Animal Care Technician

at  Dalhousie University

JOB SUMMARY

The Division of Animal Care provides professional veterinary services and oversight for the Faculty of Medicine’s Animal Care facilities. Reporting to the Managers of Carleton Animal Care Facility or LSRI Animal Care Facility, the Animal Care Technicians will work in a team environment and perform technical and husbandry duties for a variety of species, including rats and mice. Work is conducted in a highly regulated environment following established guidelines and procedures involved with specialized equipment and housing including sterile housing, Bio-containment Level 2, Individually Ventilated Cages, animal transfer stations and biosafety cabinets.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Registered Veterinary Technician diploma (CVMA accredited program)
• One to three years’ previous related experience.
• Demonstrated communication skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.

• Perform daily health and welfare assessments on animals and submit health reports to the veterinarian. Provide nursing care to surgical and research animal models. Administer oral or topical medications, IP, SQ, IM and IV injections, or other diagnostic/therapeutic procedures as directed by veterinarian.
• Prepare surgical stations, anesthetic machines and autoclave surgical trays and other materials as needed.
• Document and maintain all necessary animal care related records including treatment, breeding records, veterinary medical records and drug logs.
• Provide guidance /assistance to researchers regarding animal care, medical procedures/techniques, use of specialized equipment and rodent colony management including information on breeding record keeping, pairing, weaning sexting etc.
• Participate in Dalhousie University’s post approval monitoring program.
• Provide daily husbandry including food, water, bedding, environmental enrichment, and specialized diets according to established procedures. Provide sanitation and maintenance of animal rooms and equipment according to standard operating procedures, including cage washing and other technical duties as required.