Lead Hand Research Technician - New Liskeard Beef Research Station

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural research facility is seeking a Lead Hand Research Technician in New Liskeard. This role involves providing technical leadership and support for livestock research, mainly with beef and dairy cattle. Responsibilities include supervising projects, ensuring animal welfare, and managing research data. An undergraduate degree with significant livestock research experience is required. The position requires strong organizational and communication skills, with the flexibility to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in livestock research or animal production.
• Strong knowledge of cattle behavior and welfare.
• Experience with biological sample collection and minor surgical procedures.

Responsibilities

• Liaise between researchers and barn staff for data collection.
• Supervise and train staff in safety and research methods.
• Ensure compliance with animal care guidelines.

Skills

Livestock research experience

Animal welfare knowledge

Advanced computer skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate Degree in a related field

Master’s degree in animal biology or animal science preferred

Tools

Herd management software

Spreadsheets

Databases

Job description

Lead Hand Research Technician - New Liskeard Beef Research Station

Location: New Liskeard, ON, CA, P0J 1P0

Department: OMAFRA Research Facilities
This position is covered by the Collective Agreement with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation District 35 - Technician/Administrative/Research/Agricultural

General Purpose

The Research Livestock Technician provides advanced technical leadership and hands‑on support for livestock-based research programs with a focus on beef and dairy cattle. Reporting to the Ontario Beef Research Centre Technical Foreperson, the Beef Research Technician provides technical expertise in the planning, coordination, implementation, delivery and quality control of beef livestock research at the New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station. This role coordinates and implements complex research protocols, ensures the highest standards of animal care and welfare, manages research data collection systems, and provides technical guidance to staff, students, and researchers. The position operates with a high degree of independence and plays a critical role in the success, integrity, and compliance of animal research programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Lead Hand Research Technician is the liaison between researchers and barn staff. The Technician ensures the accurate collection of data and that individual project requirements are carried out in the manner required by the researcher and within the means of the staff and equipment of the facility. They aid researchers in a variety of ways and maintain and update the facility’s research‑related equipment. They supervise research projects to ensure that animal care guidelines and university safety policies are being followed and provide training in both safety and research methodologies to researchers.

• Maintain and apply expertise in herd production, reproduction, nutrition, and animal welfare in compliance with CCAC regulations and food production standards.
• Oversee day‑to‑day livestock health, including nutrition programs, housing conditions, vaccination programs, and veterinary care.
• Actively participate in daily farm operations including feeding, cleaning, bedding, calving, breeding, animal handling, and data entry.
• Ensure high‑quality research services including feed production, biological sample collection, ultrasound measurements, pregnancy checks, and accurate record keeping.
• Organize, manage, and manipulate research data using spreadsheets, databases, and herd management software to support analysis and reporting.
• Implement and manage breeding, genetic mating, and herd health programs using computerized monitoring systems.
• Provide technical and functional guidance to agricultural assistants, research technicians, students, and seasonal staff.

Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree in a related field; Master’s degree in animal biology or animal science preferred
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in livestock research, animal production, or a comparable setting. Applicants with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong knowledge of cattle behavior, welfare, and low‑stress handling techniques.
• Experience with biological sample collection, aseptic techniques, injections and minor surgical procedures.
• Advanced computer skills include spreadsheets, databases, herd management software, and research‑specific programs.
• Experience operating farm machinery and livestock handling equipment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and make day‑to‑day operational decisions.

A valid Class G driver’s license minimum with higher license endorsements or ability to obtain is required. The incumbent is expected to work in all areas of responsibility at the Beef facility as assigned. Normal work week is 40 hours; individual shifts are 8 hours and include working weekends and holidays as scheduled. The incumbent is also expected to be flexible to cover workloads during peak periods, weekends, vacation schedules or emergency staff shortages. All positions require physical strength and stamina.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10478007
Classification: OSSTF/TARA, District 35 Salary:Band 7
OSSTF/TARA Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

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: 01/06/2026
Close Date: 01/20/2026