Training Coordinator

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

4d • CA$5,770 - CA$6,270 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position will primarily develop, schedule and conduct all animal care and use training, and serve as the coordinator for delivery of content through a Learning Management System for blended learning. In consultation with the Training Manager, this position will be responsible for the expansion, further development, and implementation of current and future animal care and use training programs to ensure both researchers and Animal Care Services (ACS) staff meet regulatory and institutional standard operating procedures and requirements as well as ACS strategic goals. This position facilitates the institutions efforts to ensure that all education, training, and research involving the use of animals conducted at the University is in accordance with CCAC and University rules and regulations. Collaborates and works with the Training Manager and the Veterinary Head of Training in coordinating campus-wide training programs, courses and workshops on laboratory animal science for laboratory personnel in the animal research community at UBC, Lower Mainland Biotechnology industry partners and Animal Care Services staff. Complies with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Guidelines on institutional animal user training at both the Vancouver and Okanagan Campuses. Performs duties related to technical research services.

Requirements

• Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Some positions may require a graduate degree.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Diploma in Veterinary Technology preferred.
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) designation preferred.
• CALAS Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) preferred.
• 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.
• 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. using mechanical ventilators, anesthesia machines, ECG, and capnography), common technical procedures and radiography.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to explain, assign and monitor work.
• Ability to facilitate groups to achieve appropriate outcomes.
• Ability to coordinate and oversee work processes.
• Ability to evaluate performance by establishing standards and goals, providing feedback and taking corrective action.
• Ability to anticipate problems and issues and plan ahead.
• Ability to determine the nature and urgency of inquiries and issues, and triage appropriately.
• 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 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 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.
• This position may involve travel to and from UBC research facilities or work sites.
• The incumbent is expected to have a general familiarity with day-to-day activities and processes in multiple facilities working with multiple species.
• Work schedules can include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Providing consistent, high quality and compassionate care to all animals in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and established research protocols.
• Working closely with the Training Manager, coordinates campus-wide training programs, courses and workshops on laboratory animal science, including online, hands-on and special technical training to animal users.
• Assists with the development, design and delivery of didactic and hands-on educational programs in laboratory animal science to the research community at UBC, as well as Lower Mainland Biotechnology industry partners and ACS staff. These programs may include handling, restraint, injection, blood sampling, anesthesia, euthanasia, gavage, husbandry and surgical techniques; short courses for physicians, surgical residents, medical students, research personnel and staff in techniques, suturing and drug delivery.
• Ensures all training activities relating directly or indirectly to animal use and care are in accordance with acceptable veterinary standards and the standards articulated in the Guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
• Ensures that matters of researcher animal use and non-compliance are directed to the veterinary staff and the Animal Care Committee for action and makes recommendation in the development of remedies.
• Prepares and maintains Animal Care Protocols for animals involved in the training programs.
• Researches and develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that will be used university-wide for common and specialized surgical procedures, administration of substances, sample collection, etc. as well as developing training materials such as videos to be used as references by research personnel.
• Supervises, schedules and trains staff and makes recommendations with respect to hiring and providing input into staff performance.
• Oversees the daily operations and finances of the University-wide training program, including responsibility for inventory and administration of staff.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating all online training materials.
• Responsible for overseeing the communication with students regarding course information, registration, examination, certification, as well as managing the associated administrative components.
• Responsible for the coordination of training and certification of facility staff/researches who can assist with training at the facility level for students who need additional training to acquire the necessary skill.
• Responsible for the certification of people who have taken training at the facility level.
• For animals used in training at the Centre for Comparative Medicine: Oversees species-specific animal husbandry and care, including ensuring social enrichment is provided for all species of animals, or animals in quarantine.
• Ensures compliance with standard operating procedures related to animal infection control within vivarium and surgical laboratories.
• Oversees the health monitoring quality assurance program and maintains documentation and animal health records, animal inventory, and animal usage accordingly.
• Evaluates and maintains the extensive inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for surgical procedures (may include general, soft-tissue, orthopedic and cardiac surgery) in a variety of animal species. Inventory may include narcotics and controlled drugs, sutures, surgical instruments and linens (sterile and unsterile), anesthesia monitoring and surgical equipment.
• Performs duties relating to technical research services, including various research and special projects as directed by the veterinary staff, such as sample/data collection and analysis, anesthesia, surgical models in support of a research protocol.
• Records equipment and materials, including consumables used, on a researcher s behalf for billing purposes.
• 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 field of animal husbandry and welfare, participating in continuing education programs and maintains necessary certifications.
• Report any safety concerns to the ACS Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC).
• Performs other duties as required.

Benefits

• The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level