Working Animals Jobs in Hamilton, ON (NOW HIRING)

About the Role:

Reporting to the Manager, Animal Care, the Animal Care Technician is accountable for day-to-day care and oversight of animals housed in university research facilities, and is responsible for ensuring that faculty, students and staff are compliant in their use of and treatment of animals involved in biomedical research or teaching. Working closely with veterinary staff, incumbents are responsible for the ethical care and treatment of research animals.

The Animal Care Technician will:

• Perform routine animal husbandry for all species, including specialty animals, while following established standard operating procedures and regulatory compliance requirements;
• Receive animals from supplier, perform initial health screening and notify PI (Principal Investigator) of their arrival;
• Complete cage cards with the appropriate animal information;
• Perform water sampling to ensure quality standards are maintained;
• Perform routine technical procedures ensuring strict adherence to established standard operating procedures, guidelines, and legislation;
• Use a variety of facility equipment such as biological safety cabinets (BSCs), ventilated change tables; ventilated cage racks (VCRs); microscopes and centrifuges;
• Maintain breeding colonies and keep records of activities, under the oversight of the veterinary staff;
• Provide animal care policy and procedure information to others through methods that facilitate the development of skills and knowledge on animal care/use compliance;
• Assist with delivery of the animal use-training program, including evaluating participants and re-training as required;
• Provide technical assistance to researchers including surgical assistance, preparation, and post-surgical monitoring;
• Review and feedback facility SOPs to ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory and legislative elements;
• Clean and sanitize housing, procedure and storage rooms, cages, racks, and equipment;
• Participate in the animal health monitoring program, which includes health assessments, quality assurance, treatment and post-approval monitoring;
• Document treatment logs detailing historical and current treatments for animals.

Please note this position may be required to work on weekends and holidays to support operational needs.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Veterinary Technology Diploma or Veterinary Technician Diploma or equivalent;
• Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) or commitment to complete within 2 years;
• Animal care work in a regulated research and/or teaching facility or related area;
• Strong knowledge of regulations and national standards (CCAC, OMAFRA) relating to the care and use of animals in research and education;
• Knowledge of institutional Animal Care Committee (ACC) responsibilities and procedures, as well as the role and value of animal use in biomedical research;
• In-depth knowledge and principles of humane animal care/treatment procedures and practices needed to ensure animals are kept in good health;
• Strong laboratory practices and sterile surgery technique;
• Strong understanding of the university research environment, particularly as it relates to ethics in research involving animals;
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment with changing deadlines;
• Strong judgement, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred or Asset Skills:

• Understanding of University's policies and procedural requirements;
• Demonstrated experience in a public sector or educational environment; and
• Certification in the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS) as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT).

Salary and Total Rewards:

• Job Grade J, Salary Scale ($57,267-$91,627);
• Target Hiring Range: $57,267-$65,000*
• This is a permanent position that includes:
• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.
• Professional Development: Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program.

*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.