Student Assistant, Animal Care Facility

NOSM; Greater Sudbury; On-site; CAD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

NOSM University is seeking a part‑time Student Assistant for the Animal Care Facility to support daily husbandry, sanitation, and general care of rodents used for teaching and research. The role emphasizes animal welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance, with evening or weekend hours and partial enrollment as a student.

Post‑secondary students enrolled full‑time may apply; the position involves hands‑on lab animal care and collaboration with staff, veterinarians, researchers, and students.

Qualifications

• Completion of secondary school and full‑time enrollment in a post‑secondary institution is required.
• Enrollment in a Veterinary Technician program is an asset.
• University or college graduate who has graduated within the last three years from an accredited college or university. The candidate must be a graduate of a post‑secondary degree or diploma program. The position will be a first full‑time employment in the candidate’s field of study.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily feeding, watering, and observation of animals according to established protocols.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain animal enclosures, cages, and equipment.
• Monitor animal health and behavior, reporting concerns to ACF staff.
• Support routine animal handling under supervision.
• Maintain cleanliness of animal rooms, preparation areas, and storage spaces.
• Operate washing and sterilization equipment (e.g., cage washers, autoclaves).
• Restock supplies and assist with inventory management.
• Follow institutional policies, animal care protocols, and ethical guidelines.
• Adhere to biosafety, occupational health, and workplace safety procedures.
• Maintain accurate records as required (e.g., cleaning logs, animal observations).
• Work collaboratively with animal care staff, veterinarians, researchers, and students.
• Participate in training sessions and facility meetings as required.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and respect for confidentiality.
• Use office software applications including word processing, database management, spreadsheets, graphics and presentation software, email, and internet.
• Acts as a role‑model of the organization’s values in daily work activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Animal care

Biology coursework

SOPs compliance

Documentation

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Time management

Communication

Lifting up to 25 kg

Attention to detail

Education

Secondary school diploma

Vet Technician program (asset)

Recent graduate from college/university (last 3 years)

Tools

Word processing

Database management

Spreadsheets

Graphics software

Presentation software

Email

Internet

Job description

Applications close on October 16th, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

The Student Assistant, Animal Care Facility supports the daily operation of NOSM University’s animal care facility by assisting with the husbandry, sanitation, and general care of rodents used for teaching and/or research purposes. This role provides hands‑on support in laboratory animal care while ensuring high standards of animal welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Post‑secondary students who are enrolled full‑time at the date of application, in a recognized college or university with Canadian accreditation, may apply. This is a part‑time hourly position with predominantly evening or weekends hours. The hours may vary based on facility and staffing coverage needs.

Responsibilities

Tasks may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist with daily feeding, watering, and observation of animals according to established protocols
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain animal enclosures, cages, and equipment
• Monitor animal health and behavior, reporting concerns to ACF staff
• Support routine animal handling under supervision
• Maintain cleanliness of animal rooms, preparation areas, and storage spaces
• Operate washing and sterilization equipment (e.g., cage washers, autoclaves)
• Restock supplies and assist with inventory management
• Follow institutional policies, animal care protocols, and ethical guidelines
• Adhere to biosafety, occupational health, and workplace safety procedures
• Maintain accurate records as required (e.g., cleaning logs, animal observations)
• Work collaboratively with animal care staff, veterinarians, researchers, and students
• Participate in training sessions and facility meetings as required
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and respect for confidentiality
• Use office software applications including word processing, database management, spreadsheets, graphics and presentation software, email, and internet.
• Acts as a role‑model of the organization’s values in daily work activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Completion of secondary school and full‑time enrollment in a post‑secondary institution is required.
• Enrollment in a Veterinary Technician program is an asset.
• University or college graduate who has graduated within the last three years from an accredited college or university. The candidate must be a graduate of a post‑secondary degree or diploma program. The position will be a first full‑time employment in the candidate’s field of study.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with animal care, farming, veterinary clinics, or laboratories.
• Coursework in biology, animal science, veterinary science, or related fields.
• Basic principles of animal care, husbandry, and welfare
• Proper sanitation, cleaning, and biosecurity practices in animal facilities
• Institutional policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and ethical guidelines related to animal care and use
• Workplace health and safety procedures, including use of personal protective equipment
• Importance of accuracy, documentation, and confidentiality in a research or teaching environment
• Respectful and safe handling of animals under supervision
• Laboratory animal science concepts and the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)
• Stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks
• Lift and carry items up to approximately 20–25 kg (with assistance as required)
• Willingness to work in environments with animal allergens, odors, and noise
• Follow detailed written and verbal instructions with accuracy
• Work safely with animals and within regulated care environments
• Observe, recognize, and report changes in animal health or behavior
• Perform routine cleaning, sanitation, and husbandry tasks efficiently
• Manage time effectively and prioritize responsibilities
• Work both independently and as part of a team
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct
• Adapt to changing schedules, tasks, or facility needs
• Communicate clearly with supervisors and team members
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and attention to detail
• Work with minimal supervision
• Interest in animal welfare, research, or healthcare careers
• Flexibility
• Mental and physical fitness to perform essential job responsibilities
• Strong initiative
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Willingness to learn

Language

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English (verbally, written and comprehension)
• French/Indigenous language skills would be considered asset

NOSM University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout its recruitment processes. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, or require an accessible version this posting, please contact Human Resources via email at [e-mail].

NOSM University invites applications from all qualified individuals. NOSM University is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

NOSM University does not use AI in our hiring process.

NOSM University needs to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applications need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements:

"I am a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada."

"I am not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada but I am legally eligible to work in Canada."

"I am not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada or otherwise legally eligible to work in Canada."

While all responses are appreciated and will be handled with the strictest confidence, only those being considered for interviews will be acknowledged.

NOSM University is a non‑profit organization.
Charitable Registration: 86466 0352 RR0001