Animal Care Specialist

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**: Animal Care Specialist - ACA2

**STATUS**: Permanent; Full-Time

**SHIFT**: 35 hours per week / Various Shifts

**LOCATION**: Port Alberni, BC

**CLASSIFICATION**: Exempt

**WAGE**: $21.50 per hour

**CLOSING DATE**: Open Until filled

**About the Position**:
Ensuring that optimal levels of care are administered to the animals based on the Five Freedoms. Provides primary care and support to all shelter based animals including feeding and cleaning of kennels, socialization of animals and transportation of animals as may be required. Assumes a leadership role in designated area of responsibility, through facilitating clear and effective communication of staff and volunteers as it relates to the provision of care and the completion of administrative functions.

**Some specific duties**:

- To assume a leadership role responsible and accountable for a designated area(s) of the shelter (areas include: dogs, cats, cruelty investigations).
- To oversee the activities of the animal care attendants (ACA 1) and volunteers assigned to area of responsibility, including ensuring that training has been provided and proper procedures are being followed.
- To assist with the recruitment, selection, scheduling and management of volunteers in the area of responsibility utilizing volunteer squared (V2) or other tracking mechanism where applicable.
- To maintain clear communication with staff and volunteers regarding the day-to-day operation and duties/tasks requiring completion.
- To maintain the entire physical plant in a clean, sanitary and efficient manner on an ongoing basis and in a collaborative manner.
- To ensure kennels, runs, and cat cages are kept in a manner that is best suited for the animal’s health and welfare as per the ShelterSense protocols.
- To monitor the health and welfare of the animals through the maintenance of up-to-date kennel cards, recording information on whiteboard and daily logs, and completing daily welfare sheets.
- To maintain animals on a proper diet ensuring daily feeding, watering, exercise, and enrichment.
- To treat animals humanely, with compassion and concern, and in a manner consistent with the BC SPCA’s five freedoms.
- To immediately report any health or welfare concerns to the Manager or designate.
- To ensure animals’ health and well-being are maintained in accordance with the BC SPCA policies and procedures with respect to animal health. This includes the administration of approved medications as specified by the Animal Health Technologist or other authorized shelter staff and ensuring related supplies are re-stocked and ordered as needed.
- To perform welfare and temperament assessments on animals as needed, ensuring that all ShelterSense protocols are followed and are consistent with the animal’s current assessment.
- To conduct contractual animal control duties as required (where applicable).
- To conduct preliminary cruelty investigations and submit a review of findings through Shelter Buddy for continuing investigation purposes.
- To act as an ambassador of the BC SPCA at all times and ensure customer and community relations are consistently professional and positive.
- To answer telephones and walk-in inquiries in a courteous manner providing information satisfactory to the needs of the customer.
- To ensure all procedures for receiving, licensing, or adopting all animals are conducted according to procedure and meet the needs of customers.
- To assesses suitability of potential animal adoptive customers for the purposes of best possible match between adopter and animal.
- To support and implement BCSPCA provincial initiatives and adhere to all operational policies and procedures.
- To assist in local and provincial fund-raising initiatives.
- To work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
- To review inventory of all shelter supplies including but not limited to: food, blankets, towels, personal protective equipment, cages, crates, etc. to ensure that supplies are ordered as needed and prior to running out.
- To ensure the security of the building when entering and exiting by ensuring all doors and gates are locked when required.
- To operate the Animal Centre vehicle(s) as needed including transporting animals to and from the veterinarian clinic(s) and ensure proper cleanliness and maintenance of the vehicle
- To work together and collaboratively with other staff and volunteers to benefit and enhance the health and welfare of shelter animals and create a harmonious team environment.
- To regularly participate in meetings with other members of staff to share ideas and suggestions designed to improve the enjoyment of working for the BCSPCA and to increase its productiv