Assistant Manager, Lab Animal Services, Research Ethics and Infrastructure

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Canada seeks an Assistant Manager for Lab Animal Services. The role involves supporting animal care staff, managing animal orders, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Candidates should have a veterinary technologist background and RLAT certification, with at least two years of experience in the animal research field. This position offers the opportunity to lead, train, and enhance animal care services in a research environment.

Qualifications

• Must have active RLAT certification with CALAS.
• Minimum of two years of experience in the animal research field.
• Strong knowledge of CCAC, UACC policies/procedures.

Responsibilities

• Organize daily work schedules and manage technical coverage.
• Provide training and mentorship to technicians.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and SOPs.

Skills

Proficient animal care and technical skills

Leadership and conflict resolution skills

Effective interpersonal and communication skills

Organizational and time management skills

Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office

Education

Graduate of a recognized two-year Veterinary Technologist or Animal Health Technician program

Undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant field

Job description

Assistant Manager, Lab Animal Services, Research Ethics and Infrastructure

Summary: To provide functional assistance, direction, and guidance to the animal care staff and provide support to the Animal Care and Aquatics Managers, ACRS Assistant Manager, and the Animal Order Desk. The position provides administrative/supervisory support optimizing service resources, personnel, equipment, and supplies to ensure the delivery of optimal animal care and services by the department of Animal Care & Research Support. Ensures technical coverage is provided and functions as a member of the animal care team. Animal handling and manipulations is part of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Organizing and managing the daily work schedule to accommodate fluctuations in workloads while ensuring adequate technical coverage is provided 7/365;
• Providing training for other technicians in the unit with respect to day-to-day duties and as per relevant SOPs, policies, and guidelines;
• Coaching, mentoring, training and directing staff;
• Addressing operational problems, bringing issues requiring further assistance to the attention of the Animal Care Manager;
• Providing daily husbandry and care to animals housed in USask animal facilities including mammals and aquatic animals;
• Technical duties as needed across service areas;
• Arranging preventative maintenance and repairs for equipment, keeping records, developing and reviewing SOPs, and ensuring adherence to safe practices;
• Support the Animal Care Manager in the delivery of facility orientations, key access, emergency on-call, review and approval of animal orders and animal use protocols;
• Providing vacation coverage/support for the University Animal Care Committee (UACC) Animal Order Desk including day-to-day duties to maintain business continuity.
  1. coordination of ordering and shipping of animals to and from USask;
  2. providing advice to researchers regarding the animal order process;
  3. applying for, maintaining and tracking animal import permits; and
  4. reconcile animal orders against approved research protocols.

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of a recognized two-year Veterinary Technologist or Animal Health Technician program or an equivalent combination of education in an animal related field and experience. An undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant field is considered an asset.

Licenses: Must have active RLAT certification with the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS); RMLAT certification with CALAS is considered an asset. Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Experience: A minimum of two years of experience working in the animal research field. Must have demonstrated proficient experience and skills working with laboratory mammal and aquatic animals and aquatic equipment. Strong working knowledge of the policies/procedures of the CCAC, UACC and University of Saskatchewan.

Skills: Proficient animal care and technical skills working with laboratory mammal and aquatic animals in a research facility; demonstrated proficiency in personnel supervision, leadership and conflict resolution skills; creative problem solving skills; effective interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal; demonstrated effective organizational and time management skills; ability to adapt and work in a dynamic environment maintaining a professional and positive demeanor; ability to work both independently and as part of a team; proven ability to work on multiple tasks/projects with competing demands to meet deadlines; ability to evaluate the work of others; the ability to perform moderate physical labor; strong computer skills including proficiency using spreadsheets, word processing, and database software (e.g. Microsoft Office software, including Access); a desire to listen and respond to the needs and concerns of researchers and a willingness to be accessible to faculty, staff and students; ability to work under stressful conditions including critical situations; demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision; and the ability to identify issues and provide suggestions or guidance on improvements or changes.

The University of Saskatchewan recognizes alternate career paths; therefore, a combination of education and experience may be considered.