Animal Health Technologist, Animal Research and Education Unit, Animal Care Services

Position Overview

The Animal Research and Education Unit within the VP Research portfolio is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Animal Health Technologist for approximately 6 months.

Reporting to the Assistant Veterinarian, the Animal Health Technologist provides basic treatment to research and teaching animals at a designated animal facility of the University of Calgary. This may include the Life & Environmental Sciences Animal Resources Centre, the Health Sciences Animal Resources Centre or the Veterinary Sciences Research Centre and associated Clinical Skills Building.

Responsibilities include administering medications, sampling for (and performance of) diagnostic tests, as well as equipment operation and maintenance.  Strong communication skills support the provision of assistance/coaching to faculty, students, staff and other facilities users.  The Animal Health Technologist also exhibits attention to detail and strong judgment/problem solving skills when identifying and responding to animal health issues and concerns.

Experience working with horses and cattle will be considered a strong asset for an applicant but is not a requirement.

The Animal Health Technologist works independently with minimal supervision, but also works in a group setting as a member of the University of Calgary Animal Research & Education (UCARE) unit team.  The position is physically demanding in that heavy lifting and long periods of standing are required.  Weekend shift work may be required and on-call coverage and vacation coverage of other technologists within UCARE is required.  Work must be in compliance with University Animal Welfare Committee and Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) standards.  Failure to do so could impact animal care and research outcomes.

Position Description

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

• Under the direction of the Assistant University Veterinarian, and in a manner consistent with guidelines, provides basic animal healthcare and technical support, including (but not limited to) diagnostic procedures, bandage care, surgical support, injections, blood samples, antibiotics, and some controlled drugs
• Receives and sets-up (prepares for protocol) incoming research and teaching animal
• Monitors and assesses general animal health, and reports issues/concerns to the Veterinarian
• Follows safety guidelines to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment such as autoclaves, anaesthetic delivery systems / ventilators, and ventilated caging systems
• Works with chemicals in a safe and proper manner through use of protective gear and appropriate containers
• Ensures that animal healthcare supplies are kept stocked in a timely manner to ensure continuous availability
• Ensures that work tasks comply with animal, facility, and good laboratory standards at all times
• Interacts with facility users (faculty, students, staff, and others) in a pleasant and respectful manner when providing assistance
• Provides well developed and consistent technical support and animal care services to facilities users, while ensuring that proper procedures and guidelines are followed at all times
• Maintains confidentiality, adheres to safety regulations, and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required
• Coordinates animal healthcare and husbandry with the Animal Support Unit Manager, and with Animal Husbandry Care Attendants
• Maintains/develops skills through continuing education and professional development
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned by the University Veterinarian or Assistant University Veterinarian
   

Qualifications / Requirements:

• The Animal Health Technologist position requires an in-depth knowledge of the theory, complex technical procedures, and skills necessary to provide animal health services.  An Animal Health Technology Diploma is required, as is registration (or eligibility for registration) in Alberta as an Animal Health Technologist.  Past research and teaching animal experience within a research (or other relevant scientific/institutional) facility is considered an asset.  Relevant experience in a research/scientific/institutional setting includes:
  • Veterinary Clinics, or;
  • University / Research Animal Care Facilities
• Previous animal health experience in non-research facilities may be considered in the absence of experience in research facilities.  These non-research facilities include:
  • An SPCA or other animal care organization;
  • Zoos, or;
  • Farm hand experience.
• The Animal Health Technologist also requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and accurate record-keeping due to the potentially high impact of technical procedure errors.  A thorough knowledge of University Animal Welfare Committee and CCAC guidelines is necessary, as well as sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to facilitate interaction with a variety of facilities users is needed (fluency in English is necessary).  Demonstrated teamwork skills, as well as the ability to work independently, are also required.  The Animal Health Technologist must not have any known animal allergies.

Application Deadline:  July 23, 2020

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.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase II.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

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 professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.