Laboratory Animal Technician

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Toronto is seeking a part-time casual laboratory animal technician who will assist with animal husbandry tasks. Responsibilities include cage wash duties, general care of animals, and ensuring a clean environment. Ideal for students or those seeking casual employment. Candidates with a commitment to equity and diversity are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• One year of work experience in the animal research field or other animal-related field.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written).
• Must have excellent attendance record and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for cage wash duties including dumping and loading of dirty cages.
• Perform general animal room husbandry practices.
• Accurately record tasks performed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Effective communication

Education

Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent

Enrolled in a vet tech program

Job description

Date Posted: 08/15/2025
Req ID:44589
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Animal Facilities
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Description:

The University of Toronto Scarborough is located off the beautiful Rouge Valley National Park. The animal facilities at UTSC are state-of-the-art and were completely renovated in 2018 with aquatic facilities under renovation and expansion currently. We are proud of the high-quality care we provide to our animals, as well as the ground-breaking research we have underway to improve the fields of neuroscience, immunology, and animal conservation, as well as the impacts of climate change on animal welfare and physiology.

In the UTSC Office of the Vice-Principal Research Animal Vivarium, we take pride in our facility ensuring the highest standards of animal care are met. We provide a welcoming, service-oriented, clean, and safe research environment for students, faculty, and staff. Under general supervision performs routine activities as it relates to routine animal husbandry (rodents, aquatics, aviary) and cage wash practices in the vivarium.

We are seeking a casual laboratory animal technician to assist with vacation/sick time coverage, typically Monday to Friday. The position is not limited to the duties listed below, but will mainly consist of cage wash and related activities. Our facility has state-of-the-art cage wash equipment (Tecniplast cage/rack washer, Getinge autoclave, bedding dispensers, etc). This position would be well-suited for a student on-campus, or someone seeking casual employment to keep their skills up-to-date.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Typical Duties

Flexibility of the employee to perform a wide variety of functions is necessary in successfully fulfilling the requirements of this position. The degree to which each employee performs each of the following tasks listed below will vary according to where and when the employee is scheduled to work (e.g. weekend/weekday):

• Responsible for cage wash duties including dumping and loading of dirty cages as well as the unloading and preparation of clean cages.
• Performs general animal room husbandry practices including cage changing and provision of fresh food/water to animals. Observe animals on a daily basis and promptly report concerns to the veterinary technician or veterinarian.
• Restocks room supplies including the maintenance and replacement of soap dispensers; air filters; paper towels; garbage; and sharps containers
• Dons appropriate personal protective equipment;
• Properly disposes of dead animals and waste materials;
• Responsible for the tidiness of animal rooms, procedure rooms, and corridors;
• Accurately records tasks performed (husbandry, cage wash, room cleaning/conditions and observations);
• Performs other duties as assigned/required depending on shift worked (e.g. participates in weekly staff meetings; may assists with animal care practices as directed by a veterinarian or a veterinary technician; email/telephone correspondence as needed, etc.)

Minimum Requirements for Selection

Education:
Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent combination of education and experience. Students enrolled in a vet tech program, or a recent graduate of a vet tech program or animal care program are encouraged to apply.

Experience:
One year of work experience in the animal research field or other animal-related field.

Other:

Must have excellent attendance record and initiative. Physically capable of performing the required duties, including lifting up to 50 lbs. Must be willing to participate in the University Health and Safety program, which includes the requirement to undergo an immunization program depending on the work environment. Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written). Ability to take direction and work independently. Ability to work weekends and holidays as required. Applicants are expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Notes:

• This is a part-time casual position.
• There is no guarantee of hours.
• This is a term position from August 2025 to August 2026.

Closing Date:08/27/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Hourly
Appointment Type: Budget - Casual
Schedule: Part-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: Probationary Rate: $20.00 per hour
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching