Assistant Supervisor

University of British Columbia - Staff; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research university in Canada seeks an experienced Assistant Supervisor for the Modified Barrier Facility. This role involves overseeing animal care operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supervising staff. Candidates should have a relevant degree, strong communication skills, and experience in animal husbandry. This position offers a monthly compensation range of $4,757.00 - $5,187.00 CAD.

Qualifications

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to lead groups and evaluate staff performance.
• Strong knowledge of CCAC guidelines and SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations and staff coordination.
• Monitor animal health and welfare.
• Ensure regulatory compliance related to animal care.

Skills

Animal health care

Technical services

Communication skills

Regulatory compliance

Education

Undergraduate degree in relevant discipline

BSc in an animal-related field

AHT diploma

Tools

Mosaic Vivarium software

Autoclaves

Washers

Job description

Overview

Staff - Union CUPE 116 | Job Profile CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3 | Job Title: Assistant Supervisor | Department: Research Support | Modified Barrier Facility | Animal Care Services | Compensation Range: $4,757.00 - $5,187.00 CAD Monthly | Posting End Date: September 30, 2025. Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date: Ongoing.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Overview (Position Summary)

The Assistant Supervisor works closely with the Supervisor and Operations Manager in the Modified Barrier Facility (MBF) in day-to-day oversight and operations. They are responsible for a team of technicians when the Operations Manager is absent or unavailable, and will provide animal health care, skilled technical services and assistance. The role requires understanding and interpreting the Canadian Council on Animal Care regulations and guidelines (CCAC) governing the care and use of research animals in Canada, with highly specialized knowledge in animal husbandry for small and bio-hazardous animals and in‑depth technical knowledge of equipment and data analysis.

Organizational Context

The MBF is a facility within Animal Care Services (ACS) that supports the animal-based research community at UBC and its affiliates through veterinary services, procurement, and its three facilities. ACS reports to the Associate Vice President Research & International. MBF is a 22,000 sq. ft. facility with containment levels 1 & 2, barrier zones, and space for procedures, IT, material management, and training. ACS is the largest animal care program in Western Canada and the second largest in Canada, committed to excellence in research support with accountability, communication, cooperation, customer service and integrity. ACS reports to the Associate Vice President Research & Innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead worker role and, in the Supervisor’s absence, assume responsibilities for MBF operations and staff, including coordination of animal care, cage processing, and daily tasks as directed by the MBF Supervisor and Operations Manager.
• Perform animal handling and manipulations (IV, IP, IM, SQ, per os); assist in setting up space for animals; inventory and maintain records for each animal (Mosaic Vivarium); manage breeding colonies, including breeding, feeding, weaning, and activity records.
• Conduct rounds to monitor animal health and welfare; prepare health reports and daily observations; isolate infected or ill animals and report to the Veterinarian; perform general housekeeping and maintenance of facility and equipment.
• Coordinate cage processing (CP zone): maintain communication with MBF Supervisor and Operations Manager about delays, errors, and issues; provide training to CP staff; oversee staff scheduling to optimize CP productivity; ensure adherence to procedures and SOPs; identify SOP improvements and communicate with management; maintain sanitary conditions of cage washing areas and related spaces; ensure adequate stock of cages, food, water, and supplies.
• Foster relationships with internal and external partners under direction of MBF Supervisor and Operations Manager.
• Perform minor surgeries and technical techniques (e.g., tissue collection, necropsy, blood collection, implantations, injections, topical treatments, ear notching, and fecal/oral/pelt swab collection for sentinel purposes).
• Coordinate daily work of animal care and cage processing technicians, define responsibilities and workload, provide training and evaluation, and participate in recruitment as required.
• Provide education, orientation and training for daily MBF operations and for researchers/staff on specialized techniques and equipment (user orientation).
• Respond to operational inquiries and emergency calls; identify problems and recommend actions to MBF Supervisor/Operations Manager.
• Assist in inspection, observation, and treatment of unusual conditions; notify MBF Operations Manager and Investigators as required; perform repetitive daily tasks as needed.
• Assist in ensuring regulatory compliance related to animal care, adherence to approved protocols and CCAC guidelines; collaborate with veterinary professionals to ensure activities meet veterinary standards.
• Coordinate safety standards, chair or participate in local safety teams (JOHSC), and manage safety documentation including WHMIS.
• Handle receiving, packing, shipping and distribution of live animal shipments; manage packaging, labeling, and handling of biological, biochemical and hazardous materials outside the facility as required.
• Assist in policy and procedure development in consultation with MBF Supervisor and Operations Manager.
• Support technical research services and special projects as directed; maintain an extensive inventory of surgical and invasive procedure supplies for various species, including anesthesia monitoring and equipment.
• Prepare reports and updates to investigators on animal status; record services, equipment, and materials for billing purposes; stay current with developments in the field and participate in continuing education.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors may impact MBF operations, animal health, and the integrity of scientific data, potentially leading to financial loss and reputational damage. Judgement errors can be difficult to recognize and correct.

Supervision

Supervision Received: Works under administrative direction from the MBF Operations Manager; receives instructions on unusual problems or matters not covered by SOPs and policies.

Supervision Given: Distributes daily work assignments; in the absence of the MBF Supervisor or Operations Manager, oversees and directs work and is responsible for accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.

Minimum Qualifications

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including conflicting viewpoints.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) awareness and development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or graduation from a technical college/institute; BSc in an animal-related field, and/or AHT diploma, CALAS RLAT level certification.
• Minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience; supervisory experience in a laboratory animal facility preferred.
• Flexible schedule (evenings, weekends, holidays); ability to lead groups, coordinate work processes, evaluate staff performance, train others, and maintain detailed records.
• Strong knowledge of CCAC guidelines, SOPs, and regulatory requirements; ability to interpret technical material and apply policies.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; ability to work independently and in teams; problem anticipation and prioritization under pressure.
• Physical ability to perform job duties (e.g., handling high-temperature equipment, exposure to animal dander, lifting up to 20 kg); ability to operate related equipment (e.g., autoclaves, washers, vivarium software).
• Proficiency with software at an advanced level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, Mosaic Vivarium); commitment to ongoing training and professional development.
• Ability to work with diverse people, develop cooperative relationships, and resolve conflicts constructively.

IsExpired: false