Job Description

Staff - Union
Job Category
CUPE 116
Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4
Job Title
CCM RVT Supervisor
Department
Project Support | Animal Care Services
Compensation Range
Posting End Date
September 15, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Ongoing
Job Summary
Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVTs) Supervisors are responsible for leading a team of RVTs through the daily operations involved in directly supporting the animal-based research community associated with the University of British Columbia by providing a high level of surgical and technical skills and related project support, working closely with the Clinical Veterinarians, RVT Project Leads, the Animal Care Team, internal researchers and industry partners.
ACS is a rapidly growing and dynamic environment in which staff partner with researchers from both academia and industry. Research conducted at the three ACS facilities encompasses a broad range of topics from furthering our understanding of basic medical sciences, to enhancing our abilities to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease in human and non-human animals. The work environment is technically complex with the use of computerized large animal anesthesia machines, diagnostic laboratory equipment, and digital environmental monitoring tools.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Project Manager and may take direction from the Senior Manager, Project Services and CCM Operations Manager. Works closely with the CCM ACT Supervisor, Project Coordinator, other RVTs, the Animal Care Technicians (ACTs), and Clinical Veterinarians. Liaises with researchers and their teams.



CCM is a multi-species facility specialized in supporting animal research at UBC through surgical support, training, diagnostic and pathology support as well as housing. As part of UBC Animal Care Services (ACS), the largest animal care program in Western Canada and the second largest in Canada, CCM is responsible for providing research support to the animal-based research community associated with the University of British Columbia and its affiliates through its veterinary services team, the compliance team, the training team, the procurement team and its facilities. ACS is committed to providing excellence in research support to all UBC researchers with accountability, communication, cooperation, customer service and integrity. ACS reports to the Vice President Research & Innovation.

Work Performed
The RVT Supervisor directs a team of technologists who have day-to-day responsibility for animal care. This team supports complex animal research projects and ensures the proper discharge of daily tasks and technical procedures as requested by the Project Manager, CCM Operations Manager, Veterinarians or Principal Investigators.
Responsibilities include:
Provide consistent, high quality and compassionate care to all animals in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and established research protocols.
Responsible for the supervision of ACS RVT staff, establishing clear definitions of responsibility and workload to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the facility, providing training and performance evaluation, and participating in the recruitment of new staff.
Acts as a mentor by providing leadership and support to colleagues and volunteers.

Oversight on all education, orientation and training of RVT team that is required for their role including instruction and training in the use of specialized techniques and equipment (user orientation and staff onboarding).
Provide instruction and training in laboratory animal science and veterinary procedures to the research community at UBC, as well as lower mainland biotechnology industry partners, ACS staff and volunteers.

Responsible for daily inspection, observation, and treatment of unusual or unexpected conditions that arise in the course of protocol adherence, including those requiring immediate action and notification to the Clinical Veterinarian and/or investigators.
Perform advanced veterinary procedures on a wide range of research animal species without assistance or supervision to include, but not limited to: administration of medications or other substances by injection, orally, or topically; preparing surgical rooms including preparing instruments, supplies, and the animal; advanced anesthetic induction and monitoring, maintenance and recovery; surgical and imaging modalities assistance; performing intensive postoperative care; euthanasia; necropsies; collection of biological samples; calculation and administration of multimodal continuous rate infusions; creating medical entries in records; conduct health checks; handle and restrain animals; perform husbandry duties; and facility maintenance.

May assist with and oversee the technical aspects of specialized complex projects as assigned including but not limited to: determining staffing resources, ensuring billing accuracy, communicating directly with the client, and support the Project Lead in managing timelines and logistics of the project.

Assists in the development, review and implementation of policies, SOP s and procedures; animal care emergency response procedures; safety; security; cleanliness; workflow improvements; and material flow and logistics. Attends meetings and committees as required.



Monitor the physical, behavioral and environmental requirements of individual species, including animals who have received radioactive isotopes. Be aware of natural, normal behaviour as well as behavioural differences (such as aggressiveness, anxiety and pain) and work with the animals to encourage cooperation within a framework of respect, using techniques such as clickers for training.



