Term: 6 months

This position provides support to the University of Waterloo animal research community regarding the use of animals in research and teaching including: housing, general health care, equipment, and research implementation. This is accomplished though both independent activities and collaboration with the Animal Health Technicians and Central Animal Facility (CAF) Senior Manager. The Assistant will provide care for various species. The ACA will be trained on the operation of the CAF and the satellite facilities to provide specific tasks when required to cover for the other AHTs. The ACA will be responsible for working independently and implementing technical advice and recommendations from the Senior Manager. The main duties include: checking the health status of animals, visual cage inspections and daily room status reports, changing cages, cage wash duties and preparing cages and bottles for next day use.

This position is contingent on funding. 

Health Care Execution

• Provide care of animals according to Provincial and Federal regulations (OMAFRA, CCAC) including bottle and cage changes, and feeding
• Wash dirty cages and bottles, in a timely fashion, so that they are ready for use when required
• Provide animal husbandry and care for species located in the various facilities 
• Ensure all rooms are checked and any problems are reported immediately
• Ensure the health status of the animals and report sick or injured animals and treat sick or injured animals to a Senior Manager
• Assist AHTs with the implementation of enrichment programs
• Follow disease control procedures within the facility and any be required to dispose of dead animals and other biological waste
• Follow appropriate guidelines using equipment and protective clothing
• Ensure daily practices conform to all SOP’s
• Assist with tasks of the CAF and satellite locations, as needed

Compliance

• Protect the interests of animals while being used in research by following required external animal regulatory guidelines (e.g., CCAC guidelines, OMAFRA “Animals for Research Act”)
• Advise AHTs immediately of any issues which may jeopardize Certificate of Good Animal Care or other required certification
• Report violations of AUPP approved research protocols or internal SOP’s and applicable animal and human safety guidelines to a AHT and promptly notify the Senior Manager if irregularities occur
• Participate in mandated animal user training for staff, students and researchers to ensure reasonable competence in the technical content being presented

Research Assistance

• As directed by a Senior Manager support researchers regarding individual responsibilities to the animals, care of research rooms and equipment
• Assist with the handling of animals, housing, and maintain program for recognition of health problems

Administrative and Facility Operations

• Advise the Senior Manager of any animal disease risk implications or research protocol issues arising from room assignments
• Assist with setup housing for incoming animals to ensure research requirements are met
• Assist in maintaining accurate and complete documentation and record keeping at all levels (i.e. room, facility, institution etc.) as required by regulatory and institutional bodies (e.g. OMAFRA, ACC)
• Provide all janitorial duties within the restricted area including, but not limited to, mopping floors, washing walls, garbage removal, changing lights
• Assist with holiday and sick day back-up coverage for campus animal care staff
• Report to the Senior Manager issues regarding the physical set up of the facility functions
• Report to the Senior Manager any need for a repair personnel to act on problems with equipment and infrastructure (e.g. ventilation, lighting, controlled access) to ensure remedial activities implemented so as not to jeopardize the animals or the research

• Degree or diploma science or health related field
• Certificate in animal care an asset
• Animal Health Technician (AHT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) an asset
• CALAS certification as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) an asset
• On-line and hands-on training will be provided
• Experience working in a lab animal facility, with rodent experience
• Previous experience providing husbandry and care to lab animals
• Experience with transgenic and aquatic animals an asset
• A working knowledge of animal health issues with excellent observation and diagnostic skills
• Knowledge of CCAC and OMAFRA regulations for each species and facility management
• Demonstrated experience in animal handling and knowledge of animal behavior
• Valid G class licence 
• Early recognition of problems is essential
• Considerable care and sound judgment
• Familiarity with “normal” for various species of animal to be able to detect the subtle changes that indicate a problem
• Desire to create and maintain a collegial atmosphere among the AHT team
• Confidentiality and trust
• Empathy for the animals under care
• Interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as a member of the AHT team

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 the 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+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

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.