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: Farm Animal Care Attendant
STATUS: On-Call; Casual
SHIFT: Various shifts
LOCATION: Surrey Barn in Surrey, BC
CLASSIFICATION: CUPE 1622
WAGE: Hourly
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 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:
This position ensures that optimal levels of care are administered to the animals based on the Five Freedoms. This position provides primary care and support to all APS Large Animal Centre based animals including feeding and medicating farm animals as well as and cleaning of barn stalls and routine maintenance of facilities (including grounds) and farm equipment. Socialization/behaviour modification and transportation of various farm animal species may also be required from time to time.

Some specific duties:
Primary Key Responsibilities
• Ensure the health and well-being of animals in care are maintained in accordance with the BC SPCA policies and procedures and following the five freedoms. This includes, but is not limited to:
◦ treating animals humanely, with compassion and concern;
◦ maintain proper diet, ensuring daily feeding and watering requirements are met;
◦ administering approved medications as specified by the attending Veterinarian, Registered Veterinary Technician, or other authorized shelter staff;
◦ corresponding with veterinarians to arrange examinations, treatments and in-care treatment plans to ensure all animals involved with the Good Shepherd Barn and the Provincial Equine and Farm Animal Foster Program (PEFAFP) PEFAFP receive the veterinary care they require;
◦ performing behaviour modification activities related to handling, husbandry, and socialization in a safe and effective manner as directed; and
◦ assisting with euthanasia, as requested, ensuring this process is conducted in a humane, respectful, compassionate, and stress-free manner.

• Follow all safety protocols to ensure both human, animal, and physical location safety.

• Perform screening and processing of adoptions for farm animals in the Good Shepherd Barn and through the Provincial Equine and Farm Animal Foster Program (PEFAFP).
◦ Ensuring all procedures for receiving and/or adopting all animals are conducted according to procedure and meeting the needs of stakeholders.

• Maintain the entire physical facility and grounds in a clean, sanitary and efficient manner as well as ensuring barn stalls, pastures and paddocks are kept in a manner that is best-suited for the animal health and welfare.

• Provide excellent customer service, internally to BC SPCA staff and volunteers and externally to members of the public and other organizations we work with. This includes, but is not limited to:
◦ Ensuring that people feel welcome and their questions are answered within the scope of this role;
◦ Deferring to appropriate authority when questions or issues arise that are out of scope of this role;
◦ Answering telephones in a courteous manner, providing information satisfactory to the needs of the caller; and
◦ Representing the interests of the BC SPCA and portraying the image of the organization in a positive light.

• Assist in cruelty investigations where required and submit a review of findings through Shelter Buddy for continuing investigation purposes.

• Work collaboratively with other BC SPCA staff and volunteers.
◦ Attending meetings, as required.
◦ Identifying not only potential issues, but also offering solutions for consideration.
◦ When assigned, acting as lead hand on Barn matters in the absence of the Manager.

◦ Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications you need to have:
• High school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of two years working directly with farm animals, such as goats, pigs, farm fowl or horses; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer.
• Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract
• A sound knowledge of farm animals such as goats, pigs, farm fowl or horses), their breeds, characteristics and more common diseases
• Ability to work as independently as well as within a team environment
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including an ability to work with respectfully with a diverse group of stakeholders, and experience delivering excellent customer service
• Ability to prioritize demands and complete tasks on time
• Physical ability to meet demands of the job including heavy lifting, pushing and pulling, which requires the ability to maintain a level of fitness and endurance to fulfill the required duties; must not have allergies to farm animals
• Basic computer skills sufficient, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite and databases
• Ability to work a variable schedule, including weekdays, weekends and statutory holidays
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission and strategic directions of the BC SPCA

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