Manager, Animal Care Training and Program Compliance

University of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

8d•CA$107,503 - CA$134,379•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Director, Animal Care and Veterinary Service, the incumbent leads the development, implementation, and oversight of the training and competency programs within Animal Care and Veterinary Services. This role ensures that learning programs support animal welfare, regulatory compliance, research excellence, and employee development with the Animal Care and Veterinary Services. With support from the Senior Director, the position provides leadership and subject matter expertise in the development and implementation of a comprehensive training and competency framework for animal users and related personnel in the pre-clinical environment. Through strategic design, evaluation, and continuous improvement of training programs, the role advances ethical animal use, animal welfare, research integrity, and continuity of animal care across the institution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, veterinary technology, animal science, or related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., RLAT, CMAR, CPIA, Certified Trainer) considered an asset, or an equivalent combination of skills and experience.
7 years of experience in laboratory animal care and use program encompassing regulatory compliance and training or 5 years experience as a Training Coordinator.
3 years of experience managing a team.
Demonstrated depth of theoretical and practical knowledge in veterinary technology and laboratory animal science, including animal care standards, the regulatory and ethical framework governing animal use and care, including CCAC policies and guidelines, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) regulations, institutional governance, and all other applicable federal and provincial legislation.
Demonstrated expertise in training program development and management, instructional design and adult learning methodologies, including the development of competency-based training, hands-on skills assessment, and evaluation of training effectiveness.
Proficiency in the use and administration of various learning platforms to support scalable, auditable, and defensible training delivery.
Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring capabilities with the ability to guide trainers and staff while supporting institutional objectives and regulatory compliance.
Advanced organizational, analytical and program management skills, with the ability to strategically plan, prioritize, and oversee multiple training initiatives within a complex regulatory and operational environment.
Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, enabling productive engagement with faculty, researchers, staff, students, ACC members, and institutional leadership.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and best practices in curriculum design, training delivery, and competency management.
Experience developing and maintaining training and competency documentation that supports compliance requirements and effective staff management within a unionized environment.
Bilingualism in French and English (spoken and written).

Nice To Haves

advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., RLAT, CMAR, CPIA, Certified Trainer)

Responsibilities

Develops and maintains an integrated learning and development framework for Animal Care and Veterinary Services while overseeing training programs, delivery methods, and curriculum standards to ensure alignment with research objectives, animal welfare standards, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements.
Conducts training needs assessments in collaboration with veterinarians, animal care leadership, researchers, faculty, and other stakeholders to identify skill gaps, competency requirements, and emerging training needs, and aligns learning initiatives with operational, research, and compliance priorities.
Ensures all legislated, mandatory, and institutionally required training is implemented, monitored, and documented in compliance with CCAC guidelines, university policies, and applicable legislation, and supports audits, inspections, and accreditation activities.
Responsible for HR management of employees of sector/sites in consultation with Program Manager and Human Resources Business Partner, including performance management, staffing structure, disciplinary measures, and long-term workforce planning.
Recruit, onboard, and supervise direct reports, ensuring they have the necessary training and resources to perform effectively.
Develop and manage team workflows, set clear goals, communicate expectations, and track performance.
Proactively address and resolve conflicts, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment while recognizing achievements.
Support staff development and career growth through mentorship and professional development opportunities.
Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, anticipating the needs of internal stakeholders and prioritizing service excellence.
Provides strategic leadership and subject-matter expertise on refinements in animal experimentation, including advances related to the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), by monitoring scientific, technological, and regulatory developments and integrating relevant advancements into training programs and institutional policies.
Leads the Post-Approval Monitoring (PAM) program to ensure animal-based research activities comply with approved protocols, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements; works with research teams to address deficiencies and reports outcomes to the Animal Care Committee.