Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day.
SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.
When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World .
Don't miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world's best in paediatric healthcare.
This position is for an entry-level Animal Health Technician working under direct supervision to perform basic animal husbandry and laboratory animal care in accordance with SickKids Policies and procedures, Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines and the Ontario Animals for Research Act. The successful candidate must be flexible, willing to perform a broad range of duties beyond those specifically listed and committed to ongoing learning and training. Daily responsibilities may vary depending on work assignment, location, and schedule
Here's What You'll Get To Do
- Provides timely and consistent animal husbandry and care for laboratory animals in accordance with all policies, procedures and Standard Operating Procedures specific to the SickKids animal care and use program.
- Performs cage changing and daily health checks, identifying changes in health status or deviations from normal behaviour on all animals in assigned housing rooms
- Issues health reports, reports and administers treatments under veterinary supervision in a timely manner
- Performs holding room and procedure room checks, promptly reporting changes in environmental conditions or equipment malfunction
- Cleans, stocks, prepares supplies and maintains upkeep of assigned housing rooms, procedure rooms and shared areas of the facility
- Performs basic technical procedures and completes technical assistance requests as assigned.
- Demonstrates beginner level proficiency in basic technical procedures that apply to lab animal care and a commitment to continued training and development
- Maintains accurate records of all health issues, treatments, holding room census and task completion
- Consistently follows procedures and SOPS that maintain the integrity of the LAS barrier areas
- Works effectively both independently and as part of a team, managing time, shared responsibilities and resources.
- Is physically capable to lift 50 lbs and meet role-based needs in Position Demands Description (PDD).
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to client service and animal welfare
- Communicates respectfully, promptly and collaboratively with scientific staff members, colleagues and management
- Proven attention to detail, organizational abilities and multi-tasking skills with the ability to maintain accurate records
Here's What You'll Need
- 2-year Veterinary Technician Diploma or Bachelor of Science degree from a recognized institute or equivalent experience
- Completion or working towards certification in Registered Laboratory Animal Technician with the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS).
- Minimum 1 year of experience in animal health / research environment performing husbandry and technical services
- Familiarity and adherence to the regulatory requirements outlined by the Animals for Research Act and CCAC guidelines for the care and welfare of laboratory animals.
- Basic competency in computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite, email communication, web form completion, and basic database entry.
- No history of animal-related allergies.
- Weekends and holiday availability as required.
- Willingness to participate in institutional health and safety programs.
- Must be able and willing to wear appropriate personal protective equipment
- Support the Research Institute and LAS mission to advance research with a strong customer service orientation.
- Support DEI through sensitivity to cultural and social diversity.
- Be flexible and motivated to support evolving department priorities
- Understand importance and demonstrates ability to foster a culture of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Here ' s What You ' ll Love
- A focus on employee wellness with our new Staff Health and Well-being Strategy. Self-care helps us support others.
- A hospital that welcomes and focuses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- The opportunity to make an impact. Regardless of your role or professional interest, you will be making a difference at SickKids and contributing to our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.
- For more on why you'll love working at SickKids, visit our careers site.
Employment Type: Temporary 1-year contract SickKids is committed to championing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do, fostering an intentionally inclusive and culturally protected environment that reflects the diversity of the patients, families and communities we serve. Learn more about workplace inclusion.
If you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to our aSKHR team. SickKids can provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and selection process as well as to ensure candidates are able to perform their duties once successfully hired. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of your invitation to interview.
Information received related to access, inclusion or accommodation will be addressed confidentially.
Technical difficulties? Email
[email protected] with a short description of the issues you are experiencing. We will not accept resumes sent to this inbox but we are happy to respond to requests for technical assistance.
Tip: Combine your cover letter and resume into ONE document of 20 pages or less as you cannot upload multiple documents as part of your application.
Every application is reviewed by a human recruiter and all hiring decisions are made by people. In some cases, AI-assisted tools are used to help review applications based on job-related qualifications.
All positions posted on the SickKids Hospital's Careers Site represent current vacancies, unless otherwise posted in the .
📌 Animal Health Technician 1 (Toronto)
🏢 The Hospital for Sick Children
📍 Toronto