UCARE Animal Health Technologist, Animal Care Services

Job ID: 21680

Location: Foothills Campus

https://internal.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/5820944-animal-health-technologist-animal-care-services-vp-research

Position Overview

The Department of Animal Care Services within VP Research is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Animal

Health Technologist for approximately 1 year, with a possibility of renewal.

Reporting to the Assistant University Veterinarian or the Animal Care Committee Coordinator, the Animal Health Technologist provides basic treatment to research and teaching animals at any designated animal facility of the University of Calgary. This may include the Life & Environmental Sciences Animal Resources Centre, the Health Sciences Animal Resources Centre or the Veterinary Sciences Research Services Centre and associated Clinical Skills Building and WA. Ranch at the University of Calgary or other designated locations among campuses.

Responsibilities include administering medications, sampling for (and performance of) diagnostic tests, as well as equipment operation and maintenance. Strong communication skills support the provision of assistance and coaching to faculty, students, staff and other facilities users. The Animal Health Technologist assists in the preparation, delivery and takedown of the Institutional Animal User Training Program (IAUTP) which is a mandatory training course required for all staff, students and faculty utilizing animals in research or teaching at the University of Calgary. The Animal Health Technologist also exhibits attention to detail and strong judgment/problem solving skills when identifying and responding to animal health issues and concerns.

The Animal Health Technologist works independently with minimal supervision, but also works in a group setting as a member of the University of Calgary Animal Research & Education (UCARE) unit team. The position is physically demanding in that heavy lifting and long periods of standing are required. Direct work with animals of a variety of taxa is involved and the hazards associated with animal work. Weekend shift work may be required and on-call coverage and vacation coverage of other technologists within UCARE is required. Travel to various locations across University campuses is required. Work must be in compliance with the University Animal Welfare Committee and Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) standards. Failure to do so could impact animal care, research outcomes and the institutional reputation.

Position Description:

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Under the direction of the Assistant University Veterinarian or Animal Care Committee Coordinator, and in a manner consistent with guidelines, provides basic animal healthcare and technical support, including (but not  limited to) diagnostic procedures, bandage care, surgical support, anesthesia, injections, blood samples, analgesia, antibiotics, and some controlled drugs. Implementing measures of preventative health care as directed by veterinary staff is essential

Receives and sets-up (prepares for protocol) incoming research and teaching animals. Monitors and assesses general animal health, and reports issues/concerns to the Veterinarian

Assists in preparation, delivery and clean-up of the IAUTP program, a mandatory program for all staff, students and faculty utilizing animals in research and teaching at the University of Calgary

Adhere to Health Canada guidelines to administer and maintain records for controlled substances and prescription medications

Understanding and use of appropriate medical records systems

Understanding and efficient use of IRISS to access pertinent information about protocol activities occurring at the University

Follows safety guidelines to ensure proper operation and maintenance of equipment such as autoclaves, anaesthetic delivery systems / ventilators, ventilated caging systems, among others

Works with chemicals in a safe and proper manner through use of protective gear and appropriate containers Ensures that animal healthcare supplies are kept stocked in a timely manner to ensure continuous availability and economic efficient use

Ensures that work tasks comply with animal, facility, and good laboratory standards at all times

Interacts with facility users (faculty, students, staff, and others) in a pleasant and respectful manner when providing assistance

Provides well developed and consistent technical support and animal care services to facilities users, while ensuring that proper procedures and guidelines are followed at all times

Maintains confidentiality, adheres to safety regulations, and is flexible in providing assistance in other areas as required

Coordinates animal healthcare and husbandry with the Animal Facility Manager, and with Animal Husbandry Care Attendants, as required

Maintains/develops skills through continuing education and professional development

Performs other related duties as required and assigned by the University Veterinarian, Assistant University Veterinarian or Animal Care Committee Coordinator

Qualifications / Requirements:

The Animal Health Technologist position requires an in-depth knowledge of the theory, complex technical procedures, and skills necessary to provide animal health services

A valid Animal Health Technology Diploma is required, as is registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) as an Animal Health Technologist

Past research and teaching animal experience within a relevant scientific/institutional facility is considered an asset. Relevant experience in a research/scientific/institutional setting can include:

Veterinary Clinics

University / Research Animal Care Facilities.

Previous animal health experience in non-research facilities may be considered in the absence of experience in research facilities. These non-research facilities include:

A humane society or other animal care organization wildlife rehabilitation centres

zoos

farm hand experience

The Animal Health Technologist also requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and accurate record- keeping due to the potentially high impact of technical procedure errors. A thorough knowledge of University Animal Welfare Committee and CCAC guidelines is necessary. Detailed understanding of sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization principles is essential

Strong verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate interaction with a variety of facilities users is needed (fluency in English is necessary). Demonstrated teamwork skills, as well as the ability to work independently, are also required. The Animal Health Technologist must not have any known animal allergies.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2021

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information:

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase II.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website.