ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER TRAINEE

• Job ID: 57294
• Job Category: Animal Care & Control
• Division & Section: Municipal Licensing & Standards, MLS Toronto Animal Services
• Work Location: Various, see potential locations below
• Job Type & Duration: Seasonal, Full-Time, approximately 2 months
• Hourly Rate: $35.24
• Hours & Shift Information: 40 hours per week 
• Affiliation: L416 Outside
• Number of Positions Open: 2
• Posting Period: 27-Jun-2025 to 11-Jul-2025
  

  Work Locations:

• TAS West Shelter 146 The East Mall
• TAS East Shelter 821 Progress Avenue
• 399 The West Mall
• 1530 Markham Road

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 3 million people. Consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities, we are a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture. Join the award-winning Toronto Public Service. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Assists in inspections and investigations of complaints related to animal matters, pursuant to the City of Toronto Municipal Code and the Dog Owners' Liability Act.
• Assists with humane and skilled capture, handling and restraint of domestic, exotic, and wild animals and removal of cadavers.
• Assists in providing care to animals in custody, including feeding/watering and observing and reporting health and behavior conditions.
• Utilizes computer systems and other information technologies related to animal services to input, maintain and retrieve data and City records.
• Assists in the maintenance of animal service equipment, supplies and vehicles, ensuring they are clean, sanitary and organized, meet all health and safety standards.

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

1. Currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate of a Law Enforcement related program (e.g. Municipal By-Law or Criminology) and/or post-secondary education (certificate or diploma) in animal care from a recognized institution.

Your application must also demonstrate that you have the following skills:

• Good physical condition, strength and agility are required for all aspects of the Animal Control Officer position, including long amounts of time spent driving, handling and lifting animals, including deer, large dogs and heavy articles (i.e. crates, aquariums, animal supplies) weighing up to 25 kgs.
• Understanding of animal behaviour in domestic and wildlife species and the ability to handle and capture a wide variety of animals, including injured and possibly dangerous animals, humane capture tools, equipment and techniques.
• Immunized against rabies and have a titre test every two years to determine immunity level and if needed, receive booster vaccinations.
• Proficiency in use of computerized applications such as Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel & Outlook) and computerized records management systems.
• Ability to work rotating shifts (day, afternoon, night, weekend and holidays) and standby as required. May be required to do shift and weekend work in conformance with the Collective Agreement.
• Ability to conduct inspections and investigations including detailed report writing, field interviews, enforcement actions, case management, court preparation and testimony.
• Ability to work in a customer service environment with excellent interpersonal and conflict management skills, dealing effectively with all levels of staff, the public and external contacts in person, by telephone and in writing.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, take initiative, exercise discretion, judgment work under time constraints and meet deadlines, to effectively carry out the various duties and responsibilities of this position, with minimal supervision and direction.
• Excellent and effective, verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to be tactful, patient and courteous, when dealing with the public, elected officials and staff.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills with the ability to apply these skills when assessing difficult and challenging situations.
• Knowledge and understanding of the by-laws and legislative requirements related to animal services core functions.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Must be familiar with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations for the safe performance of his/her duties and responsibilities.        

Please Note: 

• Successful candidate will be required to provide a current Criminal Police Reference Check as a condition of employment for this position.
• This is a temporary full-time opportunity expected to run from the date of hire until August 29, 2025, to align with the summer work term. Please note that future postings for this position are expected to run from May 1 to August 31 annually.
• Trainees may rotate through various locations; however, they may be primarily assigned to one location for the majority of their contract.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.