Animal Welfare Officer / Veterinarian
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The Role and Opportunity
AgResearch is looking for a highly skilled, self-driven Animal Welfare Officer (Veterinarian) to join our team. This is a part-time (24 hours per week) fixed term (~12 month) position to provide cover for parental leave, based at either our Invermay (Dunedin) or Tuhiraki (Lincoln) campus. Reporting to the Team Leader of the Project Management Office, you’ll work closely with the Chair and Coordinator of the AgResearch Animal Ethics Committee (AAEC), as well as with other colleagues across our campuses, including our Palmerston North and Ruakura-based Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs), AgResearch Farm Staff, and Research Scientists
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What you will be doing
As an AWO, you will play a critical role in ensuring animal welfare standards and compliance across AgResearch’s and parented companies’ animal research programs. You’ll provide veterinary consulting support to the AAEC and our employees, while acting as the key point of contact for animal welfare at other AgResearch facilities. Specific responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with researchers to prepare animal ethics applications, advising on welfare, housing, feeding, and manipulations.
- Reviewing submissions to the AAEC to ensure they meet standards before committee meetings.
- Offering expert advice to the AAEC on animal health and welfare matters related to research.
- Maintaining visibility over all animal research and facilities conducted under AAEC jurisdiction.
- Providing training and technical support for experimental work, as needed.
- Conducting routine inspections and monitoring of research animals, and reporting via the animal ethics database.
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Your ideal background
We are looking for someone with a strong passion for animal welfare, coupled with the following qualifications and skills:
- A Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) or equivalent international qualification.
- At least five years of veterinary experience.
- Current registration with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand and a valid Veterinary Practising Certificate.
- Competency with database and computing use.
- Experience in production animal veterinary work is beneficial but not essential.
- Previous experience with animals in research, teaching, or testing environments is highly desirable.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Sound judgment and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., Animal Welfare Act, Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act, Animal Products Act).
- A commitment to safe workplace practices for yourself and others.
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Our Benefits
When your work environment fits your values and your lifestyle, itis a better place to be. Our campuses are green and spacious, and designed to allow you to enjoy your work and be productive at the same time – we offer flexible working arrangements (including remote work options) and a range of generous benefits to ensure our people feel supported and valued.
You can view the complete list here:
http://www.agresearchcareers.co.nz/working-here/our-benefits/
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How to Apply
If you are ready to make a significant impact at one of New Zealand’s leading research institutions, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today using the link and be sure to include a cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
For further details, contact Jim Webster on 029 838 5574 or via email at jim.webster@agresearch.co.nz.
You can view the full position description here
Applications close: 17 October 2024
AgResearch is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment that embraces, promotes and values diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, so if this role excites you, please don’t hesitate to apply or call us to discuss this further.
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