Are you looking for a career that is equal parts heart, hustle and helping animals? Are you passionate about animal welfare and your community? Do you thrive on being hands-on in the field, in a job where no two days are the same? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Guelph Humane Society (GHS) wants to meet you!
The Opportunity:
GHS is looking for a full-time Animal Services Officer to join their team. This is your chance to play a hands-on role in helping animals in need—whether it’s responding to calls, assisting injured or orphaned wildlife, or delivering outstanding service to the animals and people who count on us. You will also help our community by enforcing municipal and provincial legislation across Guelph, Centre Wellington and Guelph-Eramosa.
In this role, no two days are the same: today you might be writing reports and problem-solving through education and enforcement, and tomorrow you might be assisting an injured raccoon or helping to reunite a lost pet with their family. We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, and who is ready to represent GHS with professionalism, positivity and a genuine passion for animal welfare.
What You’ll Do:
- Respond to requests for service from the public and intake stray, injured, orphaned, or deceased animals
- Interact with clients, community members, staff, and volunteers with diplomacy and professionalism
- Conduct field inspections and investigations, resolving by-law matters through education and enforcement, to ensure compliance with municipal and provincial legislation pertaining to the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa and in accordance with the Provincial Offences Act
- Advise the public on animal services by-laws in the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa
- Conduct proactive enforcement, including patrols of city parks, trails, and general public spaces
- Safely and humanely handle fractious and/or injured animals, including cats, dogs, small animals, and wildlife
- Work effectively and cordially with stakeholders and partners, including provincial inspectors, licensed wildlife rehabilitators, municipal by-law officers, emergency responders, and local community service agencies
- Attend court appearances and give evidence on behalf of the municipality regarding animal services matters
- Promote, enforce and sell City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph Eramosa’s dog licences
- Interact with all animals safely, respectfully, compassionately, and in a manner that minimizes stress using modern, commonly accepted practices
- Maintain detailed daily records of activities, adhering to GHS policies and procedures
- Work with other staff and volunteers to achieve a clean and organized facility, with strict adherence to infection control protocols
- Provide accurate, knowledgeable, and friendly service to the public
- Follow GHS policies and protocols for handling dangerous and/or infectious animals
- Participate in outreach activities within the community to provide education and public relations
- Treat other staff, volunteers, and members of the public with courtesy and respect
Our Ideal Candidate
- Post-secondary education in a related discipline (e.g. Animal Sciences, Animal Care, Law & Security
- Related experience in animal care and/or law enforcement an asset.
- Valid Ontario Driver’s License (full Class G) with clean Driver’s Abstract; Clear Police Clearance Certificate
- Knowledge of domestic animal breeds and wildlife (native and non-native species), including demonstrated understanding of proper care, handling, and husbandry
- Knowledge of relevant court procedures, regulations, and legislation pertaining to animals (Municipal bylaws, Dog Owners Liability Act, etc.)
- Knowledge of the City of Guelph, Township of Centre-Wellington, and Township of Guelph-Eramosa would be an asset
- Protective rabies titre an asset (or willingness to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccinations to obtain protective titre)
- Excellent oral and written communication skills utilized across all mediums, including phone, email, and face-to-face interactions
- Strong time management skills; ability to meet deadlines, re-prioritize competing demands, work with frequent interruptions
- Excellent organizational skills; Demonstrated critical thinking, discretion, tact, and diplomacy
- Demonstrated knowledge of disease transmission, bio-security, and proper sanitation protocols;
- Ability to maintain professional composure and multitask in a high-paced, reactive environment
- Strong computer literacy (Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and able to effectively utilize shelter management software. Knowledge of PetPoint is an asset
- Demonstrated excellence in customer service and public relations skills, with the ability to handle difficult clients and high-stress situations
- Comfortable handling and being around domestic animals of all types of wildlife
- Ability to lift and carry a minimum of fifty (50) pounds
- Must be reliable; ability to work all shifts, including weekends, holidays, on-call, and overtime as required
- General knowledge of animal welfare and humane society activities
- A positive attitude and passion for advocating for animal welfare in our community
Who We Are:
Founded in 1893, the Guelph Humane Society is a registered charity that provides care and shelter for approximately 3,000 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year in Guelph and Wellington County.
The Guelph Humane Society’s (GHS) Strategic Plan, Charting Our Future Direction (2024 – 2027), sets out GHS’s commitment to creating a compassionate world where all animals are valued and respected and one that is deeply rooted in our values of compassion, leadership, integrity, transparency and collaboration. The opportunity to advance the welfare of animals through care, education, community engagement and relationships has never been greater.
Animal welfare is at the heart of our mandate, and therefore at the centre of everything we do. You must have a strong commitment to animal welfare and be keen to learn more about how this philosophy fits into our work.
What We Offer:
- Compensation Range: $24-26/hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Benefits: Extended health benefits are not included in this position; however, all employees are eligible for the organization’s Employee Family Assistance Plan at no cost to the employee
- Vacation: You are entitled to vacation pay as stipulated by the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”). Vacation pay will be paid on each pay.
- Personal Time: This position is entitled to 40 hours of paid personal time on an annual, prorated basis
- Full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) contract position. This role requires flexibility to work both weekdays and weekends
- Being part of an amazing, passionate, mission-driven team making a difference for animals and the community!
How to Apply:
Please forward a resume and cover letter (including salary expectations) to Katherine Leonard, Senior Manager, Community Services at careers@guelphhumane.ca.
Please indicate Animal Service Officer Position in the subject line of your application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis up until the position is filled.
We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices. We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission, vision, and values.
GHS welcomes and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment process.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: $24.00-$26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
