Animal Protection and Control Officer (APCO)
As the Animal Protection and Control Officer you will be an essential part of our mandate to protect the welfare of domestic animals and promote community safety. Your responsibilities will include enforcement of the Animal Protection and Control Act, which lays out requirements for animal care and control in the Territory.
You will use your investigative skills, law enforcement experience, and knowledge of animal behaviour and care to resolve complaints, ensure compliance with legislation, and build strong relationships with the public and enforcement partners. As APCO, you will also be designated as a Conservation Officer, supporting the Conservation Officer Services Branch through enforcement of resource legislation as needed. You’ll act as a professional representative of the Department, promoting compassion, safety, and accountability across the territory.
- For more information about this position please contact Jimmy Kennedy, Animal Protection and Control Program Manager at jimmy.kennedy@yukon.ca.
- For more information about how to apply for this position, please contact Rodney Hatcher, HR Consultant at rodney.hatcher@yukon.ca.
Essential Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, you must clearly demonstrate how you meet the following qualifications in your application. Be sure to highlight how your experience aligns with the “must haves” for this position and include month and year for each work experience entry. Selection for further consideration is based solely on the information you provide in your resume.
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in a relevant field such as: Natural Resource, Conservation or Environmental Protection, Criminal Justice, Animal Health or Behaviour, or other related programs.
- Significant experience in law enforcement or animal control or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on promoting compliance while carrying out enforcement responsibilities.
- Experience conducting investigations and laying charges, issuing tickets, collecting evidence, applying for warrants, and attending court as a witness.
- Experience engaging with the public to resolve complaints, and provide education preferably related to animal welfare, safety, control or legislation.
- Experience handling a diverse range of animals particularly in a professional or institutional setting—including aggressive or distressed animals, using safe and humane techniques is considered an asset.
Candidates who have education, training, and/or experience equivalent to the above qualifications may be equally considered.
Knowledge, Skills and Suitability
To support the operational goals of this position, candidates may be assessed on the following:
- CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS: Demonstrates the ability to recognize, address, and de-escalate conflict through effective communication and problem-solving strategies in a respectful and inclusive manner.
- INITIATIVE: Demonstrates a proactive approach by identifying needs and taking appropriate action without requiring direction; seeks opportunities to improve outcomes in the field and workplace.
- CULTURAL APTITUDE: Applies cultural sensitivity when working with people of diverse backgrounds.
- EFFECTIVE WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMUNICATION: Demonstrates professionalism when interacting with the public, coworkers, and enforcement partners; maintains calm, respectful dialogue in high-pressure situations.
- PROBLEM SOLVING: Applies sound judgment and investigative techniques to resolve complex issues in the field independently and lawfully.
- CURRENT RESEARCH & INVESTIGATION SKILLS: Effectively gathers and analyzes evidence to support enforcement actions and investigations.
- ANIMAL HANDLING & WELFARE: Demonstrates confidence and empathy when working with animals, including those that may be fearful or aggressive; applies humane handling practices and exercises sound judgment when difficult decisions, including euthanasia, are required to protect animal welfare and public safety.
Application Requirements
- Do not provide a cover letter for this requisition. It will not be reviewed.
- Please keep your resume to a maximum of 2000 words.
- Applicants must demonstrate applied knowledge of relevant legislation, investigative techniques, and court procedures, supported by formal training (e.g., Justice Institute of BC or equivalent). Please include specific coursework or certifications that relate to animal control or regulatory enforcement in your resume.
Additional Information
Conditions of Employment
Your appointment may not be finalized until the following conditions are met:
- Medical clearance
- Security clearance (RCMP)
- Successful completion of a Psychological Assessment
- Valid Class 5 Yukon driver’s licence (or equivalent)
- Valid First Aid/CPR certificate (or obtained within three months)
- Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence (or obtained within six months)
- Trained, certified and qualified to carry a service pistol, including handling and storage of firearms (obtained within one year)
- Successful completion of Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy or equivalent. This is a 4-month program where the successful candidate will reside at the academy for that time. The location of the academy varies but is always out of territory and has recently been held in Alberta (obtained within one year ).
- Declaration of any convictions under the Criminal Code of Canada for which an official pardon has not been received, as well as any convictions under the following acts: Animal Protection and Control Act, Area Development Act, Environment Act, Fisheries Act, Forest Protection Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Parks and Land Certainty Act, Pounds Act, WAPPRIITA Act, Waters Act, Wilderness Tourism Licensing Act and Wildlife Act including convictions under similar legislation in other jurisdictions.
Job Requirements
- Travel throughout the territory in various weather conditions
- May include some irregular work on evenings and weekends
- Working independently in remote locations
- Wear and maintain a uniform and duty belt provided by the department
- Obtain and maintain certification and training standards (e.g. defensive tactics, use of firearms, chemical immobilization)
- The incumbent may need to lift or move heavy objects up to 500Ibs
- The incumbent must be able to dispatch an animal determined to be in critical distress in field, utilizing humane methods under the advice and support of a veterinarian
Why joining us is a great idea.
Yukon government has been recognized as a Top 100 Canadian Employer since 2014.
We support balancing personal and professional needs through comprehensive benefits, the ability to build your professional skills through learning and developmental opportunities, and flexible work and leave options.
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