City : Waterloo, ON

Category : Temporary

Industry : Education

Employer : University of Waterloo

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.

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,
• Apply specialized knowledge on animal physiology to assist in housing, enrichment, and overall health and care
• 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 post-surgical 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 on-call weekend and holiday rotations, as require, and assist with holiday and sick day back-up 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 in-person and online training courses

• 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 1-2 years
• Degree/diploma in a science-based field (e.g., biology, chemistry) is a strong asset
• First aid certification
• 2-3 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, fast-paced 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 demonstrated desire to create and maintain a collegial work environment
• Exceptional communication (oral, written) and organizational skills
• Record of having conducted scientific research an asset along with a desire to participate in continuing education annually
• Must have initiative, ability to be flexible, including problem-solving skills and conflict resolution
• Ability to work collegially with a wide variety of people including senior administration, faculty, and students
• Knowledgeable of the regulatory frameworks for animal use and care including: Ontario’s Animals for Research Act, Canadian Council on Animal Care Guidelines and Policies, Tri-agency Framework
  Responsible Conduct of Research, Tri-agency Memorandum of Agreement concerning the administration of grants and awards, Canada Food and Drug Act, Human Pathogens and Toxins Act, Controlled Substances Act, Health of Animals Act, relevant Canadian Food Inspection Agency guidelines and regulations affecting the importation or use of animals in research and teaching, and biosafety guidelines
• Valid G class licence 
• Must have up-to-date immunization for Tetanus and Hep B

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.