Animal Care Technician (Temporary)

Competition 2702

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

This position has a term length of one year plus one day from the date of hire and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

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 First Peoples 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 Animal Care and Use Program

The University of Alberta’s Animal Care and Use Program, under the direction of the University Veterinarian, in the Vice President Research and Integrity (VPRI) office, is responsible for providing support to the animal-based research and teaching community associated with the University of Alberta and its affiliates through its veterinary services team, Research Integrity Support compliance team, and its animal facilities. The University of Alberta is committed to providing excellence in support to all UA faculty, staff and trainees with accountability, communication, cooperation, customer service and integrity.

The North Campus Animal Services (NCAS) is composed of three operationally consolidated animal facilities on the University’s North Campus. NCAS supports over 150 Principle Investigator groups.

Position

The Animal Care Technician plays a vital role within the animal operations of the North Campus Animal Services facilities.  Reporting directly to the Team Lead Animal Care and Research Support (TLAC), the technician ensures the proper care, housing, and welfare of laboratory animals in accordance with university standards, established protocols, and ethical guidelines. This position provides continuous, 365 day-year-round coverage and care within the facility, to maintain the health and welfare of animals.  This role is fundamental to supporting the research community by maintaining a safe, clean, and regulated environment for animals used in research, teaching and testing at the University of Alberta.

The technician's primary responsibilities include performing the daily animal husbandry tasks such as feeding, cage cleaning, and environmental enrichment, while also monitoring the health and welfare of the animals. In instances of health concerns, the technician collaborates with veterinarians, researchers, and other team members to address issues promptly. The position also requires assisting researchers with technical procedures, maintaining detailed health and procedural records, and ensuring adherence to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

As part of the NCAS team, the Animal Care Technician demonstrates a commitment to animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and effective communication with supervisors, researchers, and colleagues. This role demands technical expertise and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a physically demanding environment that often involves repetitive motions, exposure to allergens and other challenges associated with animal care facilities.

Duties

• Animal Husbandry and Health Monitoring (70-85%)
• Technical and Surgical Support (5-10%)
• Facility Maintenance and Compliance (10-15%)
• Training and Communication (5%)
• Recordkeeping and Reporting (5%)
• Additional Duties as Assigned (Variable)

Qualifications

• A two-year diploma in Veterinary Technology, Animal Health Technology, Biological Sciences (Laboratory Research stream), or a related field is typically required. A Bachelor of Science in a related field or equivalent education combined with relevant experience may be considered.
• Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS/ACSAL) certification, Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) certification, or enrollment in the CALAS RLAT program with the intention of attaining the RLAT certification is an asset.

Please be advised that there is also a continuing Animal Care Technician competition: https://apps.ualberta.ca/careers/posting/2701