Animal Technician

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

This position has an end date of one year from the date of hire.

Working for the University of Alberta

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 First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Department/Faculty Summary

Science Animal Support Services (SASS) houses and provides husbandry for a variety of species used by Researchers and Instructors holding Animal Use Protocols (AUP) approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) Biosciences. Terrestrial species normally include mice, rats, rabbits, songbirds and pigeons housed in conventional environments. Aquatic species normally include zebrafish and a variety of other freshwater fish (trout, carp and goldfish) and marine invertebrates. Care is provided 365 days/year.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, the Auxiliary Animal Technician is responsible for animal care, maintenance, and husbandry as well as various experimental and technical duties in SASS. After a period of training, this position will be able to work in the aquatics and terrestrial facility no matter the species, and provide technical assistance to the Researchers. This position is being posted as there will be multiple long-term contract opportunities within the next 6 months at SASS. This position will be able to work some weekends and statutory holidays.

Duties

• Providing care and maintenance to a variety of animals including feeding, watering, regular weighing, health checks and health monitoring, cage/tank changing and cleaning, animal room cleaning and sanitation, and use of related equipment according to facility standard operating procedures. 
• Advising and reporting on animal health issues to the Operations Supervisor and Veterinarian
• Administering medications, treatments, special feeding programs and addition/modification of supplements as specified
• Maintaining detailed records on animal health including intake, weight changes, discharges, environmental conditions, and other required information
• Working on multiple research projects and performing a variety of specialized/complex technical procedures under the direction of principal investigators or other senior SASS staff members, while following complex SOPs
• Performing euthanasia of animals as required
• Identifying when new SOPs are required and maintaining or modifying existing ones in consultation with the Operations Supervisor, Veterinarian and approved by the ACUC
• Responsible for post-op monitoring and reporting to the Operations Supervisor for further assessment as necessary
• Maintaining detailed records with respect to experimental/technical duties
• Operate and maintain water treatment units and rack washer

Qualifications

• Animal Health Technology Diploma or equivalent; or Bachelor of Science (preference for related disciplines)
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, organizational and time management skills; accuracy and attention to detail are required
• Ability to handle a wide variety of animal species.
• Animal training (Part I & II) will be delivered by the University and facility
• CPR/First Aid, WHMIS training; Biosafety, Chemical and Laboratory Safety and other courses provided by EHS
• Heavy lifting (ability to lift 50 lbs), repetitive job movements, lots of walking, animal restraint, pulling/pushing equipment

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

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