Job Description

If you are up for the challenge and would like to be considered for this position, we would like to hear from you. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is looking to fill the following career opportunity:

POSITION:

Specialist, Wild Animal Welfare

STATUS:

Permanent; Full-Time

SHIFT:

35 hours per week

LOCATION:

Vancouver, BC - Hybrid (2 days per week at the office)

CLASSIFICATION:

Exempt

WAGE:

Salaried

CLOSING DATE:

Open Until September 26, 2025.



We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion by reading our Foundational Principles on our website. We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission, vision and values.



The BC SPCA is a dynamic organization with facilities and services across the province of BC. Join an expanding team in an exciting time of change in an organization that makes a difference! Please read below for additional details and let us know if you have the skills and experience we are looking for by submitting your application.

About the Position:

The Specialist, Wild Animal Welfare position has a primary focus of supporting wildlife welfare through research, communications, advocacy, and public/stakeholder relations. The role consists of: development and delivery of wild animal welfare program-related initiatives; related data collation and management, analysis and reporting; development of communications, training, and public education content; development and promotion of wild animal welfare advocacy campaigns and initiatives and related support; volunteer recruitment, training, coordination and supervision; and other committee and administrative support.



Responsibilities

Wild Animal Welfare (30%):

Contributes to the creation and implementation of wild animal welfare initiatives based on the Society's strategic plan and fulfilment of key performance indicators. Tracks wild animals assisted through Wild ARC, Night Emergency Personnel (NEP), and Animal Centres, supporting government permit data collation and submission, and dashboard updates. Develops and delivers advocacy campaigns through research, government relations, writing, and social media; reviews and tracks wildlife bylaws, with communications as necessary. Leads development of program materials and updates existing wildlife LMS courses and develops new courses, in collaboration with the Training & Development Specialist, for Wild ARC, Animal Helpline and Animal Care Services staff training, including humane pest control operations and reporting.

Communications and Engagement (30%):

Plans, develops and maintains wildlife-related content for the BC SPCA website. Coordinates production of relevant newsletters (e.g., WildSense, Science & Policy), including contributing content, editing, and coordinating distribution. Creates wild animal welfare content for BC SPCA external and internal publications (e.g., news items, social media posts, Anim@ls e-newsletter, AnimalSense, Bark!, staff bulletins, etc.) Represents the organization in engagement with interested parties, community outreach, relevant conferences, workshops, and government consultations; plans internal and external meetings/conferences/symposiums as needed. In collaboration with the Training & Development Specialist, provides training and presentations to internal and external audiences on wild animal program initiatives. In collaboration with the Media & Internal Communications team: Responds to media requests, as required. Responds to wild animal welfare related enquiries from the public, staff and volunteers. Coordinates provincial wild animal communications and online activities (e.g., Wildlife-in-Focus, SPCA Shop and gift catalogue, online campaigns, and e-blasts).

AnimalKind Program (20%):

Acts as a technical resource, supporting program implementation through research, standards review, content development, process and administration review, editing, communications (social, news items, website), presentations and wildlife control audits. Coordinates Review Panels and supports administrative duties that relate to AnimalKind.

General (20%):

Participates as a member of the BC SPCA Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) and leads revision of selected wildlife-related position statements. Participates as a member of the AWC Research Subcommittee, as secretary, to support research initiatives. Participates on other committees as needed. Contributes to the growth of a culture of health and safety and volunteerism. In collaboration with the Volunteer Resources team, recruits and trains program volunteers. Looks for opportunities to enhance volunteerism within portfolio. Demonstrates a commitment to BC SPCA values, work-life balance, and principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation. Prepares regular progress reports on the above activities for supervisor as required. Performs other related duties, as required.

Qualifications:

University degree in applied biology, animal welfare sciences or a related field plus a minimum of 5-8 years' relevant experience; or a combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer. Related experience includes, but is not limited to: hands-on animal welfare experience liaising or working in wildlife research/management, non-profits or regulators working with diverse stakeholders and different opinions writing public education materials, such as web content, newsletters, training materials and social media posts Training in communications or media relations would be considered an asset Proven interest in animal welfare and understanding of BC SPCA evidence-based position statements and standards Superb interpersonal skills, particularly with reference to managing professional relationships Strong teamwork skills and work ethic Problem-solving and critical thinking skills Excellent organizational skills coupled with the ability to multi-task and attention to detail Demonstrated research, report and manuscript writing skills Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to relate respectfully to a diverse audience Computer skills required for research and data management, literature review, report writing, database management, web development, email and video communications 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 Ability to travel and work flexible hours (i.e., occasional evening and weekends), when required Access to reliable transportation for travel to events, etc. Relevant professional designation (e.g., RPBio, BIT) and graduate-level degree would be considered an asset. Working knowledge of concepts of equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation; able to relate respectfully to a diverse audience. Philosophical harmony with the BC SPCA's vision, mission, values and strategic directions.

How to apply:

If you are interested in joining our team and are legally entitled to work in Canada, we would like to hear from you. Click on apply now or use the link to apply https://spca.bc.ca/about-us/careers/



We thank you for your interest in the BC SPCA, however; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.



The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001