Animal Health Technician

Description:

The Animal Health Technician provides specialized technical and administrative support for the care and use of laboratory animals at IR-CUSM. Reporting to the Manager of the Animal Resources Division, the role involves a combination of animal health procedures, husbandry, and research support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct animal health tasks, including physical examinations and monitoring

• Record data and report findings to veterinarians, researchers, and research staff

• Administer treatments and perform diagnostic tests as prescribed by the veterinarian

• Train and guide researchers and research staff on animal care practices

• Prepare equipment, instruments, and supplies for surgeries or procedures; provide pre- and post-operative care

• Perform standard and specialized techniques on research animals

• Provide information to researchers on animal health, care, techniques, and protocols

• Carry out routine husbandry and maintenance tasks

• Maintain inventory of stocks, medications, and equipment

• Operate and monitor equipment, tools, and instruments

• Perform administrative tasks including data entry, scheduling, reception, and training sessions

Qualifications & Skills:

• College diploma (D.E.C) in Animal Health Technology (Program 145.A0, 2,730 hours) from a school recognized by the Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec

• Experience with large research animal models is an asset

• ACSAL/AALAS certification or equivalent is an asset

• Adaptable and able to work across multiple sites

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision

• Computer proficiency (Windows, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)

• Bilingual in French and English (spoken and written)

Additional Information:

• Part-time, on-call position; hours vary based on departmental needs

• Work may include weekends, holidays, and vacation coverage; shifts start at 8:00 AM

• Not a hospital position

Benefits & Perks:

• 3 paid sick days per year (including 1 personal day)

• Government pension plan (RREGOP) with defined benefits

• Vacation calculated pro-rata based on salary

• Additional 5.3% of gross pay per pay period in lieu of statutory holidays