Job Description

Under the Supervision of the Field Operations/Court Coordinator the Animal Services Officer is responsible for enforcing the City of Winnipeg Responsible Pet Ownership By-law including license enforcement, neighborhood animal related complaints, animals running at large and stray pick-up, excess animal permits, and promoting responsible pet ownership through education and enforcement. As the Animal Services Officer 1 you will:

• Enforce pet licensing requirements and issues offense notices as required.
• Respond promptly and courteously to Responsible Pet Ownership complaints including investigation and follow up.
• Attend and investigate dangerous dog and bite complaints, interviewing and documenting witness statements, writes offense notices, and completes internal reports as required.
• Patrol assigned areas such as neighbourhoods, dog parks, school grounds capturing and transporting animals running at large and completing reports.
• Ensure the humane treatment of animals.
• Transport animals as required.
• Return animals to owners following established procedures.
• Attend promotional events and provide information about responsible pet ownership, municipal by-laws and encourages compliance.
• Prepare/generate/maintain records and reports as required.
• Serve subpoenas and court ordered warrants as required.
• Attend court representing the City of Winnipeg and provides evidence.
• Assist in adoption process as required.
• Assist customers in office environment. Respond to exotic animal complaints, including livestock, snakes and other reptiles, primates, etc.
• Perform other duties consistent with this classification such as but not limited to, maintaining equipment in good and operable condition, receiving and dispatching calls, kennel duties, releasing animals, setting and picking up animal traps, assisting in tranquilizing and euthanizing animals when required.
• Responsible for assigned vehicle and equipment signed out under their general care.

• Grade 12 or equivalent education and experience.

• Experience or training in the care of dogs and cats (minimum 1 year preferred).

• Experience with dogs in an animal welfare environment (animal shelter, animal agency, dog rescue), dog boarding kennel, or veterinary clinic. (minimum 1 year preferred).

• Law enforcement experience is an asset.

• Knowledge of common breeds of dogs and cats.

• Experience with and physically capable of handling dogs, cats, exotic animals such as livestock, snakes and other reptiles, primates and other animals safely and responsibly under a variety of conditions (i.e. capturing and restraining large dogs over 50 pounds; running/chasing after stray dogs).

• Knowledge of City geography and neighbourhoods.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective respectful working relationships with the public and other employees.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to deal effectively with the public and provide assistance in a variety of situations.

• Ability to operate a two-way radio.

• Ability and willingness to attend job related training.

• Must have basic computer skills, typing skills and ability to learn and operate the Agency systems within 3 months.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Possess good problem-solving skills regarding customer complaints, research and referrals.

• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization, external contacts and the public, in accordance with the Respectful Workplace Standard.

• Thorough knowledge of the operating procedures and practices of the Animal Services Agency.