Provincial Vaccine Depot Technician

Government of Alberta•Fort Saskatchewan, AB

5d•CA$58,214 - CA$75,191•Onsite

About The Position

The Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services is building a more resilient and sustainable health care system that can support Albertans getting care when and where they need it, while responding to system-wide health challenges, improving health outcomes, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The ministry supports Albertans’ health and well-being throughout their lives by protecting public health and promoting wellness; coordinating and delivering safe, person-centered, quality health services; health system planning and capital infrastructure planning; supporting innovative information management and technologies; regulating health care; and funding the health system. The Department of Primary and Preventative Health Services establishes the Government of Alberta’s strategic direction for health, including advising government on health policy, legislation and standards, and public health concerns; monitoring and reporting health system performance; setting policies and priorities for the electronic/digital health environment; and providing oversight and ensuring accountability across the health system. We are seeking a Provincial Vaccine Depot Technician who will play a vital role in supporting Alberta’s immunization programs by ensuring the safe ordering, storage, and distribution of biological products. The Provincial Vaccine Depot Technician is responsible for maintaining inventory, safeguarding cold chain integrity, and coordinating the timely distribution of vaccines and antiviral medications to healthcare sites across the province, including AHS depots, pharmacy distributors, medical clinics, and select First Nations communities.

Requirements

Two-year technical and science diploma in a related field; or equivalent as described below.
Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.
Strong operational experience in warehousing, materials management, and inventory control within a regulated or high-volume environment.
Strong computer proficiency, with advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
Solid verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated understanding of cold chain management, including handling, storage, distribution, and inventory control practices aligned with established directives and guidelines.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Proven attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy, reliability, and precision.
Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to safely operate materials handling equipment such as pallet stackers, wrappers, and strappers.
Working knowledge of government and departmental financial policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of pharmacy terminology, including abbreviations, generic and trade medication names, aseptic technique, and dispensary operations.
Graduation from a recognized Pharmacy Technician training program.
Warehouse Occupation Intermediate or Technician Certificate.
Experience working in a vaccine depot or similar environment requiring strict adherence to cold chain protocols.
Direct experience in a vaccine depot or pharmaceutical distribution setting.
Formal training or certification related to pharmacy or warehouse operations.
Experience working in highly regulated environments where compliance with health, safety, and storage standards is critical.

Responsibilities

Order biological products from manufacturers and monitor inventory to ensure adequate stock with optimal expiry dates.
Use the Alberta Vaccine Inventory (AVI) System to receive, ship, and track orders.
Ensure compliance with contract requirements, shipping protocols, and invoicing processes.
Report supply issues, including shortages or short-dated products, to leadership.
Receive and inspect shipments to confirm accuracy and appropriate temperature conditions.
Maintain complete documentation of shipment conditions and discrepancies.
Ensure all products are stored according to manufacturer requirements and cold chain standards.
Implement first-expiry-first-out (FEFO) inventory practices.
Pick, pack, and ship products according to schedules, authorizations, and urgent requests.
Coordinate shipments with couriers, team leads, and delivery sites.
Monitor shipments to ensure timely delivery and temperature compliance.
Accurately record all distribution data and initiate cold chain break reports if required.
Maintain biological products within required temperature ranges from receipt to delivery.
Monitor and record temperatures (minimum twice daily) for all storage units.
Respond to alarms, equipment failures, and temperature excursions in accordance with procedures.
Manage quarantine processes for compromised shipments pending direction.
Process expired or defective products, including documentation and disposal.
Track and report reasons for product wastage (e.g., expiry, cold chain breaks, damage).
Identify equipment needs and coordinate repairs or replacements.
Perform routine maintenance (e.g., cleaning, defrosting freezers, handling packaging waste).
Support continuous improvement of storage and distribution processes.
Communicate inventory issues, shipment concerns, and equipment problems to leadership.
Participate in daily team meetings and ongoing process improvement discussions.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
Support training and mentorship of new staff once fully trained.
Contribute to the development and updating of policies related to cold chain, inventory, and distribution.
Assist with education and training for stakeholders across the province, as needed.
Manage antiviral stockpiles and monitor storage conditions.
Distribute antiviral medications as directed during public health responses.
Respond to alarms and incidents at off-site storage facilities.