Registered Veterinary Technologist, Animal Care Services

Description

The Animal Care Services Team in the Office of VP Research is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Registered Veterinary Technologist for approximately 18 months.

Reporting to the Assistant University Veterinarian or the Animal Care Committee Coordinator, the Registered Veterinary Technologist is broadly involved in the various aspects of health care and welfare of research and teaching animals at any designated animal facility of the University of Calgary. This may include the Life & Environmental Sciences Animal Resources Centre, the Health Sciences Animal Resources Centre, the Veterinary Sciences Research Station and associated Clinical Skills Building, the WA Ranches at the University of Calgary or any other designated locations.

The Registered Veterinary Technologist assists in the preparation, instruction and takedown of the Institutional Animal User Training Program (IAUTP) sessions. This program includes mandatory training courses for all staff, students and faculty utilizing animals in research or teaching at the University of Calgary. The Registered Veterinary Technologists may also be responsible for maintaining the inventory related to the IAUTP course. Responsibilities include participation in the health and welfare assessments as well as oversight of all animals owned by the University. This includes administration of medications, sample collection and/or processing for diagnostic and research purposes, as well as equipment/instrument operation and maintenance. Strong communication skills are required to support the provision of assistance and coaching to faculty, students, staff, and other facilities users.

The Registered Veterinary Technologist will work with the Assistant University Veterinarian and the Animal Care Committee Coordinator to provide basic animal healthcare and technical support, including (but not limited to) sample collection procedures (diagnostic and research based), bandage care, surgical support, anesthesia, medication administration (all routes), blood sampling, analgesia, medications, and some administration and management of controlled drugs. Implementing measures of preventative health care as directed by veterinary staff is essential.

Weekend shift work may be required and on-call coverage as well as vacation coverage of other technologists within UCARE is required. Ability to travel to the various locations across university campuses is required. Work must be performed in compliance with the University Animal Welfare Committee and Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) standards. Failure to do so could impact animal care, research outcomes and the institutional reputation.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Receives and sets-up (prepares for protocol) incoming research and teaching animals.
• Monitors and assesses general animal health and reports issues/concerns to the Veterinarian.
• Assists in the preparation, instruction and clean-up of the IAUTP sessions.
• Adheres to Health Canada guidelines to administer and maintain records for controlled substances and prescription medications.
• Understanding and use/maintenance of appropriate medical records systems.
• Understanding and efficient use of IRISS to access pertinent information about Animal Care Committee protocol activities.
• Follows safety guidelines to ensure an overall safe work environment and more specifically, proper operation and maintenance of equipment such as autoclaves, anaesthetic delivery systems / ventilators, ventilated caging systems, among others.
• Works with chemicals and biohazards in a safe and proper manner through use of protective gear and equipment, and appropriate containers.
• Ensures familiarity with ordering processes and inventory management so that animal healthcare supplies are kept stocked in a timely and organized manner to ensure continuous availability and economically efficient use.
• Ensures that work tasks comply with animal care, facility, and good laboratory standards at all times.
• Interacts with facility users (faculty, students, staff, and others) in a pleasant and respectful manner when providing assistance.
• Provides well developed and consistent technical support and animal care services to users of all the facilities, while ensuring that proper procedures and guidelines are followed at all times.
• Adheres to the University policies and guidelines regarding confidentiality, safety regulations and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required.
• Coordinates animal healthcare and husbandry with the Animal Facility Manager, and with Animal Husbandry Care Attendants, as required.
• Maintains/develops skills and meets provincial licensure requirements through continuing education and professional development.
• Performs other related duties as required and as assigned by the University Veterinarian, Assistant University Veterinarian or Animal Care Committee Coordinator.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A valid Animal Health Technology Diploma is required, as is registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) as a Registered Veterinary Technologist.
• Past research and teaching animal experience within a relevant scientific/institutional facility is considered an asset.
• Relevant experience in a research/scientific/institutional setting can include:
  • Veterinary Clinics.
  • University / Research Animal Care Facilities.
  • Previous animal health experience in non-research facilities may be considered in the absence of experience in research facilities.
    • These non-research facilities include: A humane society or other animal care organization; wildlife rehabilitation centres, zoos, or farm hand experience.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and accurate record-keeping due to the potentially high impact of technical procedure errors, particularly in a research setting.
• A thorough knowledge of University Animal Welfare Committee and CCAC guidelines is necessary.
• Detailed understanding of sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization principles is essential.
• Strong verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate interaction with a variety of facilities users is needed (fluency in English is necessary).
• Demonstrated teamwork skills, as well as the ability to work independently, are also required.
• The Registered Veterinary Technologist must not have any known animal-related allergies.

Application Deadline: May 14, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.