Animal Care Technician, Animal Resource Centre

The University of Calgary

14d ago

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Junior, Mid & Senior Level
Science
Healthcare

Requirements

Animal Health Diploma required; may consider past husbandry experience with research related animals in a research or other relevant scientific/medical/institutional setting
Relevant experience in a research/scientific/medical/institutional setting includes RLAT designation, AHT designation, Veterinary Clinic, University/Research Facility
Past husbandry experience in non-research facilities may be considered in the absence of the above noted qualifications. This includes SPCA or other animal care organizations, Zoo, Farm hand experience
Attention to detail is crucial in following procedures and standard operating procedures
Ability to keep accurate and detailed records
Requires high degree of analytical skills in carrying out technical procedures with a high impact of error
In-depth knowledge of theory, procedures and skills in areas of specialized husbandry and complex technical procedures
Good communication skills required to interact with other staff members, Researchers and other facility users
Must be fluent in written and oral English language
Participation and registration in the CALAS training program will be required
RLAT designation required along with continued registration with CALAS
A sound knowledge of CCAC guidelines, University and Departmental policies & procedures and Health Canada Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines
A sound knowledge of principles of sanitation, disinfection, sterilization, containment and isolation
Demonstrated ability to function as a productive team member as well as independently as required

Responsibilities

- Carries out duties independently, with minimal supervision
- Provides well developed, consistent technical support and animal care services to users of the Animal Resources Centre facility and ensure that proper procedures are always followed
- Ensures that other HSARC staff and users also follow proper procedures through education and guidance
- Acts as a resource and provides coaching to Researchers, Lab personnel and Graduate Students as well as other staff within the HSARC
- Provides care of animals used in research in compliance with the University and Canadian Council of Animal Care, failure to do so could impact on the animal care and research outcomes
- Efficient and proficient use of IRISS and the animal tracking system (MOSAIC) to access pertinent information about protocol activities and animal usage occurring within the HSARC
- Uses good judgment and problem-solving skills to identify and report health problems with animals
- Provides basic treatments for animals as directed by the Veterinarian, including administering medications, sampling for and performance of diagnostic tests, as well as euthanization of animals as the need arises
- Operates equipment and performs equipment maintenance, following safety regulations always
- Provide regular maintenance and ensure safe operation of equipment in the area such as laminar flow change stations, ventilated caging systems, autoclave and anesthetic delivery systems, as well as assess needs for and evaluation of new equipment
- Work with the Manager to ensure that tasks are completed on time and progressing according to plan
- Flexibility to work as a member of a team or independently as required
- Keeps records and performs procedures used for research animal identification in the animal tracking system (MOSAIC)
- Provides animal care for all species of laboratory animals used in research, which includes feeding, watering and changing cages following Standard Operating Procedures for prevention of exposure to disease
- Proper and proficient use of animal tracking systems to ensure that data and animal information is current and up to date
- Detailed record keeping using the animal management system (MOSAIC) is required for a variety of tasks, including cage maintenance, breeding colonies and animal identification, ear notching and tagging and weaning animals, billing records, population census along with other duties and responsibilities. This includes daily log sheets and monthly log sheets, wherever applicable
- Monitors and assesses general animal health and reports problems to the Veterinarian or appropriate lab technician
- Provides basic treatment for animals under direction of the Veterinarian, carries out technical procedures such as subcutaneous IP injections, tissue sampling, saphenous blood sampling, urine, blood glucose monitoring, fecal collection, checking plugs, palpating for pregnancy, setting up breeding pairs, euthanization of animals and colony management. All data and activities must be recorded in the animal tracking system (MOSAIC)

FAQs

What is the employment type for the Animal Care Technician position?

The position is for a recurring part-time Animal Care Technician, which means employees are engaged to perform work on an irregular schedule.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A diploma in Animal Health is required, along with relevant experience in a research, scientific, or medical setting. Past husbandry experience in non-research facilities may also be considered.

Is experience with research animals necessary?

Yes, past husbandry experience with research animals in a research centre or relevant animal husbandry experience is necessary.

Are there specific designations that are preferred for applicants?

Yes, relevant qualifications such as RLAT designation and continued registration with CALAS are required.

Does the job require physical activity?

Yes, the job involves moderate to heavy physical tasks, including heavy lifting and standing for long periods.

Will shifts include weekends and after-hours work?

Yes, shifts may require weekend and after-hours work to accommodate peak times and emergencies.

What kind of animal care duties will the technician perform?

The technician will provide care for laboratory animals, which includes feeding, watering, changing cages, administering medications, and performing diagnostic tests as directed by the Veterinarian.

Is there a deadline for submitting applications for this position?

Yes, the application deadline is September 18, 2024.

Will the job involve following specific procedures and compliance requirements?

Yes, the technician must provide care of animals in compliance with the university and Canadian Council of Animal Care guidelines, along with following standard operating procedures.

What is the work environment like at the Animal Resource Centre?

The Animal Resource Centre is a highly complex facility that requires flexibility in work schedules and can involve high-stress conditions due to the technical procedures and volume of work.

The University of Calgary

Canada's entrepreneurial university, A top research university

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Mission & Purpose

The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation's most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada's top five research universities, where research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.’