Animal Control Officer I

Requisition ID: 39968 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose & Function 
The City of Vancouver is seeking applications to fill the challenging and diverse role of an Animal Control Officer I. The successful candidate will help to maintain and improve public safety by educating the pubic on responsible pet ownership. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to influence behaviour primarily through education, utilizing enforcement methods when needed. Applicants for this challenging position possess a collaborative working style, enjoy working outdoors, work well in a team environment and with little supervision. It is expected that you will have experience in customer service, community education and/or by-law enforcement. Experience working with animals, particularly dogs (including but not limited to capturing and physically restraining aggressive dogs) is required.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are needed to be an effective Animal Control Officer, as well as the ability to de-escalate situations and work under pressure in a variety of circumstances. The successful applicant will be required to conduct investigations, prepare reports for court, and be prepared to testify in court should the need arise. They will also be required to conduct foot and bike patrols throughout the City of Vancouver, and drive a marked City vehicle. This position reports to an Animal Control Supervisor.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

The Animal Control Officer I position requires the applicant to have administrative skills, communication skills, and knowledge about the Animal Control Bylaw 9150.

The responsibilities of the Animal Control Officer 1 are as follows:

• Educate the public about the Animal Control By-law 9150 and ensure public safety;
• Respond to and investigate complaints, impound and transports stray animals, handle the storage and identification of deceased animals, and issue AC Warning Notices and tickets (By-law Violation Notices);
• Assist with the collection of evidence and statements for investigations;
• Handle potentially dangerous animals;
• Ensure vehicles and equipment are fully functional, clean and stocked;
• Maintain a detailed and professional notebook and to attend court proceedings (if needed);
• Perform investigative and regulatory work
• Patrol parks, beaches and city streets by foot, bike and vehicle during operational hours, including times when there is limited daylight.
• Accurately and efficiently enter data into various databases, and correspond with the public by phone and email

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent supplemented by post-secondary courses in Criminology, By-Law Enforcement, and/or Education is preferred;
• Experience related to by-law enforcement is preferred
• Experience handling, training and caring for dogs and other animals such as rodents, reptiles and birds is required
• Experience in a customer service and/or educational setting is preferred

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A working knowledge of the principles, methods and equipment related to the handling of vicious, stray and/or sick animals;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including effective verbal and written communication skills are required;
• Demonstrated ability to manage and defuse conflict with people from varying backgrounds;
• Good physical condition, strength and agility are required for all aspects of the Animal Control Officer I position
• The ability to spend long amounts of time conducting foot patrols, managing and lifting large dogs and heavy articles;
• Ability to handle injured and possibly vicious animals with minimum personal risk;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel and other database software applications;
• Considerable geographical knowledge of the street system of Vancouver is an asset.
• Solid driving skills, and the ability to drive large service vans – or a willingness to learn.

We are seeking candidates who are available on weekends (Saturdays, Sundays and Statutory Holidays), to work 6 or 8 hours shifts between the hours of 7am and 8pm.

A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position.  A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.

Candidates must attach the following records and satisfy the City’s driving requirements to be considered for this role:

• Copy of your five-year ICBC Commercial Driver’s Abstract (N Print) directly from ICBC dated within 30 days of this posting
• Copy of your five-year ICBC Driver’s Claims History directly from ICBC within 30 days of this posting

**Drivers who have moved to B.C. during the past five years will be required to provide their Driver’s Abstract and Driver’s Claims History from their previous place of residence.

The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

Business Unit/Department: Development, Buildings & Licensing (1250) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Auxiliary/Casual 

Position Start Date: May, 2024  

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-018: $30.29 to $35.66 per hour

Application Close: May 31, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Before you click Apply now

Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.