• Category B (scientist x2) and C (animal advocate x2) 
• Paid positions / Remote

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Wildlife and Small Institutions Animal Ethics Committee (WSIAEC) is hosted by DEECA as part of Agriculture Victoria, providing a vital service to small institutions and organisations that are unable to maintain their own animal ethics committee. By offering access to ethical review and oversight, the WSIAEC supports responsible animal use in research and teaching across Victoria.

The WSIAEC's core principles, as outlined in the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (8th Edition 2013, the Code), include respecting animals by justifying their use, ensuring their well-being, minimising harm, maintaining scientific integrity, and applying the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). These principles guide the committee in reviewing applications and reports related to animal care and use in research.

Currently, the WSIAEC serves around 200 clients statewide. Its diverse client base includes, among others, environmental consultancies, not-for-profit wildlife conservation groups, wildlife volunteer organisations, veterinary clinics, veterinary medical supply companies, and educational institutions such as TAFEs. Hence, WSIAEC-specific required knowledge and experience for its members include the following areas:  

• wildlife monitoring techniques and management, 
• wildlife rehabilitation, 
• livestock management and production systems, 
• veterinary practice and animal health, 
• field-based research and cutting-edge technologies, 
• animal welfare and husbandry, 
• veterinary equipment, medical products and technologies, and
• education and training involving animals.

The WSIAEC is composed of a chairperson and up to fourteen other members, between veterinarians – Cat A, scientists – Cat B, animal advocates – Cat C, and wider community – Cat D, consistent with the Australian Code. WSIAEC membership term of office is 3 years.

The WSIAEC meets monthly. Meetings are mostly online, with some meetings scheduled at Agriculture Victoria offices, either in Attwood or Melbourne CBD. Meetings last between 4 and 6 hours. Members may be eligible to receive a sitting fee to participate in the WSIAEC. Personal costs (for example, travel and accommodation) for in-person meetings may also be reimbursed in compliance with DEECA’s travel and personal expenses policy.

ROLES AVAILABLE:

Category B (scientists x2) and Category C (animal advocates x2)

The primary responsibility of members is to ensure that the use of animals for scientific purposes is ethically justified, provides for their welfare and incorporates the principles of the Code. Members are responsible for deciding whether, in their judgment, a project application is ethically acceptable and meets the requirements of the Australian Code and other applicable legislation.

To fulfil this responsibility, members are required to:

• Have a working knowledge of POCTA and associated Regulations, the Australian Code and other policies and guidelines relevant to the business of the WSIAEC.
• Provide opinions on the ethical acceptability of applications and other matters under consideration by the WSIAEC.
• Invest sufficient time before meetings to be able to understand matters under consideration by WSIAEC and to participate in decisions relating to those matters.
• Participate in and equitably share the workload of WSIAEC where possible while adhering to confidentiality provisions.
• Sharing information and knowledge with other members, including any conflicts of interest.
• Committing to the consensus decision of WSIAEC, regardless of whether the final decision was to their liking.
• Complying with the WSIAEC Terms of Reference.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants are required to have knowledge and expertise in one of the following areas:

• Category B member (scientists)
  • Requires substantial and recent experience in the use of animals for scientific purposes, relevant to the institution and the business of the WSIAEC.
  • A higher degree in research with animal use experience.
• Category C member (animal advocates)
  • Should demonstrate a commitment to and established experience in furthering animal welfare.
  • Cannot be employed by or associated with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, nor currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
  • Veterinarians with animal welfare interests and experience are suitable. Active membership or endorsement by an animal welfare organisation is favourable, though not representing one.
  • Should be viewed by the wider community as bringing an independent perspective to the AEC and not qualify for any other category.

Additional Selection Considerations

Other skills and experience that will be taken into consideration include:

• working knowledge with POCTA and associated Regulations, the Australian Code and other policies and guidelines relevant to the business of the WSIAEC,
• experience in or knowledge of wildlife and wildlife practices,
• experience in or knowledge of livestock and livestock practices,
• provide specialised advice,
• demonstrated communication skills,
• interpersonal skills,
• integrity and honesty,
• ability to use information technology.

Qualifications

Category B members must hold a higher degree as described above.

A position description is attached.