Manager, Animal Field Services & Enforcement

Job Summary

Are you a bold, service‑driven leader excited to lead a skilled, multi‑shift team protecting both people and animals? Reporting to the Manager, Animal Services, the Manager, Field Services & Enforcement leads a 24/7 city‑wide field operation that delivers world‑class animal response, rescue and by‑law enforcement. You will inspire and develop Supervisors and up to 30 Municipal Law Enforcement Officers, drive operational excellence and inter‑agency collaboration, and champion community service and exemplary animal care through data‑driven decision making, strong people leadership, and clear operational standards.

What success looks like

• A highly engaged, well‑trained field team that responds quickly and safely to emergencies and routine calls.
• Consistent, fair enforcement practices that protect public safety while advancing humane animal outcomes.
• Streamlined, evidence‑based operations and SOPs that improve response times and community confidence.
• Strong partnerships across police, public health, legal services and animal welfare organizations that enhance citywide impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily Field Services operations, including enforcement, emergency response, investigations, and incident command.
• Provide direct supervision and performance management to Supervisors who oversee MLEO teams deployed across shifts and geographic zones in a 24/7 continuous operation.
• Ensure enforcement activities comply with provincial and municipal legislation such as the Dog Owners’ Liability Act, PAWS/Animal Welfare legislation, and relevant municipal by-laws.
• Coordinate deployment of staff to respond to priority calls, aggressive or dangerous animal incidents, stray and injured animal retrieval, public complaints, educational and emergency events.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for investigations, field safety, incident reporting, and response protocols.
• Monitor enforcement trends, analyze field response data, and provide strategic recommendations to the Manager, Animal Services on service delivery models and resource allocation.
• Contributes to identification or response to Bylaw amendment opportunities, with support to the development of corporate reports.
• Foster and maintain positive working relationships with Police, Provincial Animal Welfare Service, Public Health, Legal Services, animal welfare partners, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare briefings, reports, and documentation for Council, senior leadership, and external stakeholders related to enforcement activities and incidents.
• Oversee training, certification, and professional development programs for Field Services staff in partnership with divisional training resources.
• Manage vehicle fleet deployment, field equipment inventories, and procurement of safety and enforcement tools.
• Support labour relations in a unionized environment by applying policies consistently, administering progressive discipline, handling grievances, and participating in workplace investigations.
• Ensure staff compliance with health and safety protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures.
• Participate in after-hours or on-call emergency response planning and provide operational leadership during high-profile incidents or seasonal enforcement initiatives.
• Track, analyze, and report enforcement metrics to monitor performance, identify improvement opportunities, and inform budget planning.
• Contribute to development and management of the operating budget for staffing, equipment, and vehicle maintenance.
• Remain flexible to support a 24/7 continuous operation, including occasional variable start times, evenings or weekends.

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Law Enforcement, Public Administration, Animal Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in animal enforcement, municipal by-law operations, or related field, including at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable legislation and regulatory frameworks (e.g., DOLA, PAWS/Animal Welfare Acts, Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act, Municipal Act).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex investigations, emergency responses, and operational deployment logistics.
• Proficient in management of resources to optimize service delivery, meet compliance objectives and achieve operational efficiencies.
• Experience in a unionized environment with familiarity with collective agreements, labour relations, and progressive discipline processes.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, team building, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to remain calm, make sound decisions under pressure, and lead crisis or incident response.
• Proficiency with dispatch, case management, and field reporting software systems.
• Certification and/or practical experience in continuous improvement methodologies (eg: Certified LEAN, LEAN Six-Sigma Black Belt) considered a strong asset.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence in good standing.
• Satisfactory criminal record check required prior to employment.
  
  

If you thrive on leading teams under pressure, setting high standards for public service and animal welfare, and turning operational insight into measurable community impact, this role offers a powerful platform to make a tangible difference.