AMENDMENT: Closing date extended due to OPS Careers system outage Are you highly motivated about delivering superior public service in the area of Animal Welfare? Do you have a background in regulatory compliance and enforcement? Animal Welfare Services at the Ministry of the Solicitor General seeks professional, dedicated and experienced individuals across Ontario to objectively promote and enforce compliance with animal welfare legislative and regulatory requirements by conducting inspections and investigations on animal welfare cases reported in their designated area/region. These positions are best suited for individuals who have a strong, accountable work ethic and understand the compliance and enforcement landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to have a real, positive impact on the life and well-being of people and animals in Ontario.
OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
• Coordinate and conduct field inspection, compliance and enforcement activities of commercial and residential owners of animals under provincial and federal animal welfare statutes and regulations
• Enforce the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWs) Act, develop warrants, lay charges, and be adept at de-escalation and use of force policy
• Handle highly sensitive, urgent issues pertaining to the welfare of animals on short notice with a diverse set of stakeholders
• Prepare reports, correspondence and case files for investigations and inspections
• Provide testimony in Court proceedings
• Deliver education and awareness activities related to animal health and welfare
• Liaise and consult with a variety of stakeholders on animal welfare issues to identify needs and priorities, assess risks, and propose solutions and recommendations for the development of appropriate policy and programs
• Exhibit Ontario Public Service (OPS) values in the work delivered
The positions will require successful candidates 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
• work extended and irregular hours with minimal or no notice, rotational after hours on call will be required to provide support to police services. There will be requirements for extended travel (sometimes on short notice) through the province, including remote areas
How do I qualify?
Mandatory
• Ability to obtain and maintain Provincial Security Clearance and Provincial Offences Officer status.
• Valid class G Ontario driver's licence (or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario) to travel to locations not accessible by public transit.
• For the bilingual vacancy, you must possess oral and written French language skills at the advanced-plus level. Your proficiency level will be confirmed before hire.
Specialized Knowledge and Experience
• You can demonstrate knowledge of the diverse aspects of animal welfare and protection, including the management processes, welfare practices, stakeholders involved, and federal/provincial statutes, legislative and regulatory frameworks as they relate to animal welfare inspections and enforcement
• You can demonstrate knowledge of risks and priorities associated with animal welfare enforcement in commercial and residential environments and ability to mitigate risks and advance priorities
• You have knowledge of and/or experience with behaviour and health of diverse animals and understanding of when removal is required
• You have knowledge of animal welfare stakeholders and experience in engaging various audiences
• Some of the vacancies will also require additional specialized knowledge of livestock, equine, zoos and aquariums
Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement and Compliance Expertise
• You understand and have the ability to apply all related statutes, regulations, policies, codes and standards associated with animal welfare to interpret and provide support, direction, technical and regulatory expertise to licenses/registrants, the agricultural sector, the public, complainants veterinarians and police
• You have thorough knowledge of specialized investigative techniques, procedures, legislation and courtroom procedures to carry out investigations by gathering and interpreting evidence and making recommendations for follow-up (e.g. criminal charges)
• You have knowledge of theories to gather evidence and interpret findings by examining available evidence, identifying potential tests for proving theories and providing testimony in Court
• You have demonstrated knowledge of compliance and enforcement of multiple regulatory statutes/programs and overlapping authorities to provide clear interpretation and understanding of complex issues
• You have experience identifying situations of non-compliance and assessing the associated level of risk to determine appropriate corrective measures to achieve desired outcomes
• You can accurately and objectively interpret, apply and enforce policies, procedures and legislation, and relay compliance-related information to others
Communication, Interpersonal and Judgement Skills
• You have strong communication skills to explain and discuss interpretations of evidence and related legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines, and theories about the investigation, using appropriate judgement in communicating confidential and sensitive information, and providing testimony in Court
• You have the interpersonal skills to persuade and ensure compliance with established methods, models and concepts of investigation
• You have the ability to use tact, discretion and honesty when gathering, discussing and disclosing case-related information and evidence to the public or in the Courts
• You have experience developing and maintaining harmonious relationships with internal and external clients, including those in rural, remote and Indigenous communities
• You have the ability to identify potential conflicts, facilitate open and constructive dialogue, and proactively address and defuse potential issues
• You can adhere to OPS values when communicating with the public, stakeholders and colleagues
Analytical, Reasoning and Problem Solving Skills
• You have strong analytical and reasoning skills to conduct investigations, assessing and interpreting evidence, maintaining the integrity of the investigative file, evaluating investigative results and determining cause, analyzing the circumstances and issuing orders, laying charges and/or removing animals, and making recommendations
• You have the ability to review and evaluate statutes, policies, codes and standards and make recommendations/determine impact to related animal welfare programs and related sectors
• You have the ability to assess issues quickly and with a high degree of accuracy when responding to allegations of violations of the legislation/regulations and applying the appropriate tool (issuing orders, laying charges, removing animals, etc.) and notification to all relevant parties in a timely and accurate manner
• You have the ability to assess issues and emerging trends, apply risk management analysis and prepare summary reports
Organizational, Planning and Computer Skills
• You have superior computer skills to use Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) to prepare materials, correspondence, Crown Briefs and reports
• You can maintain electronic and manual records and schedules, as well as utilize database systems to search, enter and obtain information
• You have time management and organizational skills to effectively manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• You can manage your workload and ensure accurate and timely completion of reports and other products based on targets and priorities
