Animal Services Officer Jobs

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a positive impact in our community? Guelph Humane Society (GHS)’s mission is to advance the welfare of animals through care, education, community engagement, and relationships.

We are seeking a full-time Animal Services Officer to join our team and contribute to the delivery of exceptional service to the animals and people in our community.

The Animal Services Officer is responsible for responding to requests for animal services; assisting stray, injured, and orphaned animals (including wildlife) in our community, enforcing municipal and provincial legislation with the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa; providing detailed reports; and resolving matters through education and enforcement.The Animal Services Officer will be required to provide exceptional customer service in a fast-paced, high call-volume environment under diverse and sometimes challenging circumstances and represent the GHS in a professional manner at all times, through demonstrating a positive attitude, fostering good community relations, and supporting the overall mission and values of the GHS.

TITLE:Animal Services Officer

TYPE:Full-time; Permanent

LOCATION: 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd., Guelph, ON

HOURS OF WORK:40 hours/week Rotating shifts, Monday to Sunday (Flexibility to work days, evenings, weekends, holidays). Overnight on-call shifts required.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Respond to requests for service from the public and intake stray, injured, orphaned, or deceased animals
• Maintain detailed daily records of activities, adhering to GHS policies and procedures
• Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations
• Treat other staff, volunteers, and members of the public with courtesy and respect
• Safely and humanely handle fractious and/or injured animals, including cats, dogs, small animals, and wildlife
• Attend court appearances and give evidence on behalf of the municipality regarding animal services matters
• Conduct field inspections and investigations, resolving by-law matters through education and enforcement, to ensure compliance with municipal and provincial legislation pertaining to the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa and in accordance with the Provincial Offences Act
• Promote, enforce and sell City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa’s dog licences
• Work with other staff and volunteers to achieve a clean and organized facility, with strict adherence to infection control protocols
• Participate in an organizational culture that contributes to the overall safety of staff, particularly as it relates to officer safety
• Interact with all animals safely, respectfully, compassionately, and in a manner that minimizes stress using modern, commonly accepted practices
• Participate in outreach activities within the community to provide education and public relations
• Interact with clients, community members, staff, and volunteers with diplomacy and professionalism
• Advise the public on animal services by-laws in the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa
• Complete other duties as assigned
• Conduct proactive enforcement, including patrols of city parks, trails, and general public spaces
• Embrace and consistently enact organizational values of respect, caring, integrity and partnership, supported by being authentic and accountable to yourself and your team
• Work effectively and cordially with stakeholders and partners, including provincial inspectors, licensed wildlife rehabilitators, municipal by-law officers, emergency responders, and local community service agencies
• Follow GHS policies and protocols for handling dangerous and/or infectious animals
• Provide accurate, knowledgeable, and friendly service to the public

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of relevant court procedures, regulations, and legislation pertaining to animals (Municipal bylaws, Dog Owners Liability Act, etc.)
• Excellent organizational skills; Demonstrated critical thinking, discretion, tact, and diplomacy
• Related experience in animal care and/or law enforcement an asset.
• Comfortable handling and being around domestic animals of all types of wildlife
• Post-secondary education in a related discipline (e.g., Animal Sciences, Animal Care, Law & Security)
• General knowledge of animal welfare and humane society activities
• Strong computer literacy (Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and able to effectively utilize shelter management software. Knowledge of PetPoint is an asset
• Protective rabies titre an asset (or willingness to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations to obtain protective titre)
• Ability to maintain professional composure and multitask in a high-paced, reactive environment
• Knowledge of the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa would be an asset
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of fifty (50) pounds
• Must be reliable; ability to work all shifts, including weekends, holidays, on-call, and overtime as required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills utilized across all mediums, including phone, email, and face-to-face interactions
• Demonstrated knowledge of disease transmission, biosecurity, and proper sanitation protocols;
• Strong time management skills; ability to meet deadlines, re-prioritize competing demands, work with frequent interruptions
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License (full Class G) with clean Driver’s Abstract; Clear Police Clearance Certificate
• A positive attitude and passion for advocating for animal welfare in our community
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service and public relations skills, with the ability to handle difficult clients and high stress situations
• Knowledge of domestic animal breeds and wildlife (native and non-native species), including demonstrated understanding of proper care, handling, and husbandry

What we offer:

• Paid vacation
• Full-time Permanent position (40 hours weekly)
• Paid personal/sick time
• On-call and call-in pay
• Comprehensive benefits package

If you are interested in this opportunity and have the above qualifications, please forward your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to:

Victoria Welsh

Animal Services Manager

Email: [email protected]

Subject line: “Animal Services Officer position, Full-time”

Applications will be received on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will be filled when the right candidate is identified.

We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices.We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission, vision, and values.

GHS welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment process.

ORGANIZATION: The Guelph Humane Society advocates for all animals, and in particular those animals whose lives it can influence, through care, education, community support, protection, and leadership. Founded in 1893, the Guelph Humane Society provides care and shelter for approximately 3,000 homeless, stray, injured, and abused animals each year in Guelph and Wellington County. GHS is a registered charitable, non-profit organization that does not receive government funding. The GHS’s hiring philosophy goes beyond just filling positions –it is interested in finding people who are passionate about animal welfare, who want to make a difference in the community, all while working as part of a positive and productive team of people.Visit www.guelphhumane.ca to discover more.