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: Senior Camp Counselor –Canada Summer Jobs (1 position)
STATUS: Temporary, Full-time – June 18 to August 21, 2026
SHIFT: 35 hours per week - Monday -Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
LOCATION: Vancouver, BC
CLASSIFICATION: CUPE 1622
WAGE: Hourly
CLOSING DATE: May 31, 2026 (Midnight EST)

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.

Other Job requirements: The HRSDC Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program may fund some of these positions. Please feel free to apply even if you do not meet the Canada Summer Jobs requirements. CSJ criteria including:
• 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 – The following groups are encouraged to self-identify as this has been identified as a local priority in the constituency by Canada Summer Jobs.
◦ Indigenous youth​
◦ Racialized youth​
◦ Black youth​
◦ Youth with disabilities​
◦ Youth in a rural, remote, northern or fly-in community​
◦ Youth in an official language minority community​
◦ 2SLGBTQI+ youth

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:

At BC SPCA summer camps, the Senior Camp Counsellor will lead a team of Camp Counsellors in delivering fun, inclusive and educational day camps at a designated BC SPCA location. Reporting to the Regional Humane Educator, the Senior Camp Counsellor will use approved materials developed by the Humane Education team to plan and prepare camp days. They will support their team in leading groups of campers (ages six to 14) in immersive learning about animal care and welfare issues for animals, including companion, farm and wildlife, and the environment. The Senior Camp Counsellor may also lead online camps as required.

Some specific duties:
• Using approved activities, work with the Regional Humane Educator and/or Animal Centre Manager to structure camp weeks and plan and prepare for each day.
• Lead team of Camp Counsellors in delivering summer camp programs, including but not limited to:
▪ Assigning responsibilities;
▪ Supporting camp staff in creating positive camp experience for youth;
▪ Providing in the moment/daily feedback to Camp Counsellors; and
▪ Advancing any escalated performance issues to Regional Humane Educator and/or Animal Centre Manager.
• Oversee teen volunteer counsellors throughout the summer (if applicable).
• Ensure safe, clean and secure activity space and campers.
• Provide a fun and inclusive environment for youth.
• Respond to camper behaviour issues and conflicts.
• Communicate with parents to address their questions/concerns; communicate with parents as needed to address issues that arise with their child at camp, and work together to find solutions.
• Gain a general understanding of BC SPCA policies and positions on animal welfare issues.
• Gain a basic understanding of animal care and stress signals and the ability to monitor shelter animals for signs of stress when interacting with campers.
• Maintain open communication with shelter staff/management; consult shelter staff on appropriate animals for camper engagement.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of activities and suggest improvements to the Regional Humane Educator.

Qualifications you need to have:
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid emergency first aid certificate
• Enthusiasm for working with kids and animals
• Excellent leadership qualities and instincts
• Demonstrated experience in teamwork with a teachable spirit
• Energetic, innovative and enthusiastic, with a passion for making a difference
• Patient, positive and hardworking
• Ability to communicate with a diverse audience in a respectful way; able to address conflict in a constructive and professional manner
• Physical ability to lift up to 25 lbs, push, pull and participate in outdoor field games
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Must be willing to complete a criminal record check with vulnerable sector check
• Assets include: experience working with children of diverse learning and behavioural needs; experience with animals; familiarity with creating digital content
• Commitment to principles of equity, diversity and reconciliation
• 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 are committed to a transparent, human-led hiring process. While we use technology to support application management, applications are not screened, scored, or ranked by AI systems. All hiring decisions are made by human hiring managers based on skills, experience, and alignment with the organizational values.

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