Job Description

Animal Technician

Primary Purpose: Provides an optimum level of animal care to various species of animals used in research, teaching and public outreach; and provides additional expertise in the provision of support, technical services, compliance and guidance to researchers

Nature of Work: Reporting directly to the Animal Care Manager of Animal Care & Research Support, this position functions on a rotational basis providing coverage during the day, weekend and Statutory Holidays to the University of Saskatchewan animal facilities under the responsibility of Animal Care Services. Work is performed in accordance with standard operating procedures, institutional policies and guidelines, as well as CCAC standards and guidelines. This position works with lab animals, aquatics and exotics in conventional, containment, quarantine and barrier animal suites/facilities resulting in exposure to animal dander, waste, bedding and some unpleasant odors. Subject to dress code and traffic pattern restrictions. Moderate to heavy lifting is required.

Typical Duties/Accountabilities: The technician works directly with research personnel providing service, teaching or advising on various techniques and manipulations, educating researchers and research team members in facility procedures, techniques and CCAC/UACC guidelines; provide general information to the public. Routine daily husbandry, cleaning, animal care, nutrition and handling are a constant part of this position. Performs daily health monitoring of all animals; water quality testing & maintenance of aquatic systems; the technician must consult with and report all animal health or welfare issues to the facility veterinarian and the ACRS Animal Care Manager or Aquatics Manager; treatment of ill animals as prescribed by the facility clinical veterinarian; supervision and scheduling of procedure rooms and surgical suites; provides technical procedures on various species as required; prepares and anesthetize various species of animals for surgery and imaging; assists with surgery; operates surgical, anesthetic, and laboratory equipment. provides specialized post-operative and post-procedure care of animals; provides training to animal users, students, as well as to new employees and junior technicians; works with researchers in scheduling tasks specific to that study; compliance monitoring; maintains transgenic breeding colonies; maintenance of aquatic systems and testing water quality; recordkeeping; maintains equipment and supplies; keeps current with technical skills; other duties as required by the unit.

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of a recognized two year Veterinary Technologist or Animal Health Technician program. An equivalent combination of education in an animal related field and experience may be considered.

Licenses: Veterinary Technologists must be registered or eligible for registration with the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT). Active RLAT certification with the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science is required. Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Experience: A minimum of two years of experience working with laboratory animals, exotics, and aquatics in a research facility.

Skills:

• Demonstrated proficient technical skills
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal;
• Computer skills;
• Ability to prioritize in a constantly changing environment;
• Exceptional observational and problem solving skills, and to make sound judgment calls when faced with adversity;
• Ability to effectively work independently as well as part of a team, maintaining a professional and positive demeanor in a dynamic environment;
• Ability to be flexible, and to handle stressful situations;
• Demonstrated effective organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to evaluate the work of others;
• The ability to perform moderate physical labor and tolerate exposure to a wide variety of animals

While applicants who meet the qualifications of a CUPE 1975 Phase 5 listed above will be given priority, we may also consider applicants who are not fully qualified but show an interest in working in a research facility. Successful applicants who do not meet our full qualifications may be offered the position at a lower classification (CUPE 1975 Phase 4 or CUPE 1975 Phase 3) and therefore a lower pay rate. We will provide training, support, and an opportunity to move to the fully qualified level.

A CUPE 1975 Phase 4 animal technician must possess the education qualifications listed above, have one year experience in a research animal facility, is eligible to write the RLAT certification exam, and be able to competently perform basic and introductory duties independently. The salary range is CAD $21.36 - $28.84 per hour.

A CUPE 1975 Phase 3 animal technician will be under the supervision of a senior RLAT, possess the education qualifications listed above, and be able to perform basic skills and duties as directed. The salary range is CAD $19.73 - $23.68 per hour

This position is in scope of CUPE 1975 Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Michele Moroz at 306-966-6546.

Department: Vice-President (Research)
Status: Term 12 months
Employment Group: CUPE 1975 - Restricted
Shift: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, rotational basis to provide daily animal care, including weekends and statutory holidays
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $28.44 - 37.23 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Applied Scientific Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 5
Posted Date: 10/5/2022
Closing Date: 10/18/2022
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Please review the University of Saskatchewan's for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Metis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.