Animal Health Technician - Pre-Clinical Research - Regular full-time 2023-AHTPCR

Summary of Duties:

Provide a wide variety of para-veterinary health care duties

• Reports to the Animal Facility manager and Attending Veterinarian
• Preparation of drugs, supplies, equipment, and animals for surgery/procedures
• Anesthetic administration and maintenance, fluid administration and maintenance
• Monitoring throughout surgery, including MRI procedures
• Surgical/procedural assistance
• Post-operative monitoring and recovery
• Post-operative pain management, surgical site management, and specific nursing care
• Technical assistance as required/requested from Scientists or research technicians
• Ensuring standard operating procedures are followed throughout the procedure
• Necropsy and/or post-mortem tissue sampling and examination
• Supporting Scientists/lab staff regarding animal procedures, and animal health care decisions
• Training new departmental staff, Scientists, and lab staff on animal procedures and departmental policy; ensuring their constant adherence to SOPs
• Daily physical examinations of animals
• Treating health concerns/complications/abnormalities
• Collection, handling, preparation of samples for shipment or submission for testing
• Temporarily required to support the animal care committee

Qualifications/Skills:

• Qualifications/Skills: Animal Health Technician Certificate/Veterinary Technologist Diploma
• Minimum of 2 years post-graduate experience working with animals
• CALAS certification at the RLAT or RLAT(R) level is desirable and MUST be completed within 2 years of hire date
• This position requires a high level of technical skill, organization and initiative, and a proven ability to work both independently and in a group setting
• Progressive experience in a research environment with hands-on experience across a range of animal species, particularly rodents
• A working knowledge of animal related standards, CCAC guidelines and federal, provincial and local requirements is required
• Must have the ability to follow established policies, guidelines, procedures and objectives. In addition, must possess ability to detect, analyze and creatively resolve issues as they arise
• Excellent record keeping and attention to detail are essential
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent communication skills and the ability to interact positively with other team members in a dynamic environment, as well as having compassion and sensitivity for animals
• Weekend and holiday work will be required occasionally