Weekend Assistant Manager, Animal Care Unit - Saskatoon, Canada - University of Saskatchewan

University of Saskatchewan

Verified Company

Saskatoon, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Weekend Assistant Manager, Animal Care Unit:

The Animal Care Unit (ACU) is a multi-species research facility with a Level 2 biocontainment area, Aquatics Lab, and outdoor paddock area for livestock.

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NOTE:

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_Due to biosecurity protocols with facility animals such as poultry and swine, applicants who have these species as pets or production animals at home or come into contact with them at outside facilities or farms cannot be considered for this job_.**
Primary Purpose: The purpose of this position is to provide on floor leadership to the Animal Care Unit, cover Management duties during the weekends and co-lead the ACU team with the ACU Director.

The purpose of this position is to provide functional direction and guidance to unit technical staff and assist with technical instruction and with labs for veterinary technology students.

Nature of Work:
This position reports to the Associate Dean Research. This position assists with providing leadership, direction and management of technical staff. This position mainly works on the floor with the Animal Technicians and Technicians, serves as the lead manager when the director is not present (e.g. weekends) and includes some admin duties. The unit operates according to CCAC guidelines, Laboratory Safety Guidelines, and UACC policies and procedures.

The facility provides services to the research community and WCVM teaching activities involving animals, requiring daily interaction with staff, faculty and students, as well as non-USask entities.

It is often a fast-paced environment, requiring the ability to multi-task while working under pressure. Ensures husbandry and technical coverage is provided within the unit; animal handling/husbandry and manipulation is part of the position.

This position works in conventional, Containment Level 2, aquatic and livestock animal facilities, and is exposed to animal dander, waste and bedding, and at times a noisy environment.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Provides direct, on the floor supervision of technical staff and assists the ACU Director with management of the employee life cycle through activities such as recruitment, retention and separations, orientation, and onboarding, coaching and performance feedback, supporting professional growth, training, and development, managing performance improvement, and addressing disciplinary matters up to and including termination.
Responsible for a diverse team and ensuring staff are working within operational and procedural standards while satisfying quality operations and customer service needs of the university and campus partners.
Work as a collaborative leadership team with the ACU Director in the development and implementing of strategic plans for the operations and maintenance.
Works and communicates effectively with other units within the University.
Reduces risk by remaining current with and adhering to university policies, guidelines and processes, collective agreements, relevant legislation, and regulatory code compliance.
Is a key member of the Animal Care Unit management team, and provides input on strategic initiatives, participating in a variety of projects throughout the organization
Ensures adherence to CCAC published guidelines, UACC approved protocols, policies and procedures, and Laboratory Safety Guidelines.
Oversees the wellbeing of all animals in the Unit's care.
Provides support to the ACU Director to develop and maintain facility Standard Operating Procedures and all necessary facility documents.
A contact for Principal Investigators.
Responsible for ensuring facility maintenance.
Recognizes and resolves potential OH&S issues

Education:
Minimum BSc level post-secondary education or equivalent experience involving animals, animal care and research. Graduate level degrees are not necessary but would be an asset (MSc or PhD).

Licenses:

Registered or eligible for registration with the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT) or DVM from a recognized veterinary program.

Eligibility or current licensing with SVMA an asset.

Experience:

Three to five years of assistant managerial and or leadership experience within a large, complex facilities management organization and or customer-oriented workplace.

Experience with working with laboratory and domestic animals as well as exotic and aquatic species in a barrier maintained research facility.

Experience operating a skid steer, UTV, truck and stock trailer/flat deck is an asset. Experience with local Animal Care Committees and other CCAC related committees is an asset.

Skills:

Proficient technical skills demonstrated in the various fields mentioned above
Demonstrated proficiency in personnel supervision, leadership and conflict resolution skills
Demonstrated effective organizational and time management skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Innovative problemsolving abilities, excellent