Job Description

The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. Reporting jointly to the Operations Manager and the Programs and Finance Manager, and under the day to day direction of the Ruminant Coordinator, the Agricultural Technician will be responsible for the on-going care of animals housed in the Ruminant Animal Centre (RAC), in support of the Faculty\'s teaching, research, outreach and production objectives. Primary responsibilities will be in dairy with secondary responsibility in sheep operations.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily animal care and husbandry including, but not limited to, handling, milking, feeding, heat detection/breeding/artificial insemination, neonatal care, monitoring herd and flock health and administering treatments, based on best management practices and the Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines.
• Utilize relevant IT software, applications and programs to collect data and make evidence-based decisions relevant to the dairy and sheep operations. Implement digital agriculture as part of operations and management to ensure advancement and relevancy within the industry.
• Operate, and complete routine maintenance and minor repairs on relevant equipment such as milk, feed and manure systems, mobile powered equipment, and animal transport. Carry out general maintenance, cleaning and housekeeping of the facilities.
• Provide technical and functional assistance and support to students, faculty and staff, including labs and research projects. Collect, record and maintain data in support of academic and research programs and animal production management.
• Adhere to all relevant Faculty and University policies and procedures such as occupational health and safety, animal care and biosecurity.

Note

Must be able to work shift work as well as overtime, on-call schedules, weekends, holidays, during adverse weather conditions and extraordinary circumstances such as pandemics. Compensation will be in accordance with the collective agreement.

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Dalhousie\'s vaccine mandate has been suspended at this time, and employees no longer need to provide proof of full vaccination. However, health and safety risks to our community will continue to be monitored and a vaccine mandate may be reinstated if necessary.
Required Qualifications

• Diploma in Agriculture, Animal Science or a related field from a recognized agricultural or related institution plus approximately 2-3 years relevant experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in ruminant animal production utilizing best management practices in a dynamic environment with high standards and deliverables.
• Proficient in the implementation, interpretation and application of digital data, including Microsoft 365, smart phone applications and technology, and the demonstrated ability to adopt and use automated equipment and components relevant to agricultural operations.
• Ability to operate equipment relevant to dairy and sheep operations e.g. milk, feed and manure systems, feed carts, forklift, skidsteer.
• Strong interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills with the ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
• Strong initiative and judgement, organizational, time management and problem-solving skills, and a proven safety record.
• Valid Class 5 NS driver\'s license.
• Have or able to acquire within six months of employment condition 15 endorsement on drivers\' license; certification in lift truck, fall protection, WHMIS 2015, first aid, andbovine artificial insemination.
• Ability to perform repetitive physically demanding tasks eg,.large animal handling, continuous walking on hard surfaces, lifting up to 25 kg.
• Ability to tolerate regular exposure to organic and biological materials, dust, noise and extreme temperatures.
• Ability to complete ongoing additional training and certification as identified to meet and maintain animal care, operations and facility standards and requirements.

Assets

• Undergraduate degree in Animal Science or a related field.

Job Competencies
Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration

Bargaining unit employees (NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration and will be notified on the status of their application following assessment. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or Human Resources.
Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi\'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit .

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies One (1)
Open Date 04/03/2023
Close Date 04/18/2023
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents * R\xc3\xa9sum\xc3\xa9 / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Optional Documents * Cover Letter

Dalhousie University