Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 37.5

Level: N

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

Western Biology is a diverse and collegial community that fosters learning, growth, and student success through inquiry, discovery, and innovation in a working environment committed to mutual respect. We bring diverse perspectives together to bear on fundamental biological questions, and to train the next generation of biologists to understand, critically evaluate, and apply biological concepts to bear on the world’s pressing challenges. This mission statement encompasses the major foci within the department, namely scientific research, graduate, undergraduate and public education.

The vision of the Department is to push the boundaries of biological knowledge from the scale of molecules to ecosystems.

Responsibilities

The Animal Care Technician ensures compliance with Animal Care Committee requirements for arms length oversight, administration and care of animals held in areas of responsibility.

The Animal Care

Technician is responsible for providing care and oversight for the facilities and the animal research subjects through the performance of regular care, cleaning, and maintenance, while ensuring that all required documentation is up to date and available. This role also provides support, expertise, and recommendations to many stakeholders including faculty, students, teaching and facilities staff of the Biology Department and the ancillary facilities.

The Animal Care

Technician ensures ongoing compliance with federal, provincial and institutional regulatory bodies including CCAC (Canadian Council on Animal Care), OMAFA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness), and the Western ACC (Animal Care Committee).

Qualifications

Education

- 4 year Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with specialization in vertebrate biology,



animal behaviour or related topics required

- RLAT (Registered Laboratory Animal Technician) or RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician) designation required

Experience

- 1 year of hands-on experience working with vertebrate animals (e.g., fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds) required;

experience working with wild-source animals preferred

- 1 year of experience in husbandry, rearing and/or caring of vertebrate animals in a research or animal care facility setting, including knowledge of their growth conditions, behavior, food preference, habitat, breeding environment, and health monitoring

- 1 year of experience working in an aquatic animal care facility preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Familiarity with animal “normal” for a variety of animal species and recognize and report animal health issues

- Ability to implement treatment and medication according to veterinary direction

- Ability to perform water quality testing and keep records of water and room environmental conditions

- Ability to maintain animal care standards in accordance with the University and government policies, regulatory guidelines, and legislation

- Familiarity with commercial and industrial animal cage washers, and cleaning equipment (brooms, mops)

- Ability to respect and maintain confidential information

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

- Ability to quickly learn and apply new concepts and techniques

- Ability to foster collaboration and respect among team members

- Professional manners, tact, diplomacy, and discretion in dealing with all animal facility users

- Strong judgement, analytical, and problem-solving skills including an ability to formulate and execute action plans

- Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize with an ability to consistently produce high-quality work and meet deadlines in a demanding environment

- Excellent organization, time management, and interpersonal skills





- Ability to quickly adapt to changes and situations

- Excellent communication skills to clearly express ideas, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience, with an ability to complete detailed records and reports

- Demonstrated ability to build strong, collegial relationships with students, faculty, and colleagues across the University

- Ability to ensure a safe working setting by identifying, resolving, and reporting safety hazards

- Moderate computer skills, including familiarity with any animal management software (e.g., Mosaic) and Microsoft Office suite

- Physically able to bend, stoop, reach, climb step stool, push/pull up to 20 kg, lift up to 14 kg, and retrieve, and carry up to 5 kg items in order to perform cleaning and other duties using proper ergonomic procedures and related equipment

- Flexibility to work irregular hours and/or in a time-shifted week, including during weekend and holiday times, to be on call or to deal with emergencies related to animal care and animal housing environment

Union Statement

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Background Checks

Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce a current Police Information Check from a police service prior to commencing employment and will be required to complete a credit check satisfactory to the employer.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone (phone hidden).

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

📌 Animal Care Technician III (London)
🏢 Western University
📍 London