Location: Nova Scotia SPCA – Sydney, Nova Scotia
Job Type: Full time
Compensation: Starting at $28
Start Date: As soon as possible
Are you looking to take your animal knowledge and experience into the community? Do you have experience working directly with companion and/or farm animals? Are you a highly driven individual with the communication and interpersonal skills to work productively with individuals in high stress situations?
The Nova Scotia SPCA is looking for a compassionate, motivated, and dedicated person to join our Investigations team as an Animal Protection Inspector. This role, which involves the investigation and enforcement of animal protection and by-law legislation, plays a vital role in public safety and animal welfare.
The successful candidate will be trained by experienced Animal Protection Inspectors and will apply their knowledge and experience directly, helping to protect animals and develop community relationships through education and communication of animal care standards and other important information relating to provincial legislation.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable with animals, professional in their communications and demeanor, and eager to learn the legal aspects of the position.
This position is based out of the SPCA’s shelter in Sydney and requires frequent vehicle travel – sometimes over long distances. A valid driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract are required.
Please see below for more details on the position and information on how to apply.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Participation in investigations and inspections, including planning, preparing, and actively responding to case reports.
- Enforcement of the Nova Scotia Animal Protection Act throughout the Province as well as municipal animal by-laws in some community jurisdictions.
- Providing education to individuals and communities on humane practices for animal husbandry, animal care and intervention.
- Assessing and evaluating the care and condition of animals and applying thoughtful and appropriate measures to safeguard animal welfare.
- Planning, preparing and carrying out the collection or rescue of animals when necessary.
- Preparing timely case files, providing detailed reports and information, maintaining various database files within established timeframes. · Communicating information with the public regarding complaints, where applicable and appropriate.
- Liaising and fostering positive relationships with agencies and community partners that intersect with the work of the SPCA Investigations Department.
- Travel, some overtime and rotational on-call duties are required.
- Continued progression and development of skills and competencies relating to the role.
- Animal Care-related and other duties as assigned.
What we offer:
- Job-required courses related to the role, as well as other specialized training, including animal protection.
- Dental and health benefits including Teladoc telemedicine service (after 3 months).
- RRSP matching contributions (after 1 year).
- Internal employee rewards program.
- Employee discount for veterinary services, pet food and at SPCA thrift stores.
- Opportunities to earn additional compensation through our On-Call After Hours Service.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills:
- Prior experience in animal care in an animal shelter or veterinary clinic setting, especially companion and farm animal/livestock experience.
- Physical ability to bend and lift and carry up to 40 lbs. without assistance.
- Professional demeanor when responding to inquiries, complaints, and navigating difficult situations.
- Experience and competence handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- A criminal record check is required to attain an appointment from the Department of Justice.
It would be considered an asset to have:
- Prior experience working within the legal or justice system, law enforcement, or security. · Experience in a community engagement role. · Knowledge of community bylaws or the Animal Protection Act.
- Previous experience working with First Nations communities in Nova Scotia.
- Experience in a public sector, client-facing role.
Nova Scotia SPCA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, or disability. SPCA provides a competitive salary and a rewarding work environment. Preference will be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as African Nova Scotians, racially visible persons, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal persons and persons of the LGBTQ+ community. We encourage applicants to self-identify.
Interested applicants are asked to submit their resume and cover letter, indicating salary expectations directly to Chief Inspector Kevin Strooband (kstrooband@spcans.ca). As a part of our hiring process, we require applicants to complete behavioural and cognitive assessments. You will be provided links and screening questions after submitting your resume.
We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for screening will be contacted.
