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Head of Animal Care (HAC) at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
Canada · Vancouver, BC, Canada · Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posted on Jan 7, 2025
Head of Animal Care (HAC) at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
- Start date: April 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.
- Salary: $33 per hour (commensurate with experience) plus benefits, including defined benefit pension plan
- Type of position: Full-time, regular position
- Reporting relationship: Director of Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
- Location: Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, B.C.
- Application deadline: Feb 10th, 2025
Position summary
The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) has been inspiring transformational relationships with the ocean through science for more than 50 years on the west coast of Canada in the traditional territories of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations. Our primary roles are to support research and education by providing safe, reliable access to ocean environments and the maintenance of highly specialized infrastructure, including a world-class seawater delivery system, to support optimal aquatic conditions for a number of marine species held at the marine station. A central component of the BMSC’s support for research and education is our animal care program and our nationally recognized Good Animal Practice (GAP) certification with the Canadian Council for Animal Care.
We are recruiting a Head of Animal Care to manage our Animal Care Department and to provide support for animal care staff. This position is responsible for the day-to-day management of animal care at the BMSC including; developing, managing, maintaining, ensuring operational procedures and maintenance of animal care protocols; supervising those charged with care and administration for the animals; oversight of animals on site; education of staff and clients on marine animal care standards; maintaining the Canadian Council for Animal Care (CCAC) standards and maintain BMSC CCAC GAP Certification; serves on the Bamfield Animal Care Committee, leads conservation program work to act as stewards for marine environments that BMSC utilizes; and is a member of the Leadership Team and supports the BMSC Director and the BMSC Strategic Plan. The HAC is the onsite leader overseeing animal-based scientific activities and supports research and education through the implementation and oversight of ethical animal practices at the marine station.
Requirements
- MSc in Biological Sciences (or related field), additional degrees including Animal Health/Veterinary technician or MSc in related field
- Strong interest in animal care and welfare, husbandry, and aquatic science
- Knowledge of Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) core stream modules (e.g., certified in Animal User Training through institution or by online CCAC approved Experimental Fish course)
- Past animal care experience in other research facilities or marine stations may be considered in absence of above noted qualifications
- Leadership ability, good coaching skills, ability to create and maintain team atmosphere
- Management skills, supervisory experience, and grant writing experience
- Attention to detail is crucial in following standard operating procedures
- Must be fluent in written and oral English language
- Good record keeping skills required
- Excellent communication skills (diplomacy and tact essential)
- Effective and articulate public speaker
- WHMIS training
- Must be willing to work occasional weekends and after hours as required
Primary responsibilities
Leadership, financial and business operations duties
- In collaboration with Director and Leadership Team, identify and create long-term strategic plans and animal care objectives
- Manage and operate within the animal care budget
- Liaise with the member and external university animal care team leaders
- Through establishment of these relationships, develop in-kind support
Regulatory duties
- Foster and uphold a rigorous and respectful process of assessment and standards at the marine station to ensure that animals receive optimal care according to high-quality, evidence-informed standards
- Foster and uphold a positive culture of institutional transparency, open dialogue, and clear communication regarding the ethical use of animals at the BMSC
- Support the Animal Care Coordinator in the organization of the BACC
- Provide information to ACC Coordinator to ensure function of Animal Care Committee
- Administer the BMSC Post Approval Monitoring (PAM)
- Deliver animal orientation to researchers (RACO)
- Deliver animal care seminars for all programs
- Daily monitoring of animal holding facilities for health, safety and compliance with BMSC and Canadian Council for Animal Care (CCAC) standards
- Oversight of aquatic animal care used in research and teaching
- Meet Department of Fisheries and Oceans, CCAC and other reporting deadlines
- Maintain and elevate BMSC’s CCAC GAP
Managerial and human resource duties
- Actively communicate with all BMSC programs
- Manage annual performance reviews of animal care staff
- Interview, hire, train, and supervise animal care staff and co-op students
- Supervise summer marine educator interns
Partnership and relationship duties
- Respect cross-functional accountability within the organization
- Maintain effective communications with all departments
- Shares information and readily determines whom to go for relevant information
- Stay current with CCAC guidance and recommendations for animal care
- Lead BMSC as a role model and leader in Animal Care standards for marine stations
- Lead initiatives highlighting animal care and stewardship within the BMSC vision, including procuring funding for projects that also focuses on partnerships with community, Firsts Nations and schools
- Interface with colleagues from organizations in collaborative conservation/stewardship efforts
- Engage in professional development and networking
- Establish and maintain relationships with partners, including local community and Huu-ay-aht First Nations.
Animal health/technician duties
- Some collection of marine organisms (possibly with scientific diving, if qualified)
- Act as resource in development of habitat and enrichment
- Update animal care protocols and policies, stay current on local marine species biology and ecology
- Oversee animal care procedures, including the care of animals, establishing proper nutritional programs, and manage animal health in partnership with veterinarians and staff
- Troubleshoot animal health situations alongside the veterinarian and provide treatment as needed
- Manage and oversee water quality testing of sea water system
- Maintain oversight of inventories, health, and observation records
- Maintain on-call plans to respond to sea water system emergencies and participate in schedules and practices of said duties
Other skills and knowledge
- Knowledge of local marine life and habitats
- Knowledge of the Canadian Council on Animal Care standards
- Proficient in standard computer software, file management systems including MS Office365.
How to apply
Please apply by e-mail and include a cover letter, resume and contact information for two references (Your Surname_HAC application.pdf). Please use the subject line: “Application for Head of Animal Care”. Send your application or any questions about this position in confidence to the Director, Dr. Sean M. Rogers, at director@bamfieldmsc.com.
We will respond to all applicants to confirm receipt of their application, however, only short-listed candidates will be further contacted for an interview.
Applications are due by February 10, 2025
We are committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus that is accessible to all and free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. The BMSC recognizes that diverse staff and clients benefit and enrich our workplace and the broader community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been, and continue to be, encountered by equity seeking groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible/racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. Strong candidates will demonstrate awareness of issues relating to diversity and inclusion in the sciences and science communication fields including the need to make them more accessible to a broader range of students and audiences.
photo by Jamie Hargreaves