Companion Animal Technician

Description:

Lakehead University invites applications for a Companion Animal Technician to support companion animal teaching within the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program (CDVMP). This role supports clinical skills instruction, live-animal teaching, and professional communications laboratories within the Animal Education Facility.

This role will contribute to the delivery of the accredited veterinary curriculum within the CDVMP at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus, working collaboratively within a team-taught curriculum delivery model alongside OVC faculty colleagues. Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Veterinary Science, the Companion Animal Technician supports student learning through laboratory demonstration, coordination of live-animal labs involving privately owned dogs, and management of companion animal teaching facilities. The role works closely with faculty, veterinary coaches, and students to ensure safe and effective learning environments.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate and support companion animal laboratories in clinical medicine, anaesthesia, surgery, pathology, and professional communications
• Coordinate recruitment, scheduling, intake, care, and discharge of privately owned dogs used in teaching
• Support communications labs by coordinating simulated clients and veterinary coaches
• Prepare and maintain clinical skills laboratories and dog housing facilities
• Support independent student practice sessions and supervised live-animal labs
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare, safety, and institutional protocols
• Assist with OSCEs, outreach, recruitment, and departmental activities
• Support training and orientation of part-time demonstrators and facility users

Required Qualifications:

• Diploma from an accredited Veterinary Technician program
• Successful completion of the VTNE and OAVT ethics exam
• Current OAVT registration
• Experience in companion animal practice and clinical skills instruction
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Valid Ontario driver’s licence and adequate rabies titre
• Completion of mandatory safety training upon hire

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in dentistry, surgery, anaesthesia, or clinical practice preferred
• Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials are considered an asset