Manager, Shelter Medicine

POSITION :

Manager, Shelter Medicine

STATUS : Permanent; Full-Time

SHIFT : 35 hours per week

LOCATION : Primarily Remote

CLASSIFICATION : Exempt

WAGE : Salaried

CLOSING DATE : Open Until Filled

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 on our website.

We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission and principles.

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 :

Reporting to the Chief, Animal Care Services, this position is responsible for developing, analyzing, and making recommendations to Animal Care Services (ACS) leadership on the BC SPCA shelter medicine programs.

The role involves collaboration with Community Animal Centre Managers, ACS Senior Managers, ACS Senior Directors, and other members of BC SPCA departments.

This position also represents the BC SPCA’s interests in the veterinary community and other public forums, including government relations and media communications as required.

The shelter medicine manager is required to attend a clinical shift at any BC SPCA hospital or clinic once every three months to maintain their certification.

The person must be located within reasonable driving distance of Penticton, Kamloops, Prince George or Vancouver.

Some specific duties :

Develop and make recommendations to ACS Senior Leadership on evidence-based population-level shelter medicine policies and protocols to maintain and enhance good health, welfare, and quality of life for all BC SPCA sheltered animals.

In consultation with ACS Senior Leadership and the Training & Development Specialist, develops, recommends and provides training on shelter animal health assessment and shelter medicine best practices for all Community Animal Centres.

This may include facilitation of live training either virtual or in-person as well as the development of online, on-demand modules.

Takes timely steps, in collaboration with ACS leadership, to address any challenges to implementation or maintenance of animal health policies, procedures and programs.

Act as a resource to provide advice, guidance and assistance to the Community Animal Centres in the area of shelter medicine ensuring timely decision-making regarding the physical health & welfare of all animals is being carried out at all times.

This is primarily animals housed in BC SPCA shelters, but may also include BC SPCA foster animals as necessary.

• Work with each Community Animal Centre to assist with maintenance of best practices welfare standards in each centre as defined by related BC SPCA policies and external standards.
• Track and report on the successful implementation and maintenance of standard operating policies / procedures and associated metrics related to shelter medicine.
• Consult on Animal Protection Services (APS) cases with an emphasis on Large-Scale Animal Intakes; may be required to testify in hearings and court cases.
• Manage the provincial ringworm culture and response program for all BC SPCA centre locations.
• Develops infectious disease outbreak remediation plan in consultation with Community Animal Centre Managers and Senior Managers.
• Provide essential information and data to the Health and Safety (H&S) team to support informed decision-making regarding human and animal safety in the workplace, with a focus on biosecurity measures and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Facilitate interpersonal communication and relationship building through partnership with the ACS Leadership Team, Clinical Veterinarians, Centre Managers, Provincial Animal Services Team, and staff.
• Provide timely support, guidance, education and assistance to all departments, staff and volunteers on areas related to shelter medicine, shelter sanitation, disease prevention and control, and veterinary medicine.
• Responsible for the hiring, onboarding, performance management / development, and recognition of any direct reports in keeping with established BC SPCA programs and systems.
• Provides active coaching and mentorship to ensure objectives and goals are met, celebrating individual and team successes.

Conducts regular SMART goal setting and performance reviews.

• Assist with governance and donor cultivation events as needed. In consultation with the Communications Team, provide media interviews on animal health, welfare, and behaviour topics as required.
• Build and maintain relationships with the College of Veterinarians of BC, the veterinary community in BC, government veterinarians, partner corporations, other shelters / rescues, and academic shelter medicine and veterinary programs.
• Create and review written content for shelter medicine veterinary communications.
• Develop and deliver external presentations for conferences, community partners, and veterinary colleges as required and approved.
• Accept, at minimum, a clinical load sufficient to satisfy licensing requirement at one or more of the BC SPCA veterinary facilities.
• Coordinate and participate in veterinary student rotations in the BC SPCA Vancouver Hospital.
• Assist in outreach initiatives as required.
• Participate in the rotating on-call schedule to respond to emergency situations with animals requiring immediate action.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications you need to have :

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree or equivalent and is or is eligible, to become a member in good standing of the College of Veterinarians of BC (CVBC).

Formal shelter medicine training plus 5+ years’ relevant experience is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer.

• Genuine compassion for animals and sound knowledge of the Five Freedoms and related animal welfare standards.
• Ability to explain complex shelter medicine concepts to a non-technical audience.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead - previous managerial experience an asset
• Exceptional analytical and decision-making skills.
• Strong relationship builder and maintainer; proven ability to collaborate and be an effective team player.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with internal and external stakeholders at all levels and from diverse backgrounds in a positive and respectful manner.
• Strong computer skills particularly in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Powerpoint and online meeting software.
• Excellent organizational skills coupled with the ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Valid unrestricted BC Driver’s License would be considered an asset.
• Must be able to travel, on occasion, to various BC SPCA locations throughout the province.
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission and strategic directions of the BC SPCA.
30+ days ago