Pet Specialist Jobs

Job Purpose/Overview

The focus of this role is to work in a team environment to implement research protocols and participate in daily care and management for the pets within the Royal Canin Petcare Feeding Facility. The role may include cleaning of the facilities, socialization, training, and exercise to provide optimal animal models for nutritional research.

Adherence to MARS Welfare Standards directly impacts the reputation of the business and its brands to customers, consumers, media and the community, thus directly affecting the future success of our products and the Mars brand.

Key Responsibilities

Implementation of global methodologies serves to keep the business units and brands aligned globally.

• Member of the Protocol Execution Team

• Completion of feeding trials and protocols (Global Methodologies and Specialized Protocols). This may include preparation and feeding of the daily diets for all pets within the feeding facility as well as managing supplies.

• Record requested data according to study protocols; verifying the quality and accuracy of the data being delivered back to the business.

• Collection and preparation of biological samples according to study protocols.

• Perform animal behavior and obedience training following the Mars Standards. This includes implementing behavior modification plans, training for research activities, and support for rehoming.

• Evaluate pet health (both mental and physical) for any veterinary and/or enrichment needs. Responsible for grooming. Responsible for assisting the Health Care Team in treatment and research collections as needed.

• All other activities, tasks, project work, and responsibilities as assigned.
• Responsible for following the Mars Quality Management Process (QMP).

Context and Scope

Adherence to MARS Welfare Standards directly impacts the welfare of the pets and is the responsibility of all Associates.

• Assist with daily husbandry which may include the cleaning of pet quarters.
• Implementation of environmental enrichment and exercise programs for pets.
• And other duties as assigned.

Key Supporting Competencies

• Develop skills to provide guidance to others in key competencies.
• Identifies veterinary and behavioral training needs of the pets within the facility
• Suggestions on improvements to methodologies or standard operating procedures
• Recommends supplies for proper running of the facility

Critical Functional Competencies

• Excellent oversight of the pets within the facility will ensure quality of data and the health and welfare of the pets within the facility
• Accuracy and timeliness of feeding performance data is critical for the daily operation of the business. The data generated by this facility will be driving projects, business decisions and claims support as well as providing our brands with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Job Specifications/Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 1-3 years of experience interacting with cats/dogs
• Minimum high school diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in data collection and analysis is preferred.
• Experience working in an animal facility or Veterinary Hospital is preferred
• BS or MS in a biological science preferred but not required

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.