Overview

The Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society (GEARS) was formed in 2013 to help injured, abandoned, unwanted, and homeless animals. GEARS is a non-profit organization that relies on a network of donors, volunteers and foster homes working together to give companion animals a second chance at their forever family. The Medical Director directly oversees the Medical area and team and creates organizational excellence through overseeing and tracking all veterinary requirements for animals in the care, including making sure animals see partner vets within appropriate time frames, looking after medical emergencies, and upholding positive relationships with our veterinary partners.  

Responsibilities

• Acts as first point of contact for veterinary clinics 
• Works closely with members of the medical team to ensure all animals have a medical contact 
• Tracks veterinary care and efforts in database for assigned animals 
• Ensures timely follow up with foster homes regarding necessary vaccinations, vet appointments 
• Ensures emergency vet visits are looked after appropriately 
• Researches and evaluates veterinary clinics for alternative procedures 
• Attends monthly board meetings 

Skills and Qualifications 

• General knowledge of common canine and feline health issues 
• Professionalism, initiative, resourcefulness, dependability, and flexibility 
• Strong computer skills 
• Detail-oriented and organized, including patience for tedious data entry 
• Willingness to become proficient with Google applications 
• Strong work ethic and the ability to work independently, and as part of a team 
• Ability to maintain positive, regular communication with foster homes/volunteers 
• Commitment to honesty, integrity, and confidentiality 
• Ability to return texts/telephone calls from veterinary partners in a timely manner 
• Ability to stay professional and friendly to volunteers, businesses and the public
  
• Knowledge of veterinary clinic procedures and terminologies is an asset
• Prior work with nonprofit organizations a plus
  

Reports into: President and Vice-President 

Direct reports: Medical Team 

Investment from the organization: 

• Orientation to GEARS 
• Responsiveness from Executive as needed 
• Training with Google applications and relevant databases 

Expected investment of this role: 

• Requires a daily commitment, with a monthly commitment of at least 15-30 hours. Potentially could increase on an as needed basis. 
• This position is very demanding at times, and will need to have clear boundaries set 

Performance standards and expectations: 

• Commitment to the mission, values, goals and success of GEARS Self-directed, polite and professional 
• Ability and commitment to collaborate with other members of the board 
• Compassion for animals 
• Basic knowledge of force-free training and the commitment to reinforce it within our organization 
• Basic technology skills and the willingness to use the tools that our organization has selected 
• Effective record-keeping skills 
• Ability to remain calm and level-headed in an often stressful and emotional work environment  
• Ability to prioritize job duties 
• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally 
• Previous management or supervisory experience is desired