public safety.
- To respond to situations using knowledge of animal behaviour, animal handling techniques and proper use of rescue equipment.
- To offer expertise to assist all statutory authorities as requested.
- To take custody of animals that are at large and in distress, abandoned or apparently ownerless.
- To prepare notices of disposition in accordance with the PCA Act and BC SPCA policies.
- To make decisions with respect to the determination of critical distress in accordance with the PCA Act.
- To authorize the euthanasia of animal determined to be in critical distress.
- To investigate complaints to determine if an animal is in distress, and take action necessary pursuant to the PCA Act to relieve that animal’s distress.
- To gather evidence of an offence pursuant to the PCA Act, Criminal Code (as applicable to level of SPC) and any other legislation or regulation pertaining to the prevention of cruelty to animals.
- To 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.
- To ensure all reports are submitted on time to the Senior Animal Protection Officer or Senior Manager, Cruelty Investigations.
- To act as an ambassador of the BC SPCA and ensure customer and community relations are consistently professional and positive.
- To support and implement BCSPCA provincial initiatives and adhere to all operational policies and procedures.
- To assist in local and provincial fund-raising initiatives.
- To work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
- To ensure the security of the building when entering and exiting by ensuring all doors and gates are locked when required.
- To operate, maintain and sanitize the SPCA’s vehicles and related equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
- 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 work together and collaboratively with other staff and volunteers for the purposes of creating a harmonious team environment and to enhance team performance.
- Regularly participates in meetings with other members of staff to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve the enjoyment of working for the BCSPCA and to increase its productivity.
- To treat the animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and transmit these values to others both on and off the job.
- To provide support services in the field of animal husbandry as requested.
- To respond promptly to such other calls as may be directed by the supervisor.
- To perform other duties as required.
Qualifications you need to have:
- High school diploma or equivalent – Post-secondary education preferred
- Successful completion or willingness to compete the 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
- 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
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 https://spca.bc.ca/about-us/careers/
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 telephone calls, please.
The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001
