Research Animal Technician

**Department**: Campus Animal Facilities
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

**General Purpose**

The Isolation Unit and the Production Animal Isolation Facility (PAIF), Campus Animal Facilities (CAF) are Containment Level 2, Agricultural facilities (CL2Ag). The research primarily focuses on infectious work involving biosafety level 2 pathogens in typical agricultural species such as poultry, swine, and cattle. Research involving other species, including rodents can also be performed in these facilities.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

Reporting to the Supervisor, Campus Animal Facilities, the incumbent will be accountable for a variety of duties which includes serving on a team of client-focused, highly skilled laboratory animal specialists providing technical support and animal care in a research environment. The incumbent will provide mentorship in the care, handling, and restraint techniques specific to laboratory animals to new staff, graduate, and undergraduate students and provides oversight for part time staff. This position shares responsibility for the cleaning and sanitizing of animal rooms and the operation of the cage washer and autoclave, which is vital to quality assurance and overall biosecurity in the entire facility. Responsible for maintaining detailed medical records and communicating any health concerns to Facility management, Veterinary staff, and research team members.

Other duties of the Research Animal Technician
- Assessing the health of animals and providing humane intervention/monitoring for sick or debilitated animals, ensuring their physical and psychological wellbeing
- Providing technical support to research teams, including humane restraint, administrations of treatments, collection of biological samples, euthanasia, and tissue collection
- Participates in updating and formulating departmental standard operating procedures
- Ensuring that all Animal Utilization Protocols and Biosafety permits are being followed
- Picking up animals from various suppliers in department van
- Mechanical assistance

**Requirements**:

- Two years of community college (Registered Veterinary Technician) and Registered Laboratory Animal Technician and 1-year related experience. A combination of education and experience may be considered for the role.
- Valid G driver’s license
- In-depth knowledge of biosecurity practices and the guidelines and legislation relevant to working with research animals in a Containment Level 2 facility
- Understanding of research methodologies and emerging technologies
- Knowledge of safe shipping of live animals
- Knowledge of the equipment used in the facility (cage washers, autoclaves, biocontainment units, biological safety cabinets, anaesthetic machines)
- Excellent interpersonal, customer service and communication skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong problem-solving skills with ability to think analytically and creatively
- Client focused, have initiative, and enjoy working in a team environment; must have the ability to plan and organize independently

The incumbent will be available to rotate through the other campus animal facilities as needed. The incumbent may be asked to provide essential animal care during shut down due to inclement weather. Some weekend may be required. 37.5 hours per week. This position involves exposure to odours, allergens, noise, dust, frequent lifting, restraint of large animals and a diverse range of motions. Protective rabies titre required.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10095026
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 6
USW Local 4120 Wage GridPosting Date: 10/15/2024
Closing Date: 10/22/2024