Position Title Classification
Veterinarian Exempt
Reports To Date
Animal Care Manager January 2020
Position Level
Permanent Part Time
PRIMARY PURPOSE
This position is responsible for overseeing the health and welfare of the animals at the BC Wildlife Park, delivering a high standard of animal care and contributing to ongoing conservation programs.
The Veterinarian reports to the Animal Care Manager and provides effective guidance to employees in regard to animal health.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Basic Function: this position is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Fawcett Family Wildlife Health Centre, coordinating the animal health management of the animal collection, maintaining medical records and liaising with government agencies at all levels regarding animal health matters.
Knowledge and Skills
Thorough knowledge of all aspects of animal health and care including captive and behavioral management of a variety of domestic and wild animals and a good working knowledge of basic dietary needs of various animal groups.
Responsibilities
Asses and diagnose animal diseases and injuries and provide professional medical and surgical treatment including animal health emergencies on an on-call basis.
Co-ordinates the animal health management of the collection and establishes and maintains a preventative medicine program.
Oversees clinical evaluation and treatment regimens for sick or injured animals.
Co-ordinates pathological diagnosis and the disposal of all animal carcasses.
Establishes and maintains communication with the appropriate institutions and agencies, such as the College of Veterinarians of BC, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and other related government agencies concerning matters of human and animal health.
Provides input to the animal feeding program concerning animal diet improvements and the prevention of nutritional diseases.
Manages inventory and security of all medications, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants and chemical compounds administered to the animals or used in animal holdings.
Participates in evaluation of animal housing and planning of new animal exhibits or major exhibit changes.
Advises and supports research activities carried out at the BCWP as approved by the Animal Care Committee at Thompson Rivers University.
Expectations:
Must be a team player and able to collaborate regularly and enthusiastically with colleagues; experience with teaching is highly desirable.
Demonstrate sound judgement in animal health management, including quarantine, preventative care and clinical care.
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with staff.
Must possess a working knowledge of WHMIS legislation
Must have a progressive attitude toward animal handling with an emphasis on the use of positive reinforcement training in collaboration with zookeeping staff to enhance animal welfare.
Email resume and references to Tracy Reynolds at [email protected]
THE BC WILDLIFE PARK HAS ONE POSITION AVAILABLE FOR A FULL TIME ZOOKEEPER
THIS POSITION WILL REPORT TO THE ANIMAL CARE MANAGER
This is a hands-on position responsible for delivering established animal care and wildlife conservation programs helping to ensure the British Columbia Wildlife Park meets the high standards of a world wide destination tourist attraction and conservation facility.
The Zookeeper reports directly to the Animal Care Manager and provides some work direction to part time staff and volunteers.
POSITION START DATE: March 1st, 2020
RATE OF PAY AND BENEFITS: Wage to be determined as per BCWP Collective Agreement. (This is a union position: CUPE Local 900)
WORK SCHEDULE: Part time: 40 hours/week and will be required to work evenings, weekends & holidays
Minimum Qualifications
· Education and Experience: High School or Equivalent Education
· Post secondary degree or diploma in a related field
· 3 years related animal care experience, preferably in a zoological environment
· Valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License
· Fire Arms Certificate or willingness to get one.
· RCMP criminal record check
· Must be legally entitled to work in Canada and a BC resident
Major Responsibilities
· Under specific direction delivers effective health and welfare practices for Park Wildlife and Wildlife Rehabilitation Program while at the same time provides some work direction to part time staff and volunteers.
· Follow established policies and procedures and deliver proper diet, required level of cleanliness, enrichment and hygiene of exhibits
· Maintain Zookeeper work areas to ensure a professional level of hygiene from a veterinary and food-safe perspective is maintained
· Maintain exhibits and animal care facilities to required CAZA standards
· Carry out procedures to ensure cleanliness of service yards and buildings
· Maintain positive relationship with park staff, veterinarian and guests
· Communicate in a timely way with department staff and veterinarians and assist in administering treatments, medications and procedures as required
· Provide support for education and interpretation at the park
· Follow established policies and procedures with regard to safe movement of animals within and outside the park
· Maintain daily digital records in ZIMS
· Participate in and provide some work direction in conservation programs such as Burrowing Owls Captive Breeding and Wildlife Rehabilitation
· Contribute to efficient operation of park by minimizing waste and maintaining tools and equipment
· Complete regular feed inventory, ordering feed as required
· Strive to enhance knowledge and skills pertinent to animals on exhibit
· Follow established policies and procedures to ensure safety of animals, public and staff
· Ensure junior staff, volunteers, etc. follow safe working methods
· Other responsibilities and duties as required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
· Working knowledge of all aspects of animal health and care, including reproductive habits, physiology, behavior, nutrition, pathology and parasitism of animals, birds and reptiles
· Good observational skills with the ability to ensure animals meet standards of good health and ability to note any deviations in normal physical or psychological health
· Basic understanding of conservation philosophy
· Demonstrated ability to work safely with wildlife, including the ability to participate in medical treatment and preventative medication for animals
· Sound judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to act quickly and calmly in Emergency situations
· Thorough knowledge of hazards and safety precautions for work performed
· Good interpersonal skills
· Good oral and written communication skills.
* Send resumes with three references to:
Tracy Reynolds, Animal Care Manager at the British Columbia Wildlife Park
9077 Dallas Drive, Kamloops, BC. V2C 6V1 Fax: 1-250-573-2406
email: [email protected]