The Role and Opportunity

AgResearch is looking for an experienced, self-motivated Animal Welfare Officer / Veterinarian to join the Investments team which sits within the wider Research group.  This is a full-time fixed term position to provide cover for parental leave, based at our AgResearch Invermay (Dunedin) or Ruakura (Hamilton) campuses.  The role reports into the Animal Ethics Office Leader and works closely with the Chair and Coordinator of the AgResearch Animal Ethics Committee, our Animal Welfare Officer / Veterinarian based at Grasslands (Palmerston North), AgResearch Farms, Small Animal Colony and Animal Containment Facility and Research Scientists.

What you will be doing

The primary function of this role is as Animal Welfare Officer to provide veterinary consulting support to the AgResearch Animal Ethics Committee (AAEC), and to AgResearch staff conducting animal research at our campuses.  In this role this you will also act to ensure animal welfare and compliance is maintained at the AgResearch Ruakura and Invermay Campus and at other AgResearch Research Farms and facilities. You will also:

• Liaise with applicants on preparation of animal ethics applications as required, in particular for animal welfare, housing, feeding, and manipulations
• Review submissions to the (AAEC) via a preview process to ensure they meet required standards to proceed to the AAEC meetings
• Advise the AAEC on animal health and welfare matters in relations to animal research.
• Ensure visibility of all animal experimentation being conducted under the jurisdiction of the Animal Ethics Committees
• Provide/assist to provide training and technical support as required for experimental purposes
• Conduct routine inspection and monitoring of animals under experimental use and provide brief written reports via the animal ethics database. These trials may be located nationwide

Your ideal background

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) or equivalent international qualification
• At least five years as a veterinarian.
• Must be registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand and hold a current Veterinary Practising Certificate
• A demonstrated passion for animal welfare
• A background in production animal veterinary work is beneficial but not essential
• Prior experience with, or exposure to, the use of animals in research, teaching and testing would be highly desired
• Excellent communication, influencing, negotiating and engagement skills
• Sound judgement and decision-making skills, with a ‘hands on’ problem solving approach.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members and colleagues
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. the Animal Welfare Act, the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act, and the Animal Products Act
• Demonstrates safe workplace behaviour by taking all practicable steps to ensure own and other’s safety in the workplace

Our Benefits

When your work environment fits your values and your lifestyle, it is a better place to be. Our campuses are green, open, and developing, allowing you to enjoy your work and be productive at the same time – we offer flexibility (work from home, flexible hours) and generous benefits to make sure our people feel supported and enjoy being part of the AgResearch team.

You can view the complete list here:  http://www.agresearchcareers.co.nz/working-here/our-benefits/

How to Apply

This role will suit a passionate, talented and collaborative person who is motivated to drive their career forward within this vital New Zealand organisation. If this sounds like you, apply today using the link below, including a cover letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this position.

For further information, please contact Jim Webster on 021 875021 or email jim.webster@agresearch.co.nz. To view the full position description for this role, please click here

Applications close: 10 April 2022

AgResearch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an environment that embraces, promotes and values diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage and welcome candidates from any background, so please don’t hesitate to apply for this position or call us to discuss this further.

Please note that due to current border restrictions we will only be accepting applications from those already in New Zealand with full working rights or New Zealand and Australian Citizens & Residents overseas.

Please also note: we require all new employees to be double vaccinated against Covid19. Proof of vaccination or vaccination exemption will be required as part of our pre-employment screening process.