EMPLOYMENT
Community Animal Services provides animal bylaw enforcement and animal shelter operations to the City of Lethbridge using a team of qualified and trained staff in enforcement, animal care, and administration roles.
No open positions at this time.
Becoming an Animal Bylaw Enforcement Officer
The role of the Animal Bylaw Enforcement Officers at Community Animal Services is to respond to and investigate complaints related to domestic animal issues under local bylaws. This typically includes stray, nuisance, and dangerous cats and dogs. While acting within the scope of their duties, officers are considered Peace Officers as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada. All the staff at Community Animal Services are expected to perform their duties with pride, integrity, and compassion, which are the core values of our organization. Individuals who are highly motivated to solve problems and are truly dedicated to serving the public can be very successful as an Enforcement Officer and will find great reward in the role.
Enforcement Officers work scheduled day shifts that cover 365 days of the year, including holidays and weekends. Officers will also rotate on-call shifts to address emergencies after hours. Shifts can be fast-paced, going from call to call and requiring officers to be well organized, able to multi-task, and remain calm in dynamic and stressful situations. Supervision is limited in the day-to-day operations, and candidates must be capable of working alone, but also be comfortable working closely with fellow officers on a case-by-case basis.
A day in the life of an Enforcement Officer:
Respond to and investigate animal bylaw complaints such as loose pets, animal attacks, and nuisance dogs. This includes collecting evidence such as witness statements.
Collecting stray animals that may be aggressive or injured and transporting them to appropriate facilities.
Conducting proactive patrols of the community to detect and deter bylaw violations such as off-leash dogs.
Collaborate with and assist other public safety and law enforcement agencies.
Preparing paperwork such as investigation notes, tickets, orders, and court files.
Assisting the shelter staff with basic animal care needs.
Important skills for an Enforcement Officer:
Keen attention to detail and sound judgment.
Motivation and drive for results.
Even temperament, emotional control, and an overall professional demeanor.
Tactful communication, and excellent conflict-resolution abilities.
Appropriate and healthy stress management practices.
Required qualifications to be an Enforcement Officer:
Post-secondary education in a criminal justice or a law enforcement discipline, or equivalent experience in a frontline enforcement or public safety position.
Demonstrated skills and knowledge of the law, enforcement activities, and investigations.
Knowledge and experience in handling domestic animals.
Ability to hold a Bylaw Enforcement Officer appointment.
Clean criminal record and driver abstract.