Description:
Currently the University of Ottawa animal facility network occupies four sites, covering approximately 100,000 square feet of vivarium, procedural and surgical space.
Reporting to the Senior Director, Animal Care and Veterinary Services, the incumbent is responsible for the overall operations of all Animal Facilities at University of Ottawa and affiliated institutes, including: planning, human resources and financial management; development of quality systems and programs to rectify process and facilities gaps; optimization of services to scientists; and, performance of cross-functional and other duties consistent with the job classification as required.
In this role, your responsibilities will include:
- Develop operational plans for all sites ensuring facility plant & operations meet regulatory requirements, including Federal & Provincial regulations, policies and guidelines, institutional policies and granting agency requirements.
- Develop day-to-day operating policies and procedures to contribute to organizational effectiveness. Implement new standards, train staff and review compliance, gaps in processes, animal care systems and services to scientists.
- Ensure continued support of uOttawa scientific programs/projects as they evolve, including daily and long-term evaluation of manpower, space, equipment and emerging technologies.
- Understand, analyze and assist the Director in implementing global trends within animal care, housing, enrichment, health monitoring, technical procedures and training sectors in order to ensure uOttawa meets the highest standards of animal health and welfare.
- Review animal care practices and procedures and develop recommendations for improvement.
What you will bring:
- Sound theoretical and practical knowledge of applied veterinary technical and surgical nursing normally acquired through a formal post-secondary technical training program and 10 years’ experience managing or supervising activities in an animal research environment. Training can be acquired through a diploma from a CVMA recognized Veterinary Technical program or a Bachelor of Science degree from a relevant discipline and ideally the incumbent will hold an RMLAT certification with the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS).
- Experience in human resource policy administration and team/ conflict management.
- Demonstrate an ability to gain consensus and achieve collaborations.
- Experienced with the development of complex work schedules.
- Comprehensive knowledge and experience in the development and implementation of standard operational procedures for an animal research facility, including bio-exclusion, bio- containment methods.
- Commitment to client service through excellence in interpersonal and communication skills and service delivery.
- Commitment to ensuring a safe working environment through ongoing inspections, staff training and review of safety standards.
- Experience using PCs and software.
- Bilingualism – English and French (spoken and written).