Laboratory Animal Care Technician

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking dedicated Animal Care Technicians to provide essential veterinary services in a highly regulated environment. This role involves working with various species, conducting health assessments, and ensuring the welfare of research animals. The successful candidates will thrive in a collaborative team setting, demonstrating strong communication and organizational skills. With a schedule that includes weekend shifts and holiday work, this position is vital to the university's commitment to animal care. Join a dynamic team that values professionalism and contributes to groundbreaking research in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Health and dental plans

Health spending account

Employee and family assistance program

Tuition assistance program

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in animal care or veterinary settings.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform health assessments and provide nursing care to animals.
• Document animal care records and assist researchers with procedures.

Skills

Veterinary Technician diploma

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Registered Veterinary Technician diploma

Job description

The Division of Animal Care provides professional veterinary services and oversight for the Faculty of Medicine’s Animal Care facilities. Reporting to the Managers of Carleton Animal Care Facility or LSRI Animal Care Facility, the Animal Care Technicians will work in a team environment and perform technical and husbandry duties for a variety of species, including rats and mice. Work is conducted in a highly regulated environment following established guidelines and procedures involved with specialized equipment and housing including sterile housing, Bio-containment Level 2, Individually Ventilated Cages, animal transfer stations and biosafety cabinets.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily health and welfare assessments on animals and submit health reports to the veterinarian. Provide nursing care to surgical and research animal models. Administer oral or topical medications, IP, SQ, IM and IV injections, or other diagnostic / therapeutic procedures as directed by veterinarian.
• Prepare surgical stations, anesthetic machines and autoclave surgical trays and other materials as needed.
• Document and maintain all necessary animal care related records including treatment, breeding records, veterinary medical records and drug logs.
• Provide guidance / assistance to researchers regarding animal care, medical procedures / techniques, use of specialized equipment and rodent colony management including information on breeding record keeping, pairing, weaning sexing etc.
• Participate in Dalhousie University’s post approval monitoring program.
• Provide daily husbandry including food, water, bedding, environmental enrichment, and specialized diets according to established procedures. Provide sanitation and maintenance of animal rooms and equipment according to standard operating procedures, including cage washing and other technical duties as required.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

The current schedule for this role is Sunday to Thursday and includes regular weekend shifts, subject to change based on operational requirements. The Division of Animal Care is responsible for all aspects of live-animal care, therefore considered an essential service and runs 365 days per year. As such, holiday and weekend shifts are required as needed. Compensation will be in accordance with the collective agreement.The successful candidate may be required to comply with Canadian Immunization Guide : Workers with Occupational Exposure to Animals or Materials from Animal Tetanus), as directed by the Department.

Required Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Technician diploma (CVMA accredited program)
• One to three years’ previous related experience.
• Demonstrated communication skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.

Assets

• CALAS Registry Board Examination RLAT certification.
• Work experience in lab animal care.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies in particular :

• Self-Awareness & Professionalism
• Integrity
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Bargaining unit employees (NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration and will be notified on the status of their application following assessment. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or Human Resources.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black / African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.