Job Title: Animal Protection Inspector
Location: Nova Scotia SPCA – Provincial Office, Dartmouth Nova Scotia
Job Type: Full time
Compensation: Ranging from $22-$30/h, with considerations for relevant experience
Start Date: As soon as possible
Are you a Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant looking to take your animal care knowledge and experience out of the clinic and into the community?
The Nova Scotia SPCA is looking for compassionate, motivated, and dedicated person to join our Investigations team as an Animal Protection Inspector. In the role, the successful candidate will play an important part in public safety and animal welfare by working within local communities to respond to and investigate calls relating to the Nova Scotia Animal Protection Act and other municipal by-laws the SPCA is contracted to enforce. The successful candidate for this position will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and experience directly, helping to develop community relationships through education and communication of animal care standards and other important information relating to the Animal Protection Act.
The ideal candidate for this position will be eager to work with a collaborative- and solutions-based mindset, be comfortable with animal handling, professional in managing difficult and stressful situations, and eager to lean and understand the legal aspects of the position. This position requires frequent vehicle travel – sometimes over long distances – and a valid driver’s license.
While this position is based out of the Provincial Office in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, there is potential for opportunities within the South Shore region of the province.
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 calls.
- Enforcement of the Nova Scotia Animal Protection Act, and municipal by-laws as outlined for the communities we serve.
- Providing education to individuals and communities on humane practices, animal care, and intervention.
- Assessing and evaluating standards of animal care, including taking thoughtful and appropriate measures to safeguard animal welfare.
- Planning, preparing, and carrying out the collection or rescue of animals when necessary.
- Preparing case files, providing detailed reports and information, maintaining various database files.
- Communicating with the public to share updated information and resolutions.
- Liaising and fostering good relationships with all agencies concerns with the administration of laws and practices that help meet the objectives of the Society.
- Rotational on-call duties as part of the Investigations team.
- Animal Care-related duties as requested.
What we offer:
- Complete 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.
- Enhanced compensation for on-call response.
Qualifications, Experience, and Skills:
- Where applicable, in good standing with provincial licensing boards.
- Prior experience in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter setting.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Physical ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. without assistance.
- Professional demeanor in navigating responding to inquiries, complaints, and difficult situations.
- Experience handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Animal care and handling experience.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- A criminal record check is required to attain appointment from the Dept. of Justice.
Is would be considered an asset to have:
- Completion of a Veterinary Technology courses or program.
- Knowledge of the Legal system, court proceedings, and Animal Protection Act.
- Knowledge of community bylaws.
- Previous experience in working with First Nations communities.
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 Kevin Strooband (kstrooband@spcans.ca). As a part of our hiring process, we require applicants to complete behavioural and cognitive assessments. You will be sent links along with 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.