Animal Technician - Jobs in Saskatoon, SK

Job Description

Animal TechnicianPrimary Purpose: Animal care and maintenance tasks within animal research and barrier facilities and performing seasonal maintenance on outside paddock area. May assist with teaching animal handling labs. Learning/performing technical procedures may complement this position. NOTE: Due to biosecurity protocols with facility animals such as poultry and swine, applicants who have these as pets/production animals cannot be considered.Nature of Work: Reporting to the Director, this position may work independently and/or closely with team members in order to meet timelines within the workday. On a rotational basis, will be assigned weekend shifts, including statutory holidays. Timelines and the dynamic nature of research contribute to a stressful work environment. This position may work directly with principal investigators and their staff to ensure facility and protocol compliance. A fast-paced, complex environment with deadlines and priorities and frequent interruptions. This position interacts largely by email, phone and in person, requiring good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, an ability to maintain both electronic (primarily) and paper records, and diplomacy in working with matters of highly sensitive and confidential nature. Complexity of working with a diverse population of laboratory, livestock and exotic animals necessitates continuing education, self-motivation and resourcefulness. During the school term, may assist with instructing various animal handling labs. Work is performed in accordance to facility operating procedures, research protocols and guidelines, as well as CCAC standards. This position works in conventional, Level 2 and livestock animal facilities and is exposed to animal dander, waste and bedding, and at times a noisy environment. The work is physically demanding, and includes restraining animals, cleaning rooms/pens, lifting/moving feed, supplies and equipment, and working in inclement weather. Frequent requirements may include: manual dexterity; normal color vision; long periods of standing and sitting, and frequent periods of bending, crouching or stooping; work with biomedical wastes, radioactive materials, toxic chemicals; potential exposure to infectious disease; and extensive repetitive motion of the fingers, arm and wrist. Occasional requirements may include: sitting while completing paperwork, kneeling, and squatting.Typical Duties/Accountabilities: Responsible for husbandry tasks as well as housekeeping and maintenance tasks; daily interaction with principal investigators and/or their staff; assists with arranging daily schedule in order to complete tasks within the work day; performs animal husbandry/management tasks; one on one instruction to become competent in performing technical skills; on-going continuing education; may assist with educating researchers and lab staff on facility procedures, CCAC/UACC guidelines, etc.; may assist with teaching animal care wet laboratories; perform annual and general maintenance to outdoor paddocks; operate skid steer, four wheeled utility vehicle and truck/stock trailer as required; recognizes and resolves potential OH&S issues; performs other duties as assigned by the Director.QualificationsEducation: Graduate of a recognized two year Veterinary Technologist or Animal Health Technician program. An equivalent combination of education in an animal related field and experience may be considered. Candidate may be required to pursue RLAT certification with the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science to progress within the unit.Experience: Previous experience working with laboratory and domestic animals in a barrier maintained research facility, as well as exotic and aquatic species is an asset. Experience operating a skid steer, four wheeled utility vehicle, truck, stock and flatbed trailers is an asset.Licenses: Veterinary Technologists must be registered or eligible for registration with the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT). Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.Skills:

• Demonstrated good working knowledge and technical skills
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills; written and verbal
• Diplomacy in working with matters of highly sensitive and confidential nature
• Exceptional observational and problem solving skills
• Self-motivated
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimal supervision as well as strong skills as a team member
• Ability to be flexible, and to handle stressful situations
• Ability to multitask and demonstrate effective organizational skills in a fast paced environment
• Ability to make sound judgment calls when faced with adversity
• Demonstrates accuracy in data entry as well as the ability to maintain attention to detail
• Basic carpentry skills, operating power tools
• Computer skills with a working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, E-mail
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor, and tolerate exposure to a wide variety of animals
• Familiarity with using a skid steer, four wheeled utility vehicle, truck, stock and flatbed trailers to perform livestock related duties.

Department: Animal Care UnitStatus: Term maternity leave replacement of up to 14 months, with the possibility of extensionEmployment Group: CUPE 1975Shift: Hours of work are based on the normal operating hours of the university and are expected to be 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, including working weekends on a rotational basis, amounting to 8 hours per day. Some variable hours may apply; hours are subject to change. You will work 40 hours per week in order to bank time to earn one day off at the end of every four week period.Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $21.34 - 24.88 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.Salary Family (if applicable): Applied Scientific ServicesSalary Phase/Band: Phase 3Posted Date: 12/14/2022Closing Date: 1/17/2023Number of Openings: 1Work Location: On CampusThe successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where Yes is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.phpCriminal Record Check: Not ApplicableDrivers License and Abstract Check: Not ApplicableEducation/Credential Verification: Not ApplicableVulnerable Sector Check: Not ApplicablePlease review the University of Saskatchewans health and safety requirements for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.Quick Apply

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