Assistant University Veterinarian (UCARE) - Spy Hill Campus

Description

The Animal Care Services Team in the Office of VP Research is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Assistant University Veterinarian (UCARE) - Spy Hill.

The Assistant University Veterinarian (AUV) reports to the University Veterinarian with daily oversight by the Associate University Veterinarian Spy Hill Campus. The AUV provides adequate veterinary care, assurance of meeting Canadian Council on Animal Care standards in the respective animal facility. The AUV may also be required to provide directional advice and assistance to managerial staff and administration in the respective animal facility.

The position is physically demanding. Heavy lifting and long periods of standing at times, is required. Direct work with a wide range of animal species, including livestock and other large animal species, along with the associated procedures and hazards may be involved. Work with additional species (reindeer, wild rodents, woodchucks/groundhogs, specialty laboratory rodents or others) is involved. Some travel to animal and teaching facilities located at various university campuses and sites and to evaluate animal supplier operations can be expected during regular hours. Emergency coverage can lead to the need to work irregular hours.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provides veterinary/health care for the University laboratory/research and teaching animals.
• Shares in the on-call coverage of the Animal Resource Facilities as directed, with a focus on the Spy Hill Campus.
• Ensures the quality and consistency of animal care is expected to meet or exceed the applicable CCAC requirements.
• Ensures appropriate records of animal care, use and disposition are created and maintained for teaching herd animals by the UCVM, or for the UCVM as well as for animals used on site in research or testing.
• As required, may be requested to serve as an acting Associate University Veterinarian Spy Hill Campus in the absence of the Associate University Veterinarian Spy Hill Campus via the direction of the University Veterinarian.
• Provides input in the assessment of Registered Veterinary Technologists performance, including contributions to RVT career Development Plans, for the Associate University Veterinarian Spy Hill Campus.
• Assists in the training of veterinary students and veterinary residents in laboratory animal medicine and science and CCAC activities.
• Assists in oversight of any medical/surgical resident training programs involving animals (as directed by the University Veterinarian and in conjunction with the UCVM leadership).
• Works to develop appropriate laboratory animal curricula for undergraduate DVM students and post-graduate students in laboratory animal medicine.
• Assists through mentoring, students in laboratory and research animal medicine.
• Works cooperatively with members of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and may conduct such functions through an adjunct academic appointment in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; such appointments require co-approval and co-renewal by the University Veterinarian.
• Provides leadership in creating effective relations with UCVM faculty and staff including Animal Resources Centre Manager(s), VSRS Animal Support Unit staff members, Spy Hill Campus managers, and other UCVM employees as required.
• Identifies opportunities and effects innovations in animal research to meet the challenges and needs of the University.
• Ensures the availability of consultation services as required with respect to animal care and use for research.
• Provides for the effective and efficient management of animal care and use information as required in connection with the University needs and responsibilities as a large research-intensive University and teaching institution.
• Establishes and maintains health standards for laboratory/research animal colonies and herds through serological monitoring, pathological investigation, quarantining of incoming animals, and appropriate preventative medicine activities.
• Assists in identification and approval of commercial and non-commercial suppliers of animals for use in research and teaching at the Animal Resource Centre/VSRS and participates in the University of Calgary procurement approval process.
• Regularly communicates policies/issues relating to animal care to faculty, students, and staff through effective interactions with the Animal Care Committee Coordinator.
• Acts as a consultant to Principal Investigators regarding Animal Use Protocols, procedures and methods.
• May be requested to serve on Animal Care Committees (ACC), ACC Sub-Committees, and other University Committees (e.g. Biosafety Committee, Search & Selection Committees, User groups, etc.) as assigned by the University Veterinarian.
• Acts as one of the ex-officio veterinarian members on the Veterinary Sciences Animal Care Committee.
• Participates in organizations concerned with the care and use of laboratory/research animals.
• Participates in the Institutional Animal User Training Program with the Training Program Coordinator in development of training materials and delivering of classroom and/or hands on animal-based training.
• Leads in assessing needs for Standard Operating Procedure development with the other university veterinarians, research staff, and effects these SOPs via the SOP Coordinator.
• Delivers effective communications with the Animal Care Committees, administration, faculty, students, and staff.
• Assists the University Veterinarian by contributing to the overall administrative leadership of the University, in particular at the Spy Hill Campus and with guidance of the Associate University Veterinarian Spy Hill Campus, in considering institutional, strategic, operational, and policy issues, from an animal care and use perspectives.
• Provide leadership to ensure that the AHU and UCARE realizes the vision, goals, and plans and addresses the University's need for animal care services.
• Maintains current information relating to standards of animal care as well as equipment for new and existing facilities to enhance the university competitive edge within the research community.
• Assists UCVM facility efforts for regular CCAC inspections of animal facilities with the University Veterinarian, The Associate University Veterinarian, the ACC Coordinator, the Director UCVM Operations, the Manager Spy Hill Operations, and the Manager VSRS.
• Assists, coordinates, and facilitates other inspections of university facilities (e.g., ABVMA, Alberta Agriculture, Alberta Fish & Wildlife, Health Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Environment and Climate Change Canada, etc.).
• May serve as an approved Health Canada Qualified Person in Charge (QPIC) or Alternate Qualified Person in Charge (AQPIC) for the legal procurement, management, and sales of controlled substances.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Must possess a degree in veterinary medicine (DVM or equivalent).
• Must be qualified to immediately obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine and surgery in Alberta. (i.e., General Practice licensure and membership in the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association-ABVMA).
• A valid Class 5 driver¿s license (cannot be a graduated license) with proven good driving record (abstract required).
• Must possess expert level knowledge and experience in overall veterinary care and animal management as well as care and management within research & educational environments with a wide variety of animal species, particularly large farm animals, but also including dogs, cats, swine, poultry, horses, and some exotic animals (e.g., reindeer, wild rodents, woodchucks/groundhogs, rabbits, laboratory rodent species, etc.).
• Experience working with livestock production facilities and livestock industries (e.g., dairy, beef cattle, poultry, swine, equine, etc) will be considered a strong asset.
• A broad knowledge and understanding of the research and teaching occurring at the Spy Hill Campus, or clear ability to rapidly obtain such knowledge and understanding.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills, teamwork skills, and time management skills are absolutely essential.
• Post-graduate training or experience in laboratory animal medicine, surgery and laboratory animal science is beneficial.
• Post-graduate training at the MSc level (PhD preferred) in a related discipline such as anatomy, bacteriology, biochemistry, epidemiology, immunology, host-pathogen interactions, molecular biology, mycology, parasitology, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, research methodology, surgery, theriogenology, virology, etc. is beneficial.
• Board Certification or eligibility for, and commitment to achieve, ACLAM Certification is beneficial.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in animal-based research, or equivalent, is required.
• Experience working with multiple animal species is necessary.

Application Deadline:  March 17, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is classified in the Professional Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework. 

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.