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Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Onsite
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Description Summary
Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) in Animal Care Services (ACS) are responsible for directly supporting the animal-based research community associated with the University of British Columbia by providing a high level of surgical and technical skills and related project support working closely with the Clinical Veterinarians and the Animal Care Team.
ACS is a rapidly growing and dynamic environment in which staff partner with researchers from both academia and industry. Research conducted at the three ACS facilities encompasses a broad range of topics from furthering our understanding of basic medical sciences, to enhancing our abilities to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease in human and non-human animals. The work environment is technically complex with the use of computerized large animal anesthesia machines, diagnostic laboratory equipment, and digital environmental monitoring tools. The position requires thorough knowledge of working with animals exposed to hazardous and bio-hazardous agents, and radioactive compounds. Due to the work involving the use of potentially hazardous material, the use of personal protective equipment, annual TB testing, and adherence to strict safety protocols is expected.
This position may involve performing and participating in multiple comprehensive research projects at UBC research facilities such as the Centre for Comparative Medicine (CCM), the Centre for Disease Modeling (CDM) and Modified Barrier Facility (MBF). This position may involve local travel to and from UBC research facilities or work sites during the work day. The incumbent is expected to have a general familiarity with day-to-day activities and processes in multiple facilities working with multiple species.
Organizational Status
Reports to the CCM Clinical Veterinarians and can take direction from the Project Managers. Works closely with the Animal Care Technicians (ACTs), Senior Operations Manager and Clinical Veterinarians. Liaises with researchers and their teams.
CCM is a multi-species facility specialized in supporting animal research at UBC through surgical support, training, diagnostic and pathology support as well as housing. As part of UBC Animal Care Services (ACS), the largest animal care program in Western Canada and the second largest in Canada, CCM 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 training 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 Vice President Research & Innovation.
Work Performed
Provide consistent, high quality and compassionate care to all animals.
Perform veterinary procedures on laboratory and other research animals without assistance or supervision to include, but not limited to: administration of medications or other substances by injection, orally, or topically; preparing surgical rooms including preparing instruments, supplies, and the animal; anesthetizing and anesthetic monitoring; surgical and imaging modalities assistance; performing postoperative care; euthanasia; collection of bio-samples; calculation and administration of multimodal continuous rate infusions; creating medical entries in records; conduct health checks; handle and restrain animals; perform husbandry duties; and surgical suite maintenance.
Responsible for daily inspection, observation, and treatment of unusual or unexpected conditions that arise in the course of protocol adherence, including those requiring immediate action and notification to CCM Clinical Veterinarians and/or investigators.
Responsible for providing basic husbandry, handling, and restraint for large and small animal species on a daily basis. Duties include health, behavior and welfare surveillance of laboratory animals; along with continuous awareness of current species-specific welfare issues, such as common signs of illness, pain, trauma or depression, in accordance with Canadian Council of Animal Care guidelines. Other duties include: inventory and record keeping; performing rounds to observe and check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals; preparing health reports, isolating infected or ill animals and reporting to veterinarian, and general housekeeping and maintenance of facility and equipment.
Troubleshoot complex equipment and systems problems.
Evaluate and maintain an extensive inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for surgical procedures in a variety of animal species. The inventory includes narcotics and controlled drugs, sutures, surgical instruments and linens (sterile and unsterile), anesthesia monitoring and surgical equipment.
Monitor the physical, behavioral and environmental requirements of individual species, including animals who have received radioactive isotopes. Be aware of natural, normal behaviour as well as behavioural differences (such as aggressiveness and anxiety) and work with the animals to encourage cooperation within a framework of respect, using techniques such as clickers for training.
Assist in ensuring the facility complies with all applicable regulations, guidelines, and standards that relate to animal care in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), and The Criminal Code of Canada Section 446 and 447 of the Criminal Code which protects animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect.
Package, label, and process biological, biochemical, radioactive and hazardous materials out of the facility.
Receive and pack live animal shipments.
Implement and maintain species specific environmental enrichment programs to promote the psychological well-being of the animals.
Evaluate and maintain an extensive inventory of food and supplies necessary for a variety of animal species.
Follow all safety standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies.
Assist CCM research staff and users with animal care procedures and techniques.
Recommend revisions to existing policies and procedures to relevant managers and/or supervisors.
May provide support to the UBC Animal Care and Use (ACUP) Training Program.
Treat confidentially all information related to research projects, personnel, and locations, and agrees not to disclose any such information to any person except as may be necessary in the proper discharge of work obligations.
Keep abreast of developments in the area of expertise, participating in continuing education programs and maintains necessary certifications.
Report any safety concerns to the ACS Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC).
Perform other related tasks as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
This person 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, including mortality, 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 and time loss. Inappropriate judgment concerning the use of controlled substances could lead to legal action against the university or revoking of provincial licenses currently held by the university veterinarians.
Supervision Received
Works under general supervision; receives detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems.
Supervision Given
May oversee and direct the work of one or two employees at lower classifications in which case they are responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
*Required Position Qualifications
Diploma in Veterinary Technology required. Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) designation required.
Preferred Qualifications
CALAS Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) preferred.
Experience in working with small and large animals in a research capacity.
Proficiency in understanding the physical, behavioural and environmental requirements of individual species. Ability to identify common medical problems in laboratory animals and take appropriate action.
Experience working in both CL1 and CL2 environments with risk group 1 and 2 materials.
Working with industry and/or research teams an asset.
Must demonstrate a sound theoretical and working knowledge of the principles and practice of laboratory animal science and working knowledge of veterinary technology, biomedical research, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and intensive/critical care.
Must also demonstrate a competency in surgical procedures including surgical preparation, anesthesiology (e.g. anesthesia machines, ECG, and capnography), common technical procedures and radiography.
Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the job including: working in humid environments with varying temperatures; continuous exposure to animal dander, odors, excreta, dust, and noise, including potentially lethal pathogens and radioisotopes.
Able to lift up to 25 kgs several times throughout the day and work in an environment that requires continuous walking, bending, stooping, reaching, twisting and turning. Ability to work as a team to lift animals up to 150kg.
Ability to operate job-related equipment.
Ability to effectively use software at a moderate level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MOSAIC, Workday).
Ability to read and comprehend technical material.
Be willing to maintain and upgrade training.
Ability to train others.
Ability to understand and apply policies, SOPs, instructions and applicable Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines.
Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required.
Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
Ability to work toward consensus and resolve differences.
Ability to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
Ability to resolve complaints and interpersonal conflict in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment.
Ability to travel around to satellite facilities in a timely manner.
Work schedules can include evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays. On-call shifts are assigned on a rotational basis.
