Location: Nova Scotia SPCA Provincial Office – Dartmouth NS
Number of Positions: 1
Job Start Date: ASAP
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $40 – $48/hour based on experience
Make a Difference With Your Legal Expertise
Are you a legal or investigative professional who believes in community education, building relationships and justice—for animals and people alike? The Nova Scotia SPCA is seeking a Deputy Chief Inspector who will support the enforcement of provincial legislation and municipal by-laws across Nova Scotia. This leadership role is ideal for someone with legal knowledge, investigative experience, and a desire to use their skills in a meaningful way.
About the Role
The Deputy Chief Inspector is a key leadership figure within the SPCA’s enforcement division. Reporting to the Chief Inspector, you will have the opportunity to develop the skills needed to oversee investigative training, participate in complex field investigations, and help ensure consistent, professional, and compassionate enforcement of animal protection laws.
If you bring the right skillset, attitude, aptitude, and a willingness to learn, we will work with you to build the experience needed to succeed in all aspects of this role. Over time, you’ll also help shape internal policy, train new officers, support prosecutions, and engage with communities across the province to promote education and voluntary compliance.
This is a unique opportunity for a confident, solutions-oriented leader with a legal mindset, excellent judgment, and strong people skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Train officers in court procedures, disclosure preparation, and evidence handling
- Design, evaluate, and deliver training programs for investigations personnel
- Supervise enforcement staff and monitor ongoing professional development
- Ensure operational procedures are consistent with legislation and SPCA policy
- Collaborate with the Chief Inspector on training strategies and enforcement planning
- Participate in complex investigations and emergency response situations
- Coordinate with the SPCA College of Animal Welfare on curriculum development and presentations
- Engage with communities to promote awareness and voluntary compliance
- Provide after-hours operational advice and assistance as required
- Collaborate with shelter staff to ensure operational needs are communicated effectively
- Liaise with the Chief Inspector on the activities and priorities of the position
- Assist with other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned
- This position requires frequent travel across the province.
- Engage with communities to promote awareness and voluntary compliance
- Provide after-hours operational advice and assistance as required
- Collaborate with shelter staff to ensure operational needs are communicated effectively
- Liaise with the Chief Inspector on the activities and priorities of the position
- Assist with other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned
- This position requires frequent travel across the province.
Qualifications & Competencies
- Degree or background in law, law enforcement, investigations, or a related field
- Experience in legal documentation, investigations, or regulatory enforcement
- Ability to work positively with staff, volunteers, and the public with minimal supervision
- Strong computer skills, court document preparation, and statement writing
- Ability to maintain and operate equipment, tools, and vehicles safely per SPCA policy
- Excellent analytical and interviewing skills; capable of interpreting data and writing concise, well-reasoned reports
- Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills
- Displays professionalism, discretion, diplomacy, and sound judgment in all decisions
- Ability to remain objective, independent, and neutral in high-pressure investigations
- Maintains strict confidentiality on sensitive matters
- Effective multitasker with strong organizational and prioritization abilities
- Comfortable handling high-stress situations involving animals and members of the public
- Full drivers license with clean driving abstract
- Criminal records check required; must be eligible for appointment by the Department of Justice and maintain clearance
- Experience working with First Nations communities is considered an asset
Why Work With Us?
At the Nova Scotia SPCA, we enforce laws, educate communities, and protect animals. As Deputy Chief Inspector, you will have a leadership role in shaping humane enforcement throughout the province. This is a rare and fulfilling opportunity for a legal or investigative professional to combine their expertise with a higher purpose.
Nova Scotia SPCA is an equal opportunity employer that values fairness & respect in the workplace and welcomes all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, or disability.
How to apply:
Interested applicants are asked to submit their cover letter indicating salary expectations and resume to Chief Inspector Kevin Strooband via email at to kstrooband@spcans.ca. Please quote “Deputy Chief” in the subject heading in your email reply. As a part of our hiring process, we require applicants to complete behavioural and cognitive assessments.
It is our intention to start reviewing resumes immediately and quickly start the interview process. If this posting remains on the website, it is an indication that the position has not been filled, and we are still accepting resumes.
We thank all applicants for their interest in a career at the Nova Scotia SPCA, however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.
