Competition #08-102U
Animal Enforcement Officer 1 permanent position
Community Projects
Regional Police

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the position of Animal Enforcement Officer with Halifax Regional Police. Reporting to the Field Operations Supervisor, the incumbent is responsible for conducting investigations into alleged violations and enforcement of HRM animal related by-laws and other animal related services. There is also a requirement for animal handling. The position works independently and includes weekends and holidays and can be physically and psychologically demanding. The work location of this position is 3790 MacKintosh, Halifax. Travel throughout the municipality will be required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• travel throughout the HRM in order to conduct investigations and respond to service requests
• ensure public compliance with HRM by-laws including education, negotiation, investigation, surveillance, issuance of notices and laying of charges (long form information and SOTs)
• conduct interviews and documents formal statements from complainants, alleged violators and witnesses
• prepare and serve warrants to seize animals
• maintain, monitor, analyse case files and gather evidence for prosecution
• serve summonses and testify in court
• compassionate towards citizens, animals and their owners
• patrol assigned areas on foot or in a vehicle and operate a two-way portable radio
• identify species and breeds of a variety of wild and domestic animals
• capture and impound stray or dangerous animals using animal control equipment such as catch poles and humane traps
• observe and identify signs of illness or injury in animals, report symptoms and transport injured animals
• attends training and certification sessions
• other duties as required 

Qualifications:
Education and Experience:

• university degree in Social Sciences or a related discipline or three years experience in a law enforcement or investigative occupation or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience will also be considered
• minimum 3 years face to face customer service experience
• must possess a valid Nova Scotia Class 5 Drivers license with a good driving record (A recent Registry of Motor Vehicles abstract is required at the time of interview, all points intact.)
• Personal suitability testing will be conducted.
• Work related vaccinations are a requirement.
• minimum 1 year experience in business report writing including recommendations, an asset

Technical or Job Specific Knowledge:

• ability to make decisions relative to urgency, importance and public scrutiny
• knowledge of current investigative techniques and the ability to apply them
• ability to remain calm during stressful and highly charged emotional situations involving animals, animal owners, victims, and witnesses
• assessment of sick or injured animals and basic first aid considered an asset
• knowledge of wild and domestic animals including basic species, breed identification and behaviour considered an asset
• knowledge of HRM Animal related By-Laws and Municipal Government Act (MGA) considered an asset
• knowledge of legal procedures considered, an asset
• working knowledge and experience of methods and techniques of humane capture and impound of domestic and wild animals of an unpredictable nature, considered an asset
• current certification in WHIMIS, CPR and First Aid or willing to obtain

Notes: The successful applicant must pass Halifax Regional Police security clearances.

Behavioural Competencies:
Communication
Customer Service
Conflict Management
Flexibility
Initiative
Valuing Diversity

Salary: $24.20 per hour, according to the Collective Agreement between the NSUPE 13 Union and Halifax Regional Municipality (Employees may be compensated 90% of this rate for the probationary period).

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week. Shifts may vary between 9:00 a.m. to 9: 00 p.m., Monday to Sunday. Possible overtime call out between 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Job Description

Qualified and interested candidates are asked to submit a résumé, quoting the competition and employee number (if applicable) (NSUPE members with temporary seniority should self- identify) by 4:30 on May 17, 2008 to Samantha French, Human Resources Consultant, 1975 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS B3J 2H1, or Fax to: 490-4486.

As an Employment Equity employer, the Halifax Regional Municipality is seeking to increase their representation of qualified members of racially visible persons, women in non traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Aboriginal persons. HRM encourages applicants to self-identify.

Qualified HRM retirees may also be considered for competitions if other qualified candidates are not available, and the retiree possesses specialized knowledge and/or a unique skill set not otherwise available. In these circumstances, a form of employment may be offered, including term and/or contract employment.