Assistant Bylaw Enforcement Officer (Salt Spring Island & Southern Gulf Islands)

Summary

This position is responsible for maintaining case files, conducting inspections, investigating complaints and undertaking patrols with a view to achieving compliance with applicable bylaws including those related to Animal Control.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts field investigations, inspections and patrols to document evidence and enforces bylaws.
• Interprets and processes complaints or referrals concerning the contravention of bylaws and regulations by applying Division enforcement policies.
• Initiates enforcement action where required, carries out follow-up inspections, compiles written reports, issues tickets and gathers information to be used as evidence in court actions.
• Promotes responsible pet ownership.
• Attempts to obtain cooperation and compliance with bylaws and maintains positive public relations.
• Answers, records and acts on complaints received and issues warning notices and municipal ticket information to violators
• Patrols the community and banned areas on a routine basis and picks up stray animals off the street or from members of the public.
• Sets animal traps.
• Picks up and transports injured and deceased animals
• Prepares cases for legal action, prosecutes bylaw offenses and serves summonses
• Inspects dog kennels.
• Investigates livestock compensation claims and prepares reports.
• Distributes dog licenses to vendors and collects revenue.
• Carries out routine follow-up on unlicensed dogs.
• Liaises with Animal Shelter and completes impound forms.
• Suggests solutions to animal behavioral problems.
• Keeps Animal Care vans clean and stocked with all necessary equipment and paper work.
• Liaises with other agencies such as local police forces, Islands Trust, Ministries, SPCA, and Conservation Officers.
• Maintains records related to inspection and enforcement activities.
• May be required to cover after hours on call duties as part of a rotation (compensated per Collective Agreement)
• Answers front counter and phone inquiries from members of the public.
• Follows all policies, procedures and standards of the CRD
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bylaw Level 1 or Level 2 from the Justice Institute of BC, or equivalent combination of education and related experience
• A minimum of 1 year directly related experience, or equivalent combination of education and related experience
• Current Use of Force Certification would be an asset
• Preference may be given to applicants that reside on Salt Spring Island

Key Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong ability to investigate complaints or reports of bylaw infractions and obtain compliance through the use of tact, persuasive diplomacy and sound judgement.
• Considerable experience with handling aggressive or distressed animals including vicious dogs.
• Thorough knowledge and experience dealing with animal behavioural problems.
• Considerable experience training dogs and other animals.
• Strong ability to maintain clear records, documentation and log books.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to apply animal control bylaws and other legislation.
• Strong MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and SharePoint skills.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work under pressure, prioritize work and to set and meet deadlines.
• Strong ability to difuse and resolve difficult customer service situations in person and by telephone.
• Considerable experience with cash handling.
• Strong ability to deal with verbally abusive, volatile and hostile persons.
• Strong ability to identify issues, analyze and determine solutions and resolve problems using initiative and sound judgment.
• Strong ability to prepare comprehensive and detailed reports for senior staff and stakeholder audiences.
• Strong ability to maintain and administer an effective work program in regulatory issues.
• Strong aptitude for learning Geographic Information Systems and other software programs.
• Strong ability to perform a wide variety of activities in all types of weather conditions and terrain.

Certifications