Animal Welfare Veterinarian

Government of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 118,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined pension plan

Life insurance

Long-Term Disability Plan

Employer paid health care benefits (d+

Job summary

The Government of Manitoba is seeking an experienced Veterinary Medical Officer 4 to lead animal welfare and public health initiatives within the Department of Agriculture. Based in Winnipeg, the role enforces the Animal Care Act and collaborates with local and national groups on welfare standards for livestock and companion animals.

The position requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and licensure in Manitoba, with strong leadership, communication and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• DVM degree or eligibility to obtain full licensure in Manitoba.
• Experience in livestock and poultry veterinary medicine in Manitoba.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, exhibit initiative and lead with diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Enforce The Animal Care Act and related animal welfare standards.
• Develop policy and advise the Minister on welfare issues; engage with media and committees.
• Promote animal welfare through extension and advocacy with groups and associations.
• Support other programs in companion animal welfare, animal health, emergency preparedness, traceability and food safety.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Leadership

Initiative

Diplomacy

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Job description

VT4 Veterinary Medical Officer 4

Regular/full-time

Department of Agriculture

Animal Health and Welfare, Industry Advancement

Winnipeg MB

Advertisement Number: 45644

Salary(s): VT4 $117,830.00 - $153,830.00 per year Plus Qualification Pay, if applicable.

Closing Date: September 30, 2026

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation. The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to women, Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities.

Candidates who possess board certification from a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association accredited educational institute or the American Veterinary Medical Association may be eligible for qualification pay.

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 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.

Why Work for Manitoba Government?

The Manitoba government values its employees, recognizing the important role that each person plays in delivering exceptional services, programs and support to the province. Your important contributions are recognized with a comprehensive package of benefits, including an attractive salary, pension plan, health and wellness benefits, and other supports to encourage work-life balance.

Financial Security

• Attractive salaries
• Defined pension plan
• Life insurance coverage
• Long-Term Disability Plan

Benefit Plan

• Employer paid health care benefits including health, dental and vision
• Extended health care for services such as physiotherapy, chiropractor, massages, acupuncture and more
• Annual health spending account for eligible employees

Commitment to Health and Wellness

• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Paid time-off including sick leave, wellness days and family related leave days
• Flexible work arrangements for eligible positions
• Generous vacation entitlements, increasing with years of service
• Parental, maternity, and adoptive leave options

Professional Growth & Development

We want our employees to thrive and grow and are committing to investing in their development. We offer multiple avenues of support such as inhouse training, educational assistance and leadership development programs to help achieve these goals.

Organizational Culture and Values

The Manitoba government is committed to a work environment and culture that values and recognizes every employee. When we look at Manitoba’s Public Service, we see a reflection of Manitoba’s diversity. We come from differing educational, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and work in a wide array of jobs across the province, we are all public servants.

Impact on Manitoba’s Future

By working for Manitoba’s Public Service, you have the unique opportunity to use your time to serve the land, communities, and the people of Manitoba. You can leave a lasting mark that will impact both current and future generations.

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/ethology or 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 licence 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