Farm Animal Care Attendant

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA)•Surrey, BC

61d

About The Position

This position ensures that optimal levels of care are administered to the animals based on the Five Freedoms. This position provides primary care and support to all CID Large Animal Centre based animals including feeding and medicating farm animals as well as and cleaning of barn stalls and routine maintenance of facilities (including grounds) and farm equipment. Socialization/behaviour modification and transportation of various farm animal species may also be required from time to time.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of two years working directly with farm animals, especially large farm animals such as horses; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer.
Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract
A sound knowledge of farm animals (particularly horses), their breeds, characteristics and more common diseases
Ability to work as independently as well as within a team environment
Well-developed interpersonal skills, including an ability to work with respectfully with a diverse group of stakeholders, and experience delivering excellent customer service
Ability to prioritize demands and complete tasks on time
Physical ability to meet demands of the job including heavy lifting, pushing and pulling, which requires the ability to maintain a level of fitness and endurance to fulfill the required duties; must not have allergies to farm animals
Basic computer skills sufficient, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite and databases
Ability to work a variable schedule, including weekdays, weekends and statutory holidays
Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission and strategic directions of the BC SPCA

Responsibilities

Ensure the health and well-being of animals in care are maintained in accordance with the BC SPCA policies and procedures and following the five freedoms. This includes, but is not limited to: treating animals humanely, with compassion and concern;
maintain proper diet, ensuring daily feeding and watering requirements are met;
administering approved medications as specified by the attending Veterinarian, Registered Veterinary Technician, or other authorized shelter staff;
corresponding with veterinarians to arrange examinations, treatments and in-care treatment plans to ensure all animals involved with the Good Shepherd Barn and the Provincial Equine and Farm Animal Foster Program (PEFAFP) PEFAFP receive the veterinary care they require;
performing behaviour modification activities related to handling, husbandry, and socialization in a safe and effective manner as directed; and
assisting with euthanasia, as requested, ensuring this process is conducted in a humane, respectful, compassionate, and stress-free manner.
Follow all safety protocols to ensure both human, animal, and physical location safety.
Perform screening and processing of adoptions for farm animals in the Good Shepherd Barn and through the Provincial Equine and Farm Animal Foster Program (PEFAFP).
Ensuring all procedures for receiving and/or adopting all animals are conducted according to procedure and meeting the needs of stakeholders.
Maintain the entire physical facility and grounds in a clean, sanitary and efficient manner as well as ensuring barn stalls, pastures and paddocks are kept in a manner that is best-suited for the animal health and welfare.
Provide excellent customer service, internally to BC SPCA staff and volunteers and externally to members of the public and other organizations we work with. This includes, but is not limited to:
Ensuring that people feel welcome and their questions are answered within the scope of this role;
Deferring to appropriate authority when questions or issues arise that are out of scope of this role;
Answering telephones in a courteous manner, providing information satisfactory to the needs of the caller; and
Representing the interests of the BC SPCA and portraying the image of the organization in a positive light.
Assist in cruelty investigations where required and submit a review of findings through Shelter Buddy for continuing investigation purposes.
Work collaboratively with other BC SPCA staff and volunteers.
Attending meetings, as required.
Identifying not only potential issues, but also offering solutions for consideration.
When assigned, acting as lead hand on Barn matters in the absence of the Manager.
Other duties as assigned.