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.
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 Wildlife Rehabilitator
STATUS: Temporary; Full-Time with benefits – 16 months
SHIFT: Various Shifts- various morning or evening shifts, 7 days a week
LOCATION: Wild ARC - Victoria, BC
CLASSIFICATION: CUPE 50
WAGE: Hourly
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
About the Position:
The Senior Wildlife Rehabilitator will oversee and participate in all wildlife care duties and the daily operation of the centre, including rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife, in addition to maintenance of facilities and cleaning. By telephone and in person, promote the BC SPCA’s philosophy and mandate with respect to wildlife and animal welfare. Work in a humane, professional, and responsible manner, and encourage by teaching and example, other staff and volunteers to show the same qualities. Maintain operations to BC SPCA Wild ARC guidelines in conjunction with IWRC/NWRA minimum standards for wildlife rehabilitation.
Some specific duties:
- Responsible for oversight and administration of the day-to-day care of all rehabilitation animals; oversee and participate in all daily animal care duties including admission, rescue, triage, examination, laboratory and x-ray diagnostics, treatment, diet planning, food preparation and feeding, euthanasia, release site selection, and release
- Perform duties as required including answering phone calls, interacting with the public, veterinarians, government, etc. in order to maintain centre operations
- Liaise with other rehabilitation organizations and perform regular research to ensure highest standards of animal care; stay abreast of current wildlife rehabilitation practices and communicate with regional, national, and international wildlife rehabilitation associations
- Ensure facility hygiene and adherence to health and safety protocols
- Assist in the training and management of staff, interns, and volunteers; develop, coordinate, and conduct workshops for training
- Maintain detailed records including patient-files, care instructions, and patient log book; perform data entry of files and analysis of records
- Participate in cage design, construction, and maintenance as required
- Coordinate the rescue and transportation of animals
- Rescue and transport wildlife
- Order and pick up supplies; accept donations
- Attend and participate in team meetings, training, workshops and other projects as required
- Monitor the daily operation of the centre in the absence of the Manager
- Work shifts as required and perform other related duties as assigned by Manager
Qualifications you need to have:
- Must be able to work in emergency situations, such as oil spills, on short notice
- 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 rabies and tetanus
Education Requirements
- University degree or diploma in Biological Sciences, Animal Care, or relevant field
- 3-5 years full-time wildlife rehabilitation experience; 2 years in a supervisory role
- Basic skills certification from a provincial or international body; advanced skills is preferable; knowledge of IWRC/NWRA minimum standards
- Animal care experience with small to medium size wild mammals and birds including raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, seabirds, deer, raccoons, squirrels, seals
- Advanced knowledge of natural history, identification, and behaviour of BC wildlife species; familiar with provincial and federal government wildlife regulations and rehabilitation permit requirements
- Strong team management and leadership skills
- Solid skills in planning and time management
- Excellent communication skills including telephone and public speaking
- Good physical stamina and health
- Intermediate level of computer literacy
- Valid Class N or 5 BC Drivers’ License and driver’s abstract
- Access to vehicle use daily (Wild ARC is not on a direct transit route)
- 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 emails or telephone calls, please.
The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001
