Animal Care Technician

Job Description Summary

This position is responsible for directly supporting the animal-based research community within the University of British Columbia by providing high level animal care in working closely with the Clinical Veterinarians and Animal Care Teams. The Animal Care Technician (ACT) will provide facility support within the Centre for Disease Modeling (CDM).

Provide consistent, high quality and compassionate care to all animals in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and established research protocols.

Responsible for providing basic husbandry, handling, restraint, and health, behavior and welfare surveillance of small laboratory animal species, along with continuous awareness of current species-specific welfare issues in accordance with CCAC guidelines. This includes inventories and record keeping for each animal; maintaining breeding colonies of various animals which include breeding, feeding, weaning, and keeping records of activities; performing rounds to observe and check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals;

preparing health reports; isolates infected or ill animals and reports to veterinarian; general housekeeping and maintenance of facility and equipment.

The Animal Care Technician will work together with other technicians and veterinarians in a time-sensitive, regulated environment governed by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and UBC Animal Care Committee (ACC). This position requires strict adherence to protocols and standard operating procedures that prevent accidental introduction of disease or confounding research variables.

The work environment is technically complex with the use of computerized animal anesthesia machines, diagnostic laboratory equipment, specialized surgical equipment, and digital environmental monitoring tools. Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous materials or may be located in areas where such materials are used. Work will require the use of personal protective equipment.

This position reports to the Operations Manager and may take direction from the Zone Supervisor. Works closely with other ACTs, Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) and Clinical Veterinarians. Liaises with researchers and their teams.

CDM is a 90,000 sq. ft. animal facility capable of holding 27,000 rodent cages. CDM is a main barrier facility and operations include Breeding, Containment Level 2, procedural and surgical space, information technology, and material management.

CDM is part of Animal Care Services (ACS), the largest animal care program in Western Canada and the second largest in Canada, is responsible for providing research support to the animal-based research community associated with the University of British Columbia and its affiliates through its veterinary services team, the compliance team, the procurement team and its facilities. ACS is committed to providing excellence in research support to all UBC researchers with accountability, communication, cooperation, customer service and integrity.

ACS reports to the Associate Vice President Research & Innovation.

The incumbent must be willing to pay attention to details, be aware of pitfalls and be willing to repeat tasks if necessary. Most of the procedures will require following a protocol already in place; however, there is room for innovative thinking to improve upon existing protocols and provide input into the direction of the project. These positions are expected to exercise some initiative and judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion;

new or unusual problems would be referred to supervisor. Incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health and/or disruption or ruination of a research study. Inappropriate judgment exercised by the position may impact the success of the facility, leading to increased expenses, time loss, and reputational damage.

Works under direction of the Operations Manager and/or Supervisors. Receives instructions during orientation, on subsequent new assignments, on changes in…