Animal Care Technician

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

This position has a term length of 12 to 15 months.
Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton. The University of Alberta’s Animal Care and Use Program, under the direction of the University Veterinarian, in the Vice President Research and Integrity (VPRI) office, is responsible for providing support to the animal-based research and teaching community associated with the University of Alberta and its affiliates through its veterinary services team, Research Integrity Support compliance team, and its animal facilities.

The University of Alberta is committed to providing excellence in support to all UA faculty, staff and trainees with accountability, communication, cooperation, customer service and integrity. The North Campus Animal Services (NCAS) is composed of three operationally consolidated animal facilities on the University’s North Campus. NCAS supports over 150 Principle Investigator groups. The Animal Care Technician plays a vital role within the animal operations of the North Campus Animal Services facilities.

Reporting directly to the Team Lead Animal Care and Research Support (TLAC), the technician ensures the proper care, housing, and welfare of laboratory animals in accordance with university standards, established protocols, and ethical guidelines. This position provides continuous, 365 day-year-round coverage and care within the facility, to maintain the health and welfare of animals. This role is fundamental to supporting the research community by maintaining a safe, clean, and regulated environment for animals used in research, teaching and testing at the University of Alberta.

The technician's primary responsibilities include performing the daily animal husbandry tasks such as feeding, cage cleaning, and environmental enrichment, while also monitoring the health and welfare of the animals. In instances of health concerns, the technician collaborates with veterinarians, researchers, and other team members to address issues promptly. The position also requires assisting researchers with technical procedures, maintaining detailed health and procedural records, and ensuring adherence to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Animal Husbandry and Health Monitoring (70-85%)
• Technical and Surgical Support (5-10%)
• Facility Maintenance and Compliance (10-15%)
• Training and Communication (5%)
• Recordkeeping and Reporting (5%)
• Additional Duties as Assigned (Variable)

• A two-year diploma in Veterinary Technology, Animal Health Technology, Biological Sciences (Laboratory Research stream), or a related field is typically required. A Bachelor of Science in a related field or equivalent education combined with relevant experience may be considered.
• Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS/ACSAL) Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) certification, or enrollment in the CALAS RLAT program with the intention of attaining the RLAT certification is an asset.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux),…