Evaluate and maintain an extensive inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for specialized surgical procedures in a variety of animal species. The inventory includes narcotics and controlled drugs, sutures, surgical instruments and linens (sterile and unsterile), anesthesia monitoring and surgical equipment.

Assist in ensuring the facility complies with all applicable regulations, guidelines and standards that relate to animal care in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), and The Criminal Code of Canada Section 446 and 447 of the Criminal Code, which protects animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect.
Follow all safety standards, standard operating procedures and policies.



Keep abreast of developments in the area of expertise and participating in continuing education programs. Maintains required courses, certifications and testing.



Treat confidentially all information related to research projects, personnel, and locations, and agrees not to disclose any such information to any person except as may be necessary in the proper discharge of work obligations.
Responsible for ensuring safety standards and documentation are being maintained; Reports any safety concerns to the local safety committee and ACS Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC). May sit on the ACS JOHSC.

Perform other related tasks as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This person must pay attention to details, be aware of pitfalls and be willing to repeat tasks if necessary. Most of the procedures will require following a protocol already in place; however, there is room for innovative thinking to improve upon existing protocols and provide input into the direction of the project. These positions are expected to exercise initiative and judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems would be referred to the CCM Clinical Veterinarian. Incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health, including mortality, and/ or disruption or ruination of a research study. Inappropriate judgment exercised by the position may impact the success of the facility, leading to increased expenses, time loss and damage to departmental reputation. Inappropriate judgment concerning the use of controlled substances could lead to legal action against the university or revoking of provincial licenses currently held by the university veterinarians.



Supervision Received

Works under minimum supervision, receiving specific instructions only on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established policy and procedure.



Supervision Given

May have supervisory responsibilities for a small group of employees at lower classifications and may have input into staff selection and performance evaluation.



Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.Required Position Qualifications Diploma in Veterinary Technology required. Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) designation required.


Preferred QualificationsCALAS Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) preferred. Experience in working with small and large animals in a research capacity. Proficiency in understanding the physical, behavioural and environmental requirements of individual species. Ability to identify common medical problems in laboratory animals and take appropriate action. Experience working in both CL1 and CL2 environments with risk group 1 and 2 materials. Working with industry and/or research teams an asset. Must demonstrate a sound theoretical and working knowledge of the principles and practice of laboratory animal science and working knowledge of veterinary technology, biomedical research, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and intensive/critical care. Must also demonstrate a competency in surgical procedures including surgical preparation, anesthesiology (e.g. anesthesia machines, ECG, and capnography), common technical procedures and radiography. Ability to explain, assign and monitor work. Ability to facilitate groups to achieve appropriate outcomes. Ability to coordinate and oversee work processes. Ability to evaluate staff performance by establishing standards and goals, providing feedback and taking corrective action. Ability to anticipate problems and issues and plan ahead. Ability to determine the nature and urgency of inquiries and issues, and triage appropriately. Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills. Ability to work both independently and within a team environment. Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail. Ability to perform the physical demands of the job including: working in humid environments with varying temperatures; continuous exposure to animal dander, odors, excreta, dust, and noise, including potentially lethal pathogens and radioisotopes. Able to lift up to 25 kgs several times throughout the day and work in an environment that requires continuous walking, bending, stooping, reaching, twisting and turning. Ability to work as a team to lift animals up to 150kg. Ability to operate job-related equipment. Ability to effectively use software at a moderate level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MOSAIC, Workday). Ability to read and comprehend technical material. Be willing to maintain and upgrade training. Ability to train others. Ability to understand and apply policies, SOPs, instructions and applicable Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required. Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner. Ability to work toward consensus and resolve differences. Ability to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships. Ability to resolve complaints and interpersonal conflict in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment. Ability to travel around to satellite facilities in a timely manner. * Work schedules can include evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays. On-call shifts are assigned on a rotational basis.