Description
This is an UNPAID opportunity open to volunteer applicants external to the zoo.
Looking for a unique opportunity? The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is currently recruiting for two (2) volunteer Animal Welfare Experts on its Animal Welfare, Ethics, and Research Committee (AWERC).
Members will serve a two-year term and are eligible for two subsequent renewals (up to six consecutive years of service). The anticipated time commitment for this committee is approximately 24 hours per year which will center around training, pre-meeting reviews, meetings, and actionable items.
Our committee members are passionate about wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and scientifically sound research. The committee is composed of internal and external volunteer members with strategic roles and diverse experience to ensure animal welfare and research ethics are upheld to the highest standards and reviewed under the lens of professional expertise.
What the Animal Welfare Expert Representative Will Bring
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Cannot be affiliated in any way with the institution including but not limited to paid staff, unpaid staff (i.e., volunteer), member of the board, etc.
- Each expert will ideally hold a different background that relates to animal welfare such as veterinary sciences, animal welfare science, animal rights, etc.
- Must demonstrate expertise, knowledge, and formal education in animal welfare and ethics
- Confident in advocating for the animals and acting as an expert advisor on animal welfare and animal-use research ethics
- Must demonstrate familiarity with regulations and guidelines surrounding animal care committees and applicable ethical frameworks including the Three Rs
- Experience with exotic animals or wildlife is considered an asset
- Knowledge and understanding of wildlife (including wildlife under human care) welfare is considered an asset
What the Animal Welfare Expert Representative Will Do
- Actively participate in effective committee meetings
- Review both internal and external research applications
- Ensure all animals used for research and teaching purposes meet ethical and welfare standards
- Serve as an advisory body on welfare and ethical concerns within our zoo animal population
- Differentiate the needs of animals from the wishes and desires of individual human beings
- Evaluate the conservation relevance and scientific validity of proposed research activities
- Give objective advice on research, ethical and welfare related issues brought to the committee
- Establish good working relations with all stakeholders including staff, listen to their views, and maintain confidentiality regarding all matters discussed
- Be committed to the role and recognize the zoo's mission and vision in particular its commitment to conservation and animal welfare
Working Conditions
- Must be able to travel to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo up to four times a year and/or have consistent access to a computer, camera, microphone, and internet for hybrid meetings
What’s in it for You
- Gain valuable experience and knowledge in animal welfare and ethical considerations in animal-based research, enhancing your skills in a meaningful field
- Opportunity to shape the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo in our goal to become Canada’s leader in wildlife conservation
- Access to ongoing education and training opportunities to stay informed about the latest advancements in animal care, welfare, ethical guidelines, and best practices in animal-based research
- Showcase your commitment to ethical animal treatment and your involvement in community service, making your CV or resume stand out to future employers
- Play a role in supporting research initiatives that aim to enhance conservation and translocation projects that contribute to global species conservation efforts
Application Process
1. Review the application questions. The online application form requires you to answer a few questions specific to this role. We have provided them here so you are able to review them and prepare your responses in advance:
- What interests you most about being a committee member?
- What insights, experience, and perspectives do you feel you have to offer for the applied position(s)?
- The AWERC reviews many research applications and high-level animal welfare concerns for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Please comment on how your expertise might contribute knowledge in any of the following areas: Animal Welfare and Wellbeing, Wildlife Conservation, Research Ethics, Scientific Merit.
- Please outline any experience you may have which would enable you to work successfully with other members in a group setting?
- If you are an applicant that is currently employed by the zoo, do you have support from your manager or director for participation?
- How did you hear about the recruitment for AWERC?
2. Prepare a CV or resume for your application
3. Submit your application which will include your CV or resume and the online application form
Online applications will be accepted until April 11, 2024 @ 4:00pm MST. This position is available to external applicants.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the zoo’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.
All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
If you want to learn more or have questions before applying, please contact the Animal Welfare, Ethics & Research Committee Coordinator at [email protected]