Job Postings

   

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

• University Degree in Veterinary Medicine
• Must possess a license to practice Veterinary Medicine in BC an must be registered with the CVBC.
• Possession of a valid Fire Arms Possession and Acquisition Licence (or willingness to obtain)
• Valid Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License
• Completion of Criminal Record Check

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.

• In depth knowledge of technical aspects of animal husbandry including knowledge of reproductive habits, physiology, nutrition, pathology and parasitism of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
• Thorough knowledge of ZIMS record keeping system especially in regard to medical records.
• Thorough knowledge of required permits and regulations with regard to acquisition, disposition and movement of animals.
• Thorough knowledge of external standards and expectations such as those established by CAZA, the provincial and federal Governments.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  

  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]