Animal Health Technician Veterinary department

Charles River Laboratories; Quebec; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A contract research organization in Sherbrooke, QC is seeking a Veterinary Technician to ensure the well-being of laboratory animals. You will evaluate animal health, prepare treatment plans, and work under veterinary supervision. A College Diploma in Animal Health is required, along with strong observational and organizational skills. The role offers a competitive starting salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

3 weeks vacation

Competitive benefits

Access to a retirement program

Free gym on site

Qualifications

• Work experience in a similar position is an asset.
• Able to work physically (lift up to 20 kg).
• Good observation and organization skills.
• Good time management skills.
• Understanding of written English is mandatory; bilingualism in French and English is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and follow the health status of animals.
• Work closely with veterinarians to prepare treatment plans.
• Perform medical treatments and diagnostic tests under supervision.
• Identify potential animal welfare issues.

Skills

Veterinary Experience

Animal Care

Communication skills

Vital Signs Experience

Animal Handling

Education

College Diploma in Animal Health

Job description

Job Summary

For 75 years Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family you will have a significant impact on the health and well‑being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area your skills will play an important role in the work we return well help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Summary

As a Veterinary Technician for our team in Sherbrooke you will be responsible for the well‑being of our laboratory animals. Your contribution will ensure the health of our animals as well as the integrity of our pre‑clinical studies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Evaluate and follow the health status of animals under veterinary supervision
• Work closely with our veterinarians to prepare and perform treatment plans
• Perform medical treatments, interventions and diagnostic tests under veterinary supervision
• Identify potential animal welfare issues and find solutions

Key Elements / Minimum Qualifications

• Holding a College Diploma in Animal Health is mandatory. Work experience in a similar position is an asset
• Able to work physically (lift up to 20 kg, walk, stand, stoop, etc.)
• Good observation and organization skills
• Good time management
• Able to quickly adapt to last‑minute changes
• Understanding of written English is mandatory; bilingualism in French and English is preferable

Please note that upon being hired you will have to undergo an annual tuberculosis test at the expense of the company.

Role Specific Information

• Location: 1580 Rue Ida‑Métivier, Sherbrooke, QC J1E 0B5. Easily accessible using Sherbrooke’s public transit system. Free parking. Electric vehicle charging station.
• Pay: Starting at 23.00 $ / hrs. Opportunity to start at a higher level and higher salary with specific research experience. Premiums (overtime, weekends, evenings, etc.).
• Schedule: Full‑time permanent position (37.5 hrs / week). Depending on the needs you may have to do overtime. Weekend work (rotation) and bonus (2.75 $ / hour).

Why Charles River

• 3 weeks vacation & personal days.
• Competitive benefits as of the hiring. We pay up to 85% of premiums (health & dental coverage).
• Access to a savings and retirement program that includes an employer contribution.
• Excellent welcome program for new employees as well as in‑house advancement and career development opportunities.
• Access to a doctor and various health professionals (telemedicine).
• Free gym on site.

About Safety Assessment

Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state‑of‑the‑art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.

About Charles River

Charles River is an early‑stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non‑GLP to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our clients’ unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well‑being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.

We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life. Based on your position, these may include bonuses / incentives based on performance, 401 K, paid time off, stock purchase program, health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs and work‑life balance flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Laboratories is an Equal Opportunity Employer – all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e‑mail message to the accommodation requests email. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Key Skills

Veterinary Experience, Animal Care, Communication skills, Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician Experience, Vital Signs Experience, Animal Handling, Animal Restraint, Experience Administering Injections, Catheterization, Medication Administration, Venipuncture Experience