Wildlife Assistant

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**: Wildlife Assistant - Canada Summer Jobs
**STATUS**: Temporary, Full-time Position - May 1st - August 31st, 2024
**SHIFT**: Various Shifts - 37.5 hours per week
**LOCATION**: Wild Arc - Victoria, BC
**CLASSIFICATION**: CUPE 50
**WAGE**: $22.57 per hour
**CLOSING DATE**: April 25, 2024 (Midnight EST)
- must be between 15-30 years of age at the start of employment and looking for career-related experience
- must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and,
- must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations (proof required)

NOTE - Aboriginal students are encouraged to self-identify as this has been identified as a local priority in the constituency by Canada Summer Jobs.

**About the Position**:
The Wildlife Assistant will participate in all duties and the daily operation of the centre, including the supervision of volunteers in rehabilitation of wildlife, in addition to maintenance of the facilities. By telephone and in person, this position will promote the BC SPCA philosophy and mandate with respect to wildlife and animal welfare. This position will work in a humane, professional, and responsible manner, and encourage by teaching and example, other staff and volunteers to show the same qualities. This position will maintain operations to BC SPCA Wild ARC guidelines in conjunction with IWRC/NWRA minimum standards for wildlife rehabilitation.

**Some specific duties**:

- Perform duties as required including answering phone calls, interacting with the public, veterinarians, government, etc. in order to maintain centre operations
- Rescue and transport wildlife
- Pick up supplies and donations as required
- Liaise with other rehabilitation organizations and perform regular research to ensure highest standards of animal care; stay abreast of current wildlife rehabilitation practices
- Ensure facility hygiene and adherence to health and safety protocols
- Assist with coordination of volunteers
- Maintain detailed records including patient-files, care instructions, and patient log book; perform data entry of files and analysis of records
- Assist in all daily animal care duties
- Attend and participate in team meetings, training, workshops and other projects as required
- Work shifts as required and perform other related duties as assigned by Wild ARC Management or Rehabilitation Staff

**Qualifications you need to have**:

- Minimum 1 year of post-secondary studies in Biological Sciences, Conservation or Environmental Studies, Animal Care, or relevant field
- Basic animal care experience with wild mammals and birds
- Basic knowledge of natural history, identification, and behaviour of BC wildlife species; familiar with provincial and federal government wildlife regulations and rehabilitation permit requirements
- Strong teamwork skills and work ethic
- Excellent communication skills including telephone and public speaking
- Capable of handling a demanding workload and long hours; work weekends and statutory holidays as required
- Ability to work in all types of outdoor conditions
- Comfortable working with potentially hazardous conditions, such as contact with parasites, zoonotic diseases, dangerous animals, and chemicals
- Requires substantial physical labour (must be able to lift 50 pounds)
- Must be vaccinated for tetanus (and rabies preferred)
- Must be able to work in emergency situations, such as oil spills, on short notice
- Good physical stamina and health
- Intermediate level of computer literacy
- Access to vehicle use daily (Wild ARC is not on a direct transit route)
- Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract

**How to apply**:
The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001