Animal Technician

**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, poss