Animal Technician, College of Agriculture & Bioresources

Animal Technician, College of Agriculture & Bioresources

Primary

Purpose:

To perform tasks associated with the care and maintenance of the University’s poultry flocks which are used for research and teaching purposes and are housed at the Poultry Research & Teaching Unit.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Animal Technician Supervisor or Unit Manager, this position will assist with the day-to-day care and maintenance of poultry stocks at the Poultry Research & Teaching Unit. Work is performed independently and with minimal supervision. Duties may involve heavy lifting and heavy physical labour. Working in a facility with animals, the incumbent is exposed to animal dander, feed, bedding dust, waste, and unpredictable animal behavior.

Irregular hours of work are required, including weekends, unsocial hours and overtime during peak times throughout the year. When working with research trials, a high degree of care and attention to detail is required, as is strict adherence to protocols.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Work includes manual tasks related to bird care and maintenance ( feeding, watering, handling) in accordance with the Canadian Council of Animal Care; monitoring barn environmental quality using computerized controls; accurate collection and recording of data ( egg numbers and quality, weight and feed intake); routine health care to flocks ( monitor flock health, vaccination, euthanasia); compliance with all biosecurity, equipment use, and animal care protocols;

operation of heavy equipment such as tractors, skid-steers, manure spreaders and trucks; demonstrating bird handling and other procedures to students; yard work; daily cleaning and barn cleanouts; assistance in other Animal and Poultry Science Farm units; and other duties as assigned.

Education: Post-high school training, such as a Diploma in Agriculture, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses: Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Experience: Recent experience with poultry care and handling required. Experience in the operation of a variety of heavy agricultural equipment and computer literacy is preferred. Experience in a research environment would be an asset.

Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in care and husbandry of poultry and an understanding of humane bird care, bird health and handling principles; ability to operate farm equipment; strong attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to interact and communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, researchers, students and to cooperate and compromise as part of a team; ability to effectively train students; self-motivated with the ability to work independently;

basic computer skills; willingness to take additional training and learn new skills; and the ability to perform heavy physical labour. Applicants must not be allergic to poultry or dust.