Inspector, Animal Welfare

Fonction publique de l'Ontario; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ontario Public Service's Public Safety Division/Animal Welfare Services seeks an Agricultural Specialist 3 to enforce PAWs Act, inspect properties, and coordinate welfare actions across Ontario. This role involves field work, court testimony, and delivering stakeholder education.

Expect irregular hours, travel up to 250 km per day, and potential multi-location assignments. The position requires security clearance, a G license, and strong judgment and analytical skills in animal welfare

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain Provincial Security Clearance and Provincial Offences Officer status.
• Valid G Ontario driver’s license to travel to locations not accessible by public transit.
• Knowledge of animal welfare laws and the PAWs Act.

Responsibilities

• coordinate and conduct field inspection, compliance and enforcement activities of commercial and residential owners of animals
• enforce the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWs) Act, develop warrants and lay charges
• handle confidential, urgent issues pertaining to the welfare of animals
• prepare reports, correspondence and case files for investigations and inspections
• give testimony in court proceedings
• deliver education and awareness activities related to animal health and welfare
• liaise and consult with a variety of partners on animal welfare issues

Skills

Provincial Security Clearance

Provincial Offences Officer status

G Ontario driver's license

Travel readiness

Job description

Public Safety Division/ Animal Welfare Services

16 Temporary (up to 12-months, with possibility of extension)

60704 - Agricultural Specialist 3

$1,349.34 - $1,697.54 Per week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Be a champion for animal welfare in Ontario.

Your expertise will ensure compliance with laws, protect vulnerable animals, and partner with stakeholders to promote humane treatment. Make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and contribute to a safer, more compassionate Ontario.

About the job

In this role, you will:

• coordinate and conduct field inspection, compliance and enforcement activities of commercial and residential owners of animals
• enforce the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWs) Act, develop warrants and lay charges
• handle confidential, urgent issues pertaining to the welfare of animals
• prepare reports, correspondence and case files for investigations and inspections
• give testimony in court proceedings
• deliver education and awareness activities related to animal health and welfare
• liaise and consult with a variety of partners on animal welfare issues

Mandatory requirements

You have:

• ability to obtain and maintain Provincial Security Clearance and Provincial Offences Officer status
• valid G Ontario driver's license or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario to travel to locations not accessible by public transit

Specialized knowledge and experience

You have knowledge of:

• the diverse aspects of animal welfare and protection, including the management processes, welfare practices and stakeholders involved
• risks and priorities associated to animal welfare enforcement in commercial and residential environments
• investigative techniques, procedures, legislation and courtroom procedures to carry out investigations
• and/or experience with behaviour and health of diverse animals and understanding of when removal is required
• you can interpret and apply related statutes, regulations, policies, codes and standards associated with animal welfare

Communication, interpersonal and judgement skills

You have:

• communication skills to explain and discuss interpretations of evidence and related legislation, policies and procedures
• interpersonal skills to persuade individuals and ensure compliance with established investigation methods and protocols
• the ability to communicate with agencies involved in an investigation
• presentation and writing skills to prepare materials and reports
• you demonstrate high degree of political acuity, judgement and ability to work alone

Analytical, reasoning and problem-solving skills

You have:

• analytical and reasoning skills to conduct investigations, assess and interpret evidence
• evaluative skills to identify and assess trends and patterns requiring further investigation, inspections and compliance checks
• you can assess issues and emerging trends, apply risk management analysis and prepare summary reports
• you can assess issues with high degree of accuracy

Time management and computer skills

• you demonstrate project management, coordination and time management skills
• you can use Microsoft Office programs to create reports, and use the internet to conduct searches

Additional information about the position:

• the positions' headquarters are located at 6711 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga; however the successful candidates may work from other locations in Ontario. The successful candidates may work from district offices assigned based on their home address to respond to calls for service which may require travel up to 250 km per day.
• these positions require irregular hours with minimal or no notice (including working mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends and stat holidays), overtime and rotational after hours on standby to provide support to police services. This is non-negotiable.
• there will be requirements for extended travel (sometimes on short notice) through the province, including remote areas.

The work environment of an Animal Welfare Inspector:

• the position is very demanding psychologically with Inspectors managing people who may have difficult and aggressive personalities and/or people who may struggle with mental health (e.g., hoarding).
• the position requires assessing, touching, lifting, and approaching a wide variety of animals including but not limited to dogs, cats, horses, cattle, swine, sheep, exotics, primates, marine mammals, etc. The position can at times be very physically demanding.
• the position can involve being exposed to multiple chemicals, biological and environmental hazards while on the job. This includes working in environments where there is a presence of strong odors, feces, dead animals, blood, loud noise, cold/hot/inclement weather, etc.

Successful candidates will be required to:

• pass the Regulatory Compliance Training, Personal Safety Training & Animal Welfare Training Programs (provided on the job).
• obtain and maintain Provincial Security Clearance and Provincial Offences Officer status.
• wear a uniform and carry personal safety equipment (baton, handcuffs and OC spray).

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

What we offer

The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:

• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• a comprehensive compensation and benefits package
• base salary that aligns to market trends with performance-based pay and scheduled salary progression
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
• a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment

Language requirements and assessment: All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.