The posting
POSITION: Animal Protection Specialist STATUS: Permanent; Full-Time with benefits SHIFT: 35 Hours per week LOCATION: Primarily remote within BC CLASSIFICATION: Exempt WAGE: Salaried CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled About the Position: The Animal Protection Specialist is responsible for delivering specialized insight and recommendations regarding the practical application of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act) to BC SPCA staff to support effective enforcement across the province. This position is also responsible for reviewing animal protection enforcement case files to identify any areas of significant risk, trends or opportunities to enhance excellence that could be addressed through additional support and training. In addition, this position provides subject matter expertise in discussions related to training and development as it relates to the BC SPCA’s law enforcement functions. Where time allows and as appropriate, this position may be required to take on animal protection case files in non-unionized areas. Primary Key Responsibilities: Operational Excellence (50%):
Answers questions about and provides expert guidance on enforcement of the PCA Act, and other applicable laws related to the BC SPCA’s animal protection work across the province of BC.
This advice is then used to support good decision making and application of process by various Animal Services staff, including but not limited to: Animal Protection Officers and Regional Managers Keeps a central repository of questions to create reports and analyze trends.
Works with Legal Counsel, Senior Director, Animal Protection Services, and external subject matter experts to develop best practices for delivery of animal protection province-wide. This includes, but is not limited to, incorporating best practices associated with concepts of one health/one welfare, principled policing and enforcement using a social justice lens in alignment with strategic plan and our foundational principles for equity, diversity and reconciliation. Stays up to date on developments in the law and trends in legal decisions in order to be able to share this information and use it to review processes and training needs. Maintains and updates a centralized library of standardized operating procedures, training materials, forms, and policies for animal protection investigations. Conducts regular case file reviews in Animal Protection areas.
Provides specific information to Regional Managers to address with their teams, as required. Provides trends and areas of opportunity to Legal Counsel, Senior Director - Protection, and Senior Director - Sheltering for further discussion and to improve overall consistency and excellence across the province.
Assists in risk identification and mitigation through updated policies and procedural reviews.
Contributes to the creation and regular updating of the departmental risk register.
Acts as one of the BC SPCA’s points of contact for RCMP/police to provide assistance on how to do Information to Obtain Search Warrants (ITOs) and to consult on cases, as required.
Depending on level of risk and subject matter, escalates to Legal Counsel – Animal Protection or Senior Director, Animal Protection Services as necessary.
Reviews and improves document management systems (OneDrive, Shelter Buddy, resource libraries). Ensures the BC SPCA’s Court Form database is kept up to date.
Learning Support (30%):
Leads regular community of practice meetings with Animal Protection staff, focused on sharing of information around best practices and continuous learning. Acts as subject matter expert on the development of law enforcement-related training.
Collaborates with Training & Development Specialist to create any required in-house courses, workshops, and learning materials. May deliver live courses, workshops and information sessions, as required either in-person or virtually.
Develops an annual training calendar for initial and ongoing education for law enforcement staff, including but not limited to:
Planning and organizing group training opportunities, both in person and virtual – including sourcing and coordinating speakers, logistics, working within budget, and obtaining feedback. Coordinating ride-alongs. Consulting calendars of external training providers and notifying officers and the BC SPCA broadly of such opportunities for maintaining current qualifications and developing new skills as it relates to law enforcement activities. Tracks law enforcement staff training activity and works with People Services to ensure this is reflected in official employment records.
Supports general aspects of onboarding for Animal Protection staff , supplementing the work of the Regional Managers whose role is to ensure that local onboarding activities are also completed, as outlined in the established onboarding road maps.
Works with Training & Development Specialist to review and update onboarding road maps, as required.
Based on trends identified through law enforcement interpretation requests and regular case file reviews, identifies opportunities for additional clarification, sharing of information, and training.
This may be provided to all Regional Managers in Animal Services and/or the Training & Development Specialist for further consideration and action.
Animal Protection Case Support (20%):
Provides major warrant support, including drafting ITOs and/or other documents. Conducts reviews as required by Animal Protection Services and as time allows. When specialized knowledge is required, attends Large Scale Animal Intake (LSAI) meetings and provides support for large scale intake management as needed. Looks for opportunities to integrate volunteers into Animal Protection Services work.
Provides suggestion to Regional Managers and Volunteer Resources for further consideration.
Assists legal counsel on dispute file management where needed. Provides support to legal counsel to respond to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests related Animal Protection files. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications you need to have:
Special Provincial Constable status (or ability to obtain within one year) or criminology diploma with minimum of 5 years’ related experience either in the field, in a law office, or doing investigations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer. Related experience includes, but is not limited to:
Work in the animal welfare sector, especially direct experience as an Animal Protection Officer or work in the human social services sector Interpreting laws and conducting case file reviews Analyzing best practices and creating associated documentation and guidelines Writing standard operating procedures Delivering training
Base-level understanding of adult learning principles; proven ability to describe complex concepts effectively to a non-technical audience. Demonstrated ability to organize work, meet priorities and to work within a demanding work schedule. Excellent attention to detail. Excellent communication skills and ability to work with internal and external parties at all levels and from diverse backgrounds in a positive and respectful manner. Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to successfully address and resolve conflict. Tech savvy with experience championing effective use of technology to elevate an organization’s efficiency. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to adapt to new technologies. Ability to travel throughout the province as necessary. Training in privacy and confidentiality would be considered an asset. Working knowledge of concepts of equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation; able to relate respectfully to a diverse audience. Philosophical harmony with the BC SPCA’s vision, mission, values and strategic directions.
