Scientific Officer - Companion Animal Welfare

Scientific Officer - Companion Animal Welfare

Job Description

Posted Monday, July 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM | Expires Friday, January 1, 2027 at 10:59 AM

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: Scientific Officer - Companion Animal Welfare

STATUS: Permanent; Full-Time with benefits

SHIFT: 35 hours per week – Hybrid (if located in Lower Mainland) or Remote

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

About the Position:

The Scientific Officer, Companion Animal Welfare leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of companion animal welfare policy initiatives that support the Society’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. The role focuses on addressing identified root causes animal suffering that have been approved for action.

The Scientific Officer, Companion Animal Welfare manages relationships with industry groups, animal welfare organizations, and animal welfare scientists. The role also supports the development of advocacy and education materials that address additional root causes of animal suffering including societal values & norms and/or knowledge & education gaps, thereby driving systems-level improvements in animal welfare.

Some specific duties:

• Contributes to the creation of the overall Social Change Annual Plan. Supports the Senior Director,Animal Welfare Science and Standards in meeting Key Performance Indicators (KPI) metrics and milestones related to animal welfare research and standards.
  • Contributes to Root Cause Framework implementation and provides feedback to Root Cause Forum.
• Conducts research and prepares evidence-based briefings and reports that inform the BC SPCA’s approach to non-shelter companion animal welfare policy
• Monitors current and emerging trends in animal welfare research and standards and prepares recommendations for senior leadership, the Animal Welfare Committee, the Root Cause Forum, etc.
• Develops annual strategic and operational goals and objectives that are consistent with and flow from the strategic plan.
• Supports initiatives with the UBC Animal Welfare Program Chair in Companion Animals, serving on graduate committees as per the BC SPCA’s commitments in this partnership.
• Coordinates with the Public Engagement & Advancement Team in implementation of animal welfare research advocacy campaigns and Actions Alerts as needed.
• Supports relevant animal welfare projects and initiatives developed in B.C. and elsewhere, as appropriate, through approved partnerships, participation and networking.
• Supports Government Relations in relationship‑building with elected officials, animal welfare organizations, the veterinary community, animal industries and other sectors as needed.
• Prepares program reports and liaises with other BC SPCA departments to achieve Society-wide goals on related issues.
• Develops positive media relations and contacts for animal welfare research issues.
• Acts as a spokesperson and subject matter expert to the public through the media, as required.
• Represents the BC SPCA at conferences, workshops, government consultations and other engagement and community events, as required.
• Speaks at internal and external events, and training sessions as appropriate.

Committee, Administration & Other Work (40%):

• Participate on the BC SPCA’s Animal Welfare Committee, serving terms as Chair, ensuring policies and procedures are regularly updated and revised based on the latest scientific evidence.
• Serves on the BC SPCA Animal Welfare Committee Research Subcommittee and acts as liaison for researchers conducting companion animal-related research.
• Serves on AnimalKind Dog Training Review Panel and provides feedback on relevant standards.
• Participates in budget planning for the research and standards program; develops,managesand adheres to aprogramexpense budget.
• Engage volunteers for event support and students on a project basis as needed.
• Writes articles for external audiences (AnimalSense, Bark!, View email address on click.appcast.io, WildSense, S&P Newsletter, etc.) and contributes to internal Pawprint.
• Participates in other internal and external committees as needed.
• Demonstrates a commitment to BC SPCA values, work-life balance, and principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications you need to have:

• Graduate-level education with relevant coursework in either animal welfare science, biology, natural or veterinary sciences plus a minimum of eight (8) years’ relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable to the Employer.

Relevant experience includes but is not limited to:

• Building and maintaining relationships with external parties;
• Hands‑on animal experience in a professional setting;
• Project and program management, including administering a budget;
• Contributing to strategic goal setting and measurement;
• Committee work;
• Working in or closely with non-profit organizations
• Demonstrated understanding of Canadian companion animal industries and the institutions that govern them;
• Proven interest in animal welfare and understanding of BC SPCA evidence-based position statements and standards
• Excellent organizational skills; attention to detail
• Superior oral and written communication skills with a wide range of audiences (e.g., academic, industry, non‑profits, media); confidence with public speaking; able to explain complex concepts in an accessible manner
• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly with reference to managing professional relationships and working to support colleagues and volunteers; ability to relate respectfully to a diverse audience
• Research, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under minimal supervision, as well as part of a team
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, planning and prioritizing a varied workload in order to meet fixed deadlines
• Research and analytical skills (literature, data, experimental)
• Proficient computer skills: in-depth knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation software and file sharing
• Ability to occasionally travel throughout the province and work flexible hours (i.e., occasional evenings and weekends), when required
• Access to reliable transportation
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission and strategic directions of the BC SPCA

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