Animal Technician

Competition 1936

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

This position has a term length of 18 months and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus

Working at 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 FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the North Campus Animal Services

The North Campus Animal Services facility (NCAS) in Biological Sciences 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 fresh water fish (trout, goldfish and carp) and marine invertebrates.  Care is provided 365 days/year.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, the Animal Technician II is responsible for animal care, maintenance and husbandry as well as various experimental and technical duties in the facility.  After a period of training,this position will be able to work in aquatics and terrestrial facility no matter the species, and provide technical assistance to the Researchers.  This position will be expected to work 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.
• 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 procedures under the direction of principal investigators or other senior 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.

Minimum 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.
• Ability to handle a wide variety of species.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR/First Aid, WHMIS training; Biosafety, Chemical and Laboratory Safety and other courses as provided by HSE.
• Heavy lifting (ability to life 50 lbs), repetitive job movements, lots of walking, animal restraint, pulling/pushing equipment.