Animal Care Technician

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The University of Alberta's Animal Care and Use Program, under the direction of the University Veterinarian, in the Vice President Research and Integrity (VPRI) office, is responsible for providing support to the animal-based research and teaching community associated with the University of Alberta and its affiliates through its veterinary services team, Research Integrity Support compliance team, and its animal facilities. The University of Alberta is committed to providing excellence in support to all UA faculty, staff and trainees with accountability, communication, cooperation, customer service and integrity.

The North Campus Animal Services (NCAS) is composed of three operationally consolidated animal facilities, namely, the Health Sciences Facility, the Biosciences Facility and services to Alternate Animal Housing sites, encompassing over 100,000 square feet (~9200 sqm) on the University's North Campus. NCAS supports over 150 Principal Investigator groups.

The Animal Care Technician plays a vital role within the animal operations of the North Campus Animal Services facilities. Reporting directly to the Team Lead Animal Care and Research Support (TLAC), the technician ensures the proper care, housing, and welfare of laboratory animals in accordance with university standards, established protocols, and ethical guidelines. This position provides continuous, 365 day-year-round coverage and care within the facility, to maintain the health and welfare of animals. This role is fundamental to supporting the research community by maintaining a safe, clean, and regulated environment for animals used in research, teaching and testing at the University of Alberta.

The technician's primary responsibilities include performing the daily animal husbandry tasks such as feeding, cage cleaning, and environmental enrichment, while also monitoring the health and welfare of the animals. In instances of health concerns, the technician collaborates with veterinarians, researchers, and other team members to address issues promptly. The position also requires assisting researchers with technical procedures, maintaining detailed health and procedural records, and ensuring adherence to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

As part of the NCAS team, the Animal Care Technician demonstrates a commitment to animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and effective communication with supervisors, researchers, and colleagues. This role demands technical expertise and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a physically demanding environment that often involves repetitive motions, exposure to allergens and other challenges associated with animal care facilities.

At The Office of the Vice President - Research (VPR), research is at the core of what we do. The VPR team supports and advances the university's large and complex research enterprise, providing leadership, guidance and diverse research services.

VPR supports the university's research function, helping ensure those involved in research and partnership activities adhere to the highest operational, financial, legal, ethical and safety standards. We also develop and administer policies to ensure regulatory compliance.

• Animal Husbandry and Health Monitoring (70-85%)
• Technical and Surgical Support (5-10%)
• Facility Maintenance and Compliance (10-15%)
• Training and Communication (5%)
• Recordkeeping and Reporting (5%)
• Additional Duties as Assigned (Variable)

Education

• Diploma or Degree: A two-year diploma in Veterinary Technology, Animal Health Technology, Biological Sciences (Laboratory Research stream), or a related field is typically required. A Bachelor of Science in a related field or equivalent education combined with relevant experience may be considered.
• Specialized Training: Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS/ACSAL) Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) certification, or enrollment in the CALAS RLAT program with the intention of attaining the RLAT certification is an asset.

Experience

• Minimum Experience: 1-2 years of experience in laboratory animal husbandry, veterinary clinics, or similar settings is required.
• Familiarity with handling common laboratory animals, particularly rodents and/or other laboratory animals, aquatic or avian species.
• Experience in health monitoring, breeding colony management, or administering treatments is advantageous.

Skills and Knowledge

Animal Handling and Welfare

• Proficiency in handling and caring for laboratory animals, including monitoring health, providing enrichment within 6 months of start date.
• Identify animal health and welfare problems and concerns.

Technical Proficiency

• Skills in administering medications, performing injections, and assisting in surgical or technical procedures.
• Ability to calculate drug dosages and administer fluids appropriately.

Compliance Knowledge

• Familiarity with Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines, provincial legislation, and institutional SOPs.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and ethical considerations in laboratory animal care.
• Embrace continual learning and professional development.

Technical Equipment Use

• Ability to operate laboratory equipment (e.g., autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges) and troubleshoot basic equipment issues.

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter.

This competition will be used to fill two positions.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.