Large Animal Technician

Lakehead University; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, seeks a Large Animal Technician to support large animal teaching and clinical skills training within the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP) at the Animal Education Facility.

The role collaborates with OVC faculty, supports live-animal laboratories, and contributes to a safe, compliant teaching environment. Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Veterinary Science, the technician helps ensure hands-on learning for students.

Qualifications

• Diploma from an accredited Veterinary Technician program.
• Successful completion of the VTNE and OAVT ethics exam.
• Current OAVT registration.
• Experience in large animal practice and live-animal teaching environments.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Valid Ontario driver's licence and adequate rabies titre.
• Completion of mandatory safety training upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate and support large animal laboratories across clinical medicine, health management, theriogenology, pathology, and surgery.
• Coordinate acquisition, care, handling, and disposition of large animals used for teaching.
• Supervise and support large animal care staff.
• Maintain large animal housing, clinical skills labs, and associated facilities.
• Support independent student practice sessions and live-animal labs.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare, health, and safety standards.
• Maintain reference collections and support SOPs and animal use protocols.
• Assist with OSCEs, outreach, recruitment, and departmental activities.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Large animal care

Education

Diploma from an accredited Veterinary Technician program

Job description

*This position will be posted until filled.

Lakehead University invites applications for a Large Animal Technician to support large animal teaching and clinical skills training within the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP). This role supports live-animal laboratories, facility operations, and large animal care within the Animal Education Facility.

This position will contribute to the delivery of the accredited veterinary curriculum within the CDVMP at Lakehead University's Thunder Bay campus, working collaboratively within a team-taught curriculum delivery model alongside OVC faculty colleagues. Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Veterinary Science, the Large Animal Technician supports experiential learning through laboratory demonstration, coordination of live-animal teaching, and supervision of animal care staff. The role works closely with faculty and veterinary professionals to ensure safe, effective, and compliant large animal teaching environments.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate and support large animal laboratories across clinical medicine, health management, theriogenology, pathology, and surgery
• Coordinate acquisition, care, handling, and disposition of large animals used for teaching
• Supervise and support large animal care staff
• Maintain large animal housing, clinical skills labs, and associated facilities
• Support independent student practice sessions and live-animal labs
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare, health, and safety standards
• Maintain reference collections and support SOPs and animal use protocols
• Assist with OSCEs, outreach, recruitment, and departmental activities

Qualifications

• Diploma from an accredited Veterinary Technician program
• Successful completion of the VTNE and OAVT ethics exam
• Current OAVT registration
• Experience in large animal practice and live-animal teaching environments
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Valid Ontario driver's licence and adequate rabies titre
• Completion of mandatory safety training upon hire

Desirable Qualifications:

• Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials in a large-animal-related area are considered an asset

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] ext. 8334 or [e-mail] to make appropriate arrangements.