Scientific Officer - Research and Standards

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

3d•CA$69,400 - CA$86,782•Hybrid

About The Position

The Scientific Officer, Research & Standards, leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of research and standards 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 (e.g. recognizing that humane consumer choices can influence industry practices across areas such as pet care, training, pest control, and animal research). This position also supports the ongoing review of AnimalKind standards and delivers initiatives (e.g., consumer guides, recommended providers/practices) that advance key indicators to help achieve lasting progress in animal welfare across British Columbia. The Scientific Officer, Research & Standards manages relationships with industry groups, AnimalKind program members, 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.
Relevant experience includes but is not limited to: 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; Supervision; and Working in or closely with non-profit organizations.
Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills; ability to provide effective coaching and guidance to others.
Demonstrated understanding of Canadian animal industries and the institutions that govern them.
Proven interest in animal welfare and understanding of BC SPCA evidence-based position statements and standards.
Knowledge of pest control industry and/or pet services industries.
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 staff 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).
Experience overseeing implementation of policies and procedures.
Proficient computer skills: in-depth knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation software and file sharing.
Familiarity with use of customer relationship management software (i.e., Salesforce).
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.
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.
Leads ongoing review of AnimalKind standards and provides feedback on Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and other sector changes at industry levels as required.
Develops annual strategic and operational goals and objectives that are consistent with and flow from the strategic plan.
Supports research and standards 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.
Serves as a liaison and resource to the community animal centres and between Provincial Office departments to inform and guide how to apply standards that reflect current animal welfare science.
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.
Provides technical advice as it relates to animal welfare research to interested parties such as dog trainers, pest control companies and the public to advance their practices/understanding.
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, and sometimes in evenings and/or on weekends.
Speaks at internal and external events, and training sessions as appropriate.
Provides evidence-based strategic direction and implementation of AnimalKind initiatives and operations; provide direction to program members and contractors, including auditors, review panel members, and subject matter experts.
Liaises with pest and pet industry representatives, government staff, general public, local governments, scientists and animal welfare organizations to promote AnimalKind standards and initiatives (e.g., consumer guides, recommended providers/practices).
In collaborating with the Media & Internal Communications team, coordinates internal and public information and website content for AnimalKind standards, including leading strategy for external communications and public/AnimalKind member educational activities.
Oversees internal AnimalKind standards communication and liaises with Animal Care Services for implementation of standards within centres.
Responsible for the hiring, onboarding, performance management/development, recognition, and management of direct report.
Provide active coaching and mentorship to ensure objectives and goals are met, celebrating individual and team successes.
Conduct annual SMART goal setting and bi-annual performance reviews.
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.
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 on 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.