Scientific Officer - Companion Animal Welfare

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

6d•CA$69,400 - CA$86,782•Hybrid

About The Position

The Scientific Officer, Companion Animal Welfare leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of companion animal welfare policy initiatives that support the Society’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. The role focuses on addressing identified root causes animal suffering that have been approved for action. The Scientific Officer, Companion Animal Welfare manages relationships with industry groups, animal welfare organizations, and animal welfare scientists. The role also supports the development of advocacy and education materials that address additional root causes of animal suffering including societal values & norms and/or knowledge & education gaps, thereby driving systems-level improvements in animal welfare.

Requirements

Graduate-level education with relevant coursework in either animal welfare science, biology, natural or veterinary sciences plus a minimum of eight (8) years’ relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the Employer.
Building and maintaining relationships with external parties
Hands-on animal experience in a professional setting
Project and program management, including administering a budget
Contributing to strategic goal setting and measurement
Committee work
Working in or closely with non-profit organizations
Demonstrated understanding of Canadian companion animal industries and the institutions that govern them
Proven interest in animal welfare and understanding of BC SPCA evidence-based position statements and standards
Excellent organizational skills; attention to detail
Superior oral and written communication skills with a wide range of audiences (e.g., academic, industry, non-profits, media); confidence with public speaking; able to explain complex concepts in an accessible manner
Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly with reference to managing professional relationships and working to support colleagues and volunteers; ability to relate respectfully to a diverse audience
Research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently under minimal supervision, as well as part of a team
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, planning and prioritizing a varied workload in order to meet fixed deadlines
Research and analytical skills (literature, data, experimental)
Proficient computer skills: in-depth knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation software and file sharing
Ability to occasionally travel throughout the province and work flexible hours (i.e., occasional evenings and weekends), when required
Access to reliable transportation
Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission and strategic directions of the BC SPCA

Responsibilities

Contributes to the creation of the overall Social Change Annual Plan.
Supports the Senior Director, Animal Welfare Science and Standards in meeting Key Performance Indicators (KPI) metrics and milestones related to animal welfare research and standards.
Contributes to Root Cause Framework implementation and provides feedback to Root Cause Forum.
Conducts research and prepares evidence-based briefings and reports that inform the BC SPCA’s approach to non-shelter companion animal welfare policy.
Monitors current and emerging trends in animal welfare research and standards and prepares recommendations for senior leadership, the Animal Welfare Committee, the Root Cause Forum, etc.
Develops annual strategic and operational goals and objectives that are consistent with and flow from the strategic plan.
Supports initiatives with the UBC Animal Welfare Program Chair in Companion Animals, serving on graduate committees as per the BC SPCA’s commitments in this partnership.
Coordinates with the Public Engagement & Advancement Team in implementation of animal welfare research advocacy campaigns and Actions Alerts as needed.
Supports relevant animal welfare projects and initiatives developed in B.C. and elsewhere, as appropriate, through approved partnerships, participation and networking.
Supports Government Relations in relationship-building with elected officials, animal welfare organizations, the veterinary community, animal industries and other sectors as needed.
Prepares program reports and liaises with other BC SPCA departments to achieve Society-wide goals on related issues.
Develops positive media relations and contacts for animal welfare research issues.
Acts as a spokesperson and subject matter expert to the public through the media, as required.
Represents the BC SPCA at conferences, workshops, government consultations and other engagement and community events, as required.
Speaks at internal and external events, and training sessions as appropriate.
Participate on the BC SPCA’s Animal Welfare Committee, serving terms as Chair, ensuring policies and procedures are regularly updated and revised based on the latest scientific evidence.
Serves on the BC SPCA Animal Welfare Committee Research Subcommittee and acts as liaison for researchers conducting companion animal-related research.
Serves on AnimalKind Dog Training Review Panel and provides feedback on relevant standards.
Participates in budget planning for the research and standards program; develops, manages and adheres to a program expense budget.
Engage volunteers for event support and students on a project basis as needed.
Writes articles for external audiences (AnimalSense, Bark!, Anim@ls, WildSense, S&P Newsletter, etc.) and contributes to internal Pawprint.
Participates in other internal and external committees as needed.
Demonstrates a commitment to BC SPCA values, work-life balance, and principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation.
Performs other duties as assigned.