Animal Health Technician - Waterloo, Canada - University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo

Verified Company

Waterloo, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Overview:

Term: 2 years

The incumbent will provide daily animal care including husbandry, education, and technical support to the University of Waterloo research and teaching community.

This is accomplished though both independent activities and collaboration with researchers, instructors, and other personnel for a range of species.

The AHT-I must have a working knowledge of the operation of an animal research facility.

The AHT-I will be responsible for working as part of a team as well as independently and will provide on-call support for specific tasks when required.

This position also involves implementing technical assistance and services as well as acting on the recommendations from the Veterinarian and researchers/instructors.

The AHT-I will assist the Senior Manager with the coordination and implementation of technical services and education for complex and short
- and long-term projects. The AHT-I will assist in the monitoring of facility operations, research studies, and teaching projects to ensure activities are conducted in accordance with Waterloo policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's), Animal Care Committee (ACC) directives, approved protocols, and provincial and federal regulations and guidelines.

Responsibilities:

Technical Assistance and Health Care

Provide daily animal husbandry and care for all species in accordance with provincial, federal, and international guidelines and regulations including health monitoring and medical care as needed
Assist supervisor with the breeding program
Provide technical assistance by performing routine lab tests, procedures, and practices,
Assist with writing, reviewing, and revising SOPs and ensure practices and procedures conform to provincial, federal, and international guidelines and regulations

Compliance and Quality Assurance

Ensure researchers institutional and facility policies and procedures as prescribed, follow internal and external animal regulatory guidelines, SOPs, and applicable safety guidelines and notify supervisor if irregularities occur
Report incidents and deviations (health, safety, security) to supervisor immediately
Maintain accurate and complete documentation as required by regulatory and institutional bodies
Assist supervisor with record keeping for various research projects and reporting to provincial, federal, and international agencies
Comply with the facility crisis management plan and all related security policies and procedures and notify supervisor if irregularities occur

Research Assistance

Assist with the training and education of researchers (faculty, staff, and students) regarding their responsibilities to the animals, care, and use of space and equipment
Assist Waterloo researchers and other staff with study procedures, methods, and systems, as needed or as requested by supervisor
Assist researchers with methods and procedures as needed and as directed by supervisor (e.g., anesthesiology, use of analgesics, pre

- and post-operative care, and support, etc.)

Assist with surgical procedures and prepare and maintain surgical equipment and surgical areas along with the set up and management of specialized postsurgical care
Set up housing for various species to ensure research requirements are met

Facilities Operation

Provide all janitorial duties including, but not limited to, mopping floors, garbage removal, changing filters, etc.
Participate in oncall weekend and holiday rotations, as require, and assist with holiday and sick day backup coverage
Immediately advise supervisor of repairs or problems with equipment and infrastructure (e.g., ventilation, lighting) to ensure remedial actions are implemented
Evaluate and assess equipment considered for technical upgrades in collaboration with supervisor
Deliver training to research personnel and staff on animal care, practices, and procedures
Assist supervisor with the development and delivery of new and ongoing inperson and online training courses

Qualifications:

Animal Health Technician (AHT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or equivalent experience
CALAS certification as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) or plans to pursue certification in 12 years
Degree/diploma in a sciencebased field (e.g., biology, chemistry) is a strong asset
First aid certification
23 years' experience in a lab facility or animal health and handling experience
Experience working with confidential information both independently and as part of a team
Experience working effectively and efficiently in a complex, fastpaced environment with deadlines and priorities
High degree of dedication to animal care and animal welfare including demonstrated excellence in animal handling and knowledge of animal behavior
Sound working knowledge of animal health and excellent observation and diagnostic skills
Interpersonal and organizational skills to work independently and as a member of a team and demonst