Agricultural Technician - Fur Unit

Position Details
Position Information

Position Title	Agricultural Technician - Fur Unit
Department/Unit	Agriculture - Dean's Office
Location	Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number	S164-24
Employee Group	NSGEU Local 77
Position Type	Term
Duration of Contract (if applicable)	One (1) year
Employment Type	Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE)	1.0 FTE
Salary	$25.91 - $32.80 per hour ($47,154 - $59,693 per annum, 35 hours per week)
Classification	T7
Provisional Statement
About Dalhousie University	Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.
Job Summary	The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. Reporting to the Operations Manager, with additional direction from the Programs and Finance Manager and the Unit Coordinator, the Agricultural Technician-Fur Unit will be responsible for the on-going care of animals and operations pertaining to the Fur Unit, Agricultural Campus (AC) Farm, in support of the Faculty’s teaching and research objectives.
Key Responsibilities	Provide daily care of the mink herd including but not limited to animal handling and restraint, feeding, bedding, breeding, vaccinations, monitoring health and administering treatments, and sampling. Ensure appropriate animal care, housing and enrichment standards are met, for example regular cleaning, bedding, and repair of animal housing. Operate, maintain and complete minor repairs of equipment such as feed, harvest and bedding carts; forklift; manure system; and pressure washer. General maintenance, cleaning and housekeeping of the facilities. Provide technical assistance and support to students, faculty and staff, including labs, tours, and research projects. Collect, record and maintain data in support of academic and research programs pertaining to production and management. Maintain records such as animal health, pedigree, inventory and production. Adhere to all relevant Faculty and University policies and procedures such as occupational health and safety, animal care and biosecurity.
Note	This position is deemed an essential services position and the selected candidate must be able to work weekends and holidays as part of a rotating schedule, Monday through Sunday, and available to work overtime and during campus closures as required. Scheduling and compensation will be in accordance with the collective agreement. The incumbent will be regularly required to handle and restrain animals; work in adverse conditions such as extreme temperatures, dust and noise; work with various products including organic and biological materials, manure, disinfectants and compressed gases; and be exposed to zoonotic diseases. Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.
Required Qualifications	Diploma in Agriculture, Animal Science or a related field from a recognized agricultural or related institution with approximately two to three years’ relevant experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience). Experience in production, management, husbandry and housing of mink, including the ability to operate equipment and machinery specific to the Fur Unit operations, and a commitment to complete additional training and certification as identified to meet and maintain animal care, operations and facility standards and requirements. Strong interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills. Strong initiative and judgement, organizational, time management and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and as a team player. A proven safety record. Meet above average physical demands including but not limited to continuous walking on cement floors and lifting up to 25 kg on a regular basis. Valid Class 5 Nova Scotia Driver’s License. Have or acquire within three months of employment forklift certification, WHMIS 2015; First Aid. Competent in use of Microsoft 365 and smart phone applications and technology.
Assets
Job Competencies	The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular: - Self-Awareness & Professionalism - Integrity - Respect & Inclusion - Adaptability - Knowledge & Thinking Skills
Additional Information	Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration	Bargaining unit employees (NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration and will be notified on the status of their application following assessment. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit. We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or Human Resources.
Diversity Statement	Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity .

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies	One (1)
Open Date	05/21/2024
Close Date	05/30/2024
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting	https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/16653