Registered Veterinary Technician

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

14d•CA$4,900 - CA$5,343•Hybrid

About The Position

Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) in Animal Care Services (ACS) are responsible for directly supporting the animal-based research community associated with the University of British Columbia by providing a high level of surgical and technical skills and related project support working closely with the Clinical Veterinarians and the Animal Care Team. ACS is a rapidly growing and dynamic environment in which staff partner with researchers from both academia and industry. Research conducted at the three ACS facilities encompasses a broad range of topics from furthering our understanding of basic medical sciences, to enhancing our abilities to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease in human and non-human animals. The work environment is technically complex with the use of computerized large animal anesthesia machines, diagnostic laboratory equipment, and digital environmental monitoring tools. The position requires thorough knowledge of working with animals exposed to hazardous and bio-hazardous agents, and radioactive compounds. Due to the work involving the use of potentially hazardous material, the use of personal protective equipment, annual TB testing, and adherence to strict safety protocols is expected. This position may involve performing and participating in multiple comprehensive research projects at UBC research facilities such as the Centre for Comparative Medicine (CCM), the Centre for Disease Modeling (CDM) and Modified Barrier Facility (MBF). This position may involve local travel to and from UBC research facilities or work sites during the work day. The incumbent is expected to have a general familiarity with day-to-day activities and processes in multiple facilities working with multiple species.

Requirements

Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Diploma in Veterinary Technology required.
Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) designation required.
Experience in working with small and large animals in a research capacity.
Proficiency in understanding the physical, behavioural and environmental requirements of individual species.
Ability to identify common medical problems in laboratory animals and take appropriate action.
Experience working in both CL1 and CL2 environments with risk group 1 and 2 materials.
Must demonstrate a sound theoretical and working knowledge of the principles and practice of laboratory animal science and working knowledge of veterinary technology, biomedical research, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and intensive/critical care.
Must also demonstrate a competency in surgical procedures including surgical preparation, anesthesiology (e.g. anesthesia machines, ECG, and capnography), common technical procedures and radiography.
Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the job including: working in humid environments with varying temperatures; continuous exposure to animal dander, odors, excreta, dust, and noise, including potentially lethal pathogens and radioisotopes.
Able to lift up to 25 kgs several times throughout the day and work in an environment that requires continuous walking, bending, stooping, reaching, twisting and turning.
Ability to work as a team to lift animals up to 150kg.
Ability to operate job-related equipment.
Ability to effectively use software at a moderate level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MOSAIC, Workday).
Ability to read and comprehend technical material.
Be willing to maintain and upgrade training.
Ability to train others.
Ability to understand and apply policies, SOPs, instructions and applicable Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines.
Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required.
Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
Ability to work toward consensus and resolve differences.
Ability to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
Ability to resolve complaints and interpersonal conflict in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment.
Ability to travel around to satellite facilities in a timely manner.

Nice To Haves

CALAS Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) preferred.
Working with industry and/or research teams an asset.

Responsibilities

Provide consistent, high quality and compassionate care to all animals.
Perform veterinary procedures on laboratory and other research animals without assistance or supervision to include, but not limited to: administration of medications or other substances by injection, orally, or topically; preparing surgical rooms including preparing instruments, supplies, and the animal; anesthetizing and anesthetic monitoring; surgical and imaging modalities assistance; performing postoperative care; euthanasia; collection of bio-samples; calculation and administration of multimodal continuous rate infusions; creating medical entries in records; conduct health checks; handle and restrain animals; perform husbandry duties; and surgical suite maintenance.
Responsible for daily inspection, observation, and treatment of unusual or unexpected conditions that arise in the course of protocol adherence, including those requiring immediate action and notification to CCM Clinical Veterinarians and/or investigators.
Responsible for providing basic husbandry, handling, and restraint for large and small animal species on a daily basis.
Duties include health, behavior and welfare surveillance of laboratory animals; along with continuous awareness of current species-specific welfare issues, such as common signs of illness, pain, trauma or depression, in accordance with Canadian Council of Animal Care guidelines.
Other duties include: inventory and record keeping; performing rounds to observe and check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals; preparing health reports, isolating infected or ill animals and reporting to veterinarian, and general housekeeping and maintenance of facility and equipment.
Troubleshoot complex equipment and systems problems.
Evaluate and maintain an extensive inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for surgical procedures in a variety of animal species. The inventory includes narcotics and controlled drugs, sutures, surgical instruments and linens (sterile and unsterile), anesthesia monitoring and surgical equipment.
Monitor the physical, behavioral and environmental requirements of individual species, including animals who have received radioactive isotopes.
Be aware of natural, normal behaviour as well as behavioural differences (such as aggressiveness and anxiety) and work with the animals to encourage cooperation within a framework of respect, using techniques such as clickers for training.
Assist in ensuring the facility complies with all applicable regulations, guidelines, and standards that relate to animal care in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), and The Criminal Code of Canada Section 446 and 447 of the Criminal Code which protects animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect.
Package, label, and process biological, biochemical, radioactive and hazardous materials out of the facility.
Receive and pack live animal shipments.
Implement and maintain species specific environmental enrichment programs to promote the psychological well-being of the animals.
Evaluate and maintain an extensive inventory of food and supplies necessary for a variety of animal species.
Follow all safety standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies.
Assist CCM research staff and users with animal care procedures and techniques.
Recommend revisions to existing policies and procedures to relevant managers and/or supervisors.
May provide support to the UBC Animal Care and Use (ACUP) Training Program.
Treat confidentially all information related to research projects, personnel, and locations, and agrees not to disclose any such information to any person except as may be necessary in the proper discharge of work obligations.
Keep abreast of developments in the area of expertise, participating in continuing education programs and maintains necessary certifications.
Report any safety concerns to the ACS Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC).
Perform other related tasks as required.