EMPLOYMENT
The vision of Community Animal Services is to create and maintain communities that are safe, happy, and healthy for people and pets and we seek professional individuals driven by pride, integrity, and compassion to join our dedicated team.
Becoming an Animal Bylaw Enforcement Officer
The role of the Animal Bylaw Enforcement Officers at Community Animal Services is to respond to and investigate complaints related to domestic animal issues under local bylaws. This typically includes stray, nuisance, and dangerous cats and dogs. Enforcement Officers work scheduled day shifts that cover 365 days of the year, including holidays and weekends. Officers will also rotate on-call shifts to address emergencies after hours. Shifts can be fast-paced, going from call to call and requiring officers to be well organized, able to multi-task and remain calm in dynamic and stressful situations. Supervision is limited in the day-to-day operations, and candidates must be capable of working alone, but also be comfortable working closely with fellow officers on a case-by-case basis.
Individuals who are highly motivated to solve problems and are truly dedicated to serving the public can be very successful as an Enforcement Officer and will find great reward in the role. All the staff at Community Animal Services are expected to perform their duties with pride, integrity, and compassion, which are the core values of our organization. Candidates who are offered a position will complete in-house fundamentals training through the National Animal Care and Control Association, before moving into field training with experienced staff.
A day in the life of an Enforcement Officer:
Respond to and investigate animal bylaw complaints such as loose pets, animal attacks, and nuisance dogs. This includes collecting evidence such as witness statements.
Collecting stray animals that may be aggressive or injured and transporting them to appropriate facilities.
Conducting proactive patrols of the community to detect and deter bylaw violations such as off-leash dogs.
Collaborate with and assist other public safety and law enforcement agencies.
Preparing paperwork such as investigation notes, tickets, orders, and court files.
Assisting the shelter staff with basic animal care needs.
Important skills for an Enforcement Officer:
Keen attention to detail and sound judgment.
Motivation and drive for results.
Even temperament, emotional control, and an overall professional demeanor.
Tactful communication, and excellent conflict-resolution abilities.
Appropriate and healthy stress management practices.
Required qualifications to be an Enforcement Officer:
Post-secondary education in a criminal justice or a law enforcement discipline, or equivalent experience in a frontline enforcement or public safety position.
Demonstrated skills and knowledge of the law, enforcement activities, and investigations.
Knowledge and experience in handling domestic animals.
Ability to hold a Bylaw Enforcement Officer appointment.
Clean criminal record and driver abstract.
Healthy and physically fit for duty.