Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

Come for the Outdoor Adventure and Stay for the Job!
The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine is pleased to announce they are searching for a permanent full-time or part-time Animal Control Officerto join their dedicated team. This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $33.03/hr to $37.92/hr depending on experience, along with a pension plan and a full range of benefits for those working a minimum of 20 hours per week or more.
If awe-inspiring, natural scenery and breathtaking views is what you crave, then the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RDKS) is your place. This area is renowned for its world-class fishing and outdoor adventure opportunities, including a ski hill, sledding, skating, heli-skiing, an 18-hole golf course, hiking, and mountain biking trails. The area offers quality advanced education opportunities with both Coast Mountain College and a University of Northern BC satellite campus. There is also a well-developed arts and cultural community, recreation facilities and library. Terrace, where the role is located, is the regional retail and service hub for the northwestern portion of British Columbia. The opportunity for adventure is endless in any season. The Kitimat-Stikine region is the traditional homeland of the Tahltan, Nisga’a, Gitxsan, Wet’suwet’en, Heiltsuk, Tsimshian, and Haisla Nations. Spanning a geographic area of 110,000km² the RDKS is home to almost 40,000 people and includes the five incorporated municipalities of Terrace, Kitimat, Stewart, District of New Hazelton and the Village of Hazelton.
Purpose Statement:
The Animal Control Officer is responsible for monitoring compliance with bylaws related to Animal Control in the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, and any contracted community, including identifying, investigating, and reporting offences; and enforcing such bylaws in accordance with applicable legislation. Reporting to the Director of Development Services and with guidance from the Animal Control Officer Supervisor, the officer will exercise discretion in enforcement matters and act as a representative of the Regional District as they fulfil their duties with minimal supervision. The position is full time, but the employer is open to part time depending on applicant profile (minimum 20 hours per week).
Direct Reports:
There are no direct reports to this position.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• To perform investigative and regulatory work, including receiving and responding to complaints, collecting statements and evidence, and to monitor compliance through patrols of the service area.
• Educate the public about relevant bylaws and regulations within the Regional District, including the Thornhill Dog Regulations and Impounding Bylaw No. 641, 2014.
• Required to maintain a detailed and professional notebook and may be required to attend court proceedings and prosecute MTI tickets.
• Responsible for the collection, impounding, transportation, care, and handling of animals, namely dogs, including those that may be defined as dangerous or aggressive.
• Responsible for ensuring the facility, all vehicles and equipment are fully functional, clean, and stocked.
• Other duties as required.

Working with others:
The position requires a high degree of interaction with both internal and external stakeholders. Internally, this position interacts daily with the Finance Department for tours and maintenance assistance at the Thornhill Community Centre. External stakeholders include, but are not limited to, the RCMP, the BC Conservation Service, members of the public, other shelters and rescue agencies within the region, and communities receiving contracted services.
Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of the principles, methods and equipment related to the care and handling of domestic animals, mainly dogs and cats.
• Courteous and professional customer service.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm while managing conflict.
• Physical condition sufficient to walk long distances over uneven surfaces, remain standing for extended periods, bend down, crouch, or squat while interacting with animals, restrain, control, and load large dogs into vehicles and lift heavy objects from time to time.
• Adapt to frequent interruptions and adjust task priorities as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Specific Training and Experience:
Minimum Training and Experience:

• Demonstrated customer service experience.
• Experience related to the care and handling of dogs and other animals.
• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent.

Preferred Training and Experience:

• Completion of Animal Control Basic Training at Langara College.
• Completion of Bylaw 1 and Bylaw 2 at the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
• 1 year of related experience in Animal Control.

Financial Responsibilities:
This position will be responsible for ensuring the Thornhill Animal Shelter, fleet vehicles, and the Thornhill Community Centre are stocked with any required products and supplies. The Animal Control Officer will access purchasing accounts to procure the required items. For larger purchases, requests will be made to the Director of Development Services through the Animal Control Officer Supervisor for approval.
Work Environment:
Most of the work is conducted at the Thornhill Animal Shelter, which includes cleaning and maintaining shelter facilities and caring for the animals. A regular part of the job is conducting patrols in the designated vehicle. The Animal Control Officer may be required to be outside and operate fleet vehicles during all seasons and weather conditions.
Physical, Mental and Visual Demands
Much of the work is in an office environment, but elements of this position will require exposure to challenging conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Exposure to inclement weather associated with outside work throughout the year.
• Noise and odors associated with the care and keeping of animals.
• Careful handling of hazardous materials including cleaning agents and animal waste.
• Contact with and handling of animals exhibiting fearful or aggressive behaviour, animals in medical or emotional distress, or deceased animals.
• Encounters with members of the public experiencing various states of distress which may require police assistance.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• A current and valid BC Driver’s License. The license must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to carry out job responsibilities legally and safely.

Please submit your cover letter, resume and references by mail or email to the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine by 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024. We appreciate your interest when applying and advise that only candidates under active consideration will be contacted.
Director of Administration/Human Resources
Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
Suite 300 - 4545 Lazelle Avenue
Terrace, B.C. V8G 4E1
Email : hr@rdks.bc.ca