Client Service Representative-Postmortem Technician - AHL

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Guelph’s LSD Animal Health Laboratory is seeking a qualified Postmortem Laboratory Technician/Client Service Representative to support the postmortem suite and provide front-line client service, specimen accessioning, and data-entry in Specimen Reception.

Responsibilities include handling submission histories, preparing and dispatching samples, assisting pathologists, interfacing with internal departments and clients, and ensuring safety and quality protocols in a high-volume

Qualifications

• 2-year community college program or equivalent education/experience.
• Understanding of veterinary terminology and farm animal handling.
• Experience with data-entry systems and laboratory workflows.

Responsibilities

• Receiving incoming specimen submissions and documenting case histories.
• Entering submission requests into the LIMS and handling payments from clients.
• Preparing, packaging and shipping samples to external labs as needed.
• Assisting pathologists during gross postmortem examinations and specimen handling.
• Maintaining postmortem room cleanliness and safety procedures.

Skills

Data entry

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Able to lift 40-60 lbs

WHMIS knowledge

Education

2-year community college program

Veterinary technician preferred

Education/experience equivalence

Tools

LIMS

Laboratory safety protocols

Job description

Location

Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page

Staff and Management

Division

LSD Animal Health Laboratory

Requisition ID

2924

Department

LSD AHL Central Services

Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 10/01/2026 to 04/28/2028

Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

The Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) is seeking a qualified Postmortem (PM) Laboratory Technician/Client Service Representative (CSR) to contribute to the general operation and functionality of the postmortem suite and to provide front-line client service, specimen accessioning, and data-entry in Specimen Reception.

The PM Laboratory Technician responsibilities include: taking postmortem submission histories; unloading large and small animal carcasses and assisting with live animals; assisting pathologists in performing gross postmortem (autopsy) examinations by preparing and prosecting carcasses and collecting laboratory samples; cleaning and disinfecting the postmortem room and equipment; properly disposing of carcasses and laboratory waste; operating and maintaining various types of postmortem equipment including saw, overhead hoists, hydraulic tables, thermal tissue digester; helping to ensure health and safety regulations are followed; ordering/shipping/receiving specimens and supplies; assisting with equipment cleaning and maintenance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Receiving incoming specimen submissions.
• Interpreting handwritten case submission forms and entering submission requests and case histories into the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Accepting payment from external clients at time of specimen submission.
• Preparing, packaging and shipping samples to external labs (national and/or international).
• Answering telephone enquiry line for AHL clients.
• Retrieving electronic mail and redirecting calls to appropriate areas.
• Acting as a liaison between various University of Guelph departments (e.g., OVC Pathobiology).
• Acting as a contact to clients for the veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
• Splitting specimens for dispatch to various labs.
• Trimming tissues and making blood smears.
• Preparing and filing pending and billed case information.

Requirements

• 2-year Community College program (veterinary technician preferred), combined with some related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Understanding of veterinary medical terminology.
• Working knowledge of farm animal husbandry.
• Able to work safety with live farm animals and take accurate case histories.
• Ability to assist with euthanasia of animals.
• Good manual dexterity and knowledge of basic anatomy to assist with postmortem examination.
• Excellent computer, data-entry and keyboarding skills.
• Working experience in an organization with quality accreditation and a thorough understanding of quality protocols.
• Working knowledge of laboratory information management systems.
• Knowledge of biosafety and safe sample handling and distribution.
• Experience with specimen accessioning with a diversity of samples.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external clients and to be able to relay critical information to others.
• Some experience with billing/invoicing, accepting payments from clients and receiving/delivering supplies.
• Proven ability to be an effective team player in a high-volume, time-sensitive setting; proven experience with telephone/frontline client relations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of WHMIS and Occupational Health & Safety in a laboratory environment.

Must be physically capable of lifting/moving 40-60 pounds on a regular basis. Must be (or willing to be) rabies vaccinated.

Hours of work: Wednesday to Sunday, 35 hours per week, with scheduled start times between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Employee Type: Regular

Position Number: 10482124

Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5

USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 09/21/2026

Closing Date: 09/28/2026