Animal Welfare Veterinarian

Introduction

The Animal Welfare Veterinarian is the provincial expert for livestock and companion animal welfare in Manitoba. The position is responsible for enforcement of The Animal Care Act and other acts and regulations that relate to animal welfare standards in Manitoba.
Duties:
The incumbent oversees all aspects of the animal welfare program including: supervising Animal Protection Officers appointed to enforce The Animal Care Act; program development; training, liaising with animal welfare stakeholders (i.e. industry, government agencies, advocacy groups, veterinary associations) and other law enforcement agencies (i.e. police, by law officers, health); and, conducting inspections, seizures, investigations, and compiling evidence to support prosecutions under this Act.

The incumbent promotes animal welfare through extension and advocacy by liaising with local, provincial and national groups and associations. The incumbent develops policy and advises the Minister on animal welfare issues, speaks to the media, acts on national committees to develop animal welfare policy and standards, and promotes Manitoba’s role as a leader in animal welfare.

As a member of a professional team within the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian - Animal Welfare, the incumbent is expected to develop effective working relationships with other colleagues. As a team member, responsibilities will include supporting other programs in companion animal welfare, animal health, emergency preparedness, traceability and food safety.

Qualifications:

Essential:

Degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from an educational institute accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, or successful completion of the North American Licensing Exam (NAVLE) and other pre-requisite exams required to obtain a full licence to practice in Manitoba.

Experience practicing veterinary medicine with the types of livestock (e.g. bovine, porcine) and poultry produced in Manitoba.

Experience or knowledge in livestock husbandry and animal welfare, including the safe and humane handling, transport, slaughter, and euthanasia of animals, as well as experience evaluating the welfare conditions of animals.

Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills with the ability to act with tact and diplomacy and maintain composure when faced with contentious issues.

Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.

Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.

Strong written communication skills.

Excellent verbal communication skills used to deliver information and training (formally and informally) to individuals and groups in a clear, organized manner.

Proven ability as a leader with a commitment to create, support and sustain a diverse environment that enables staff to achieve results and to develop for the future.

Desired:

Extensive experience and/or advanced training related to such areas as: animal welfare, animal behaviour/ethology, infectious disease, disease control, epidemiology, regulatory veterinary medicine, veterinary public health, or a combination thereof would be considered an asset.

Preference will be given to individuals with PhD or Masters in animal behaviour/welfare related programs such as epidemiology, disease control, infectious disease or a related field.

Conditions of Employment:

Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

Licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Manitoba or eligible for licensure with the ability to obtain prior to hire

A valid class 5 driver’s license and access to a vehicle

Must submit a clean driver's abstract

Maintain appropriate personal vaccination status for rabies

Must provide and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check

Ability to work unpredictable hours including evenings, weekends and holidays

Ability to travel within the province

Must be physically willing and able to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions including veterinary field work