Core Support Technician, Animal Care Services

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.

Position Overview

Animal Care Services under the VP Research is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Core Support Technician.

This position reports to the Life and Environmental Science Animal Resource Centre (LESARC) Facility Manager and Senior Animal Care Supervisor under the direction of the University Veterinarian. The  the primary purpose of this position is animal related husbandry; the cleaning of animal cages, racks, pans and water bottles as well as general facility sanitation including but not limited to floors, washrooms, laundry and refuse removal. You must be aware of and follow safety procedures and standards in the handling of cleaning chemicals (WHMIS) and large automated equipment according to facility SOP’s. You must be able to adjust work routine to meet daily facility needs and be comfortable working in an animal environment.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Scraping and processing dirty animal caging and associated items.
• Ensuring availability of autoclaved and/or sanitized materials, including caging, racks, bottles, animal enrichment, bedding, linens and other supplies.
• Provide daily/weekly/monthly custodial sanitation, housekeeping and laundry to maintain facility biosecurity.
• Ensuring inventory of cage wash cleaning products and custodial supplies is maintained.
• Operation, monitoring, maintenance, and minor general repairs of large, specialized cleaning equipment.
• Operation of University vehicle for animal deliveries, pickups and facility purchases.
• Able to demonstrate good judgement, time management and problem solving skills.
• Good communication skills and interaction with staff and students are required.
• May be required to assist with animal husbandry duties which would include daily rounds; providing food and water, changing cages and handling animals. 
• General facility duties as assigned by the Senior Animal Care Technician or Facility Manager.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Minimum High School Diploma.
• Technical background and/or work experience in an animal related field desired.
• Previous operation and maintenance of large industrial equipment an asset.
• High physical demand for lifting and standing for long periods of time in a warm, noisy environment.
• Ability to work independently while supporting others within the facility team.
• Working knowledge of cleaning chemicals (acids and bases), sanitation and sterilization principles and associated safety required in operation of equipment and facility sanitation.
• Valid Alberta driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Demonstrated skills in time management and ability to prioritize work.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Possess strong personal effectiveness skills.

Application Deadline:  February 6, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the General Job Family, Phase 3.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website . 

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups . Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy  committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected] ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected] ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.