Volunteer Special Constable

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Job Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Provincial Investigator for the Nova Scotia SPCA, volunteer Special Constables are responsible for conducting investigations of incidents of cruelty to animals and inspections of animal facilities. Volunteers are needed for all regions of Nova Scotia.

Qualifications

• Must have completed a high school education.
• Knowledge of the Canadian Criminal Code as it relates to animal cruelty and the provincial Animal Cruelty Prevention Act.
• Ability and knowledge to handle both large and small animals.
• Ability to work as a team or on your own.
• Ability to work in conditions and situations that are stressful.
• Ability and confidence to make quick decisions when working alone.
• Must be willing to work shift work, extra hours, holidays, weekends, call back and short notice call back.
• Ability and knowledge of proper note taking, writing detailed and accurate reports, handling of exhibits and interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of or willing to learn how to complete court documents (i.e. search warrants).
• Basic computer skills (owning your own computer and having access to the Internet is a must).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all investigations.
• Provide a valid and current drivers’ license.
• Provide a current drivers’ abstract.
• Provide a current criminal check.
• Must be detail oriented, observant, good listener, diplomatic and tactful.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Investigations

• Conduct animal cruelty investigations for both large and small animals.
• Respond to animal cruelty complaints for both large and small animals.
• Conduct and assist on investigations in consultation with the Department of Agriculture into complaints of care, maintenance and transportation of animals within Nova Scotia.
• Ensure all court documents are properly completed prior to any charges being laid in consultation with the Public Prosecution Services and the Chief Provincial Investigator.
• Ensure timely response to complaints.
• Must be willing to travel throughout the county and/or the province.
• Mileage will be paid by the Nova Scotia SPCA Provincial Office.

Environmental Factors

• Risk of exposure to large and small animals that may be carriers of diseases (i.e. rabies).
• Risk of exposure to sites that are unclean and possibly toxic.

Facility Inspections

• In accordance with the standards and guidelines that govern facilities (i.e. pounds, boarding kennels, stables and exhibitions) conduct inspections. for proper care and maintenance.
• Recommend changes to policies and standards under the direction of the Chief Provincial Investigator.

Humane Education and Training

• Participate in Special Constable and Animal Control Officer’s training programs.
• Recommend areas where training is required.
• Participate and make recommendations for required training, education and SPCA position statements.

Administrative

• Ensure reports are completed and outcomes are tracked and filed according to category.
• Prepare monthly reports on investigations for the Chief Provincial Investigator.
• Attend meetings, work shops, etc., as required.
• Other administrative duties as assigned.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume clearly indicating the qualifications to perform the duties of a Special Constable, and three professional references. There is no deadline for submission of applications. Following review of applications, candidates who fit the criteria may be contacted to complete an interview.

The preferred method of submitting applications is electronically to animals@spcans.ca, attn: Chief Provincial Investigator, though applications can also be mailed to: Nova Scotia SPCA, 1600 Bedford Highway, Suite 209, Bedford, NS, B4A 1E8.