Assistant Supervisor Jobs

Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3

Job Title

Assistant Supervisor

Department

Operations | Centre for Disease Modelling | Animal Care Services

Compensation Range

$4,618.00 - $5,036.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

August 31, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Summary

The Assistant Supervisor works closely with the Zone Supervisor in the Centre for Disease Modeling (CDM) in day-to-day zone oversight and operations and will be responsible for a team of technicians in his or her assigned zone when the Zone Supervisor is absent or unavailable. The incumbent will also provide animal health care, skilled technical services and assistance; as well as interacting and liaising with technical staff, UBC researchers, and veterinarians. The position s role requires understanding and interpreting the Canadian Council on Animal Care regulations and guidelines (CCAC), which governs the care and use of research animals in Canada. This position will require highly specialized knowledge in animal husbandry for small and bio-hazardous animals, in addition to in-depth technical knowledge of equipment.

Equity and Diversity Statement

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Zone Supervisor. Works closely with the other Zone Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor, CP Coordinator and Clinical Veterinarians. Liaises with researchers and their teams.

CDM is a 90,000 sq. ft. animal facility capable of holding 27,000 rodent cages. CDM is a main barrier facility and operations include Breeding, Containment Level 2, procedural and surgical space, information technology, and material management.

CDM is part of Animal Care Services (ACS), the largest animal care program in Western Canada and the second largest in Canada, is responsible for providing research support to the animal-based research community associated with the University of British Columbia and its affiliates through its veterinary services team, the compliance team, the procurement team and its facilities. ACS is committed to providing excellence in research support to all UBC researchers with accountability, communication, cooperation, customer service and integrity. ACS reports to the Associate Vice President Research & Innovation.

Work Performed

Member of a team that performs animal care and ensures the proper discharge of daily tasks and technical procedures as requested by the Operations Manager, Clinical Veterinarians or Principal Investigators; day to day responsibilities include: Animal handling and manipulations (IV, IP, IM, SQ, per os); Set space for animals; inventories and keeps records of each animal; Coordinates the maintenance or maintains breeding colonies of various animals which include breeding, feeding, weaning and keeping records of activities; Performs rounds to observe and check the physical health and well-being of laboratory animals; prepare health reports; isolate infected or ill animals and report to veterinarian; General housekeeping and maintenance of facility and equipment.

Assumes the role of Zone Supervisor when the Zone Supervisor is absent or unavailable.

Performs minor surgeries and techniques, including: tissue collection and organs, blood collection, surgical implantations, tumor implantations, injections, embryo manipulations, and vessel cannulation.

Responsible for all education, orientation and training provided in all aspects of daily operations of animal barriers for both staff and researchers as well as instruction and training in the use of specialized techniques and equipment (user orientation).

Responds to operational enquiries and emergency calls. Identifies problems and makes recommendations.

Coordinates, monitors and ensures safety standards are being maintained; chairs the safety committee or sits as a member as required. Responsible for related documentation including WHMIS.

Responsible for receiving, packing, shipping and distribution of live animal shipments.

Responsible for packaging, labelling, processing of biological, biochemical, radioactive and hazardous materials out of the facility.

Assist with the development of new policies and procedures in consultation with Supervisor.

Perform duties relating to technical research services which will include various research and special projects as directed by the Zone Supervisor, Operations Manager or Clinical Veterinarians.

Maintains an extensive inventory of supplies and equipment necessary for surgical procedures in a variety of animal species, including anesthesia monitoring and surgical equipment.

Prepare reports and provide updates to investigators regarding the status of animals.

For billing purposes records equipment and materials, including consumables used, on an investigator s behalf.

Keep abreast of developments in the area of expertise and participating in continuing education programs.

Performing other related duties.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors may impact the successful operation of CDM and the overall health status of the facility. Errors in judgment may result in financial loss and damage to credibility of the department. Errors may be difficult to recognize and correct, and may compromise scientific data and animal health and welfare.

Supervision Received

Works under general supervision; receives specific instructions on unusual problems or on matters which are not covered under established SOPs and policies.

Supervision Given

The incumbent may distribute work assignments to staff. In the absence of the Zone Supervisor, they will oversee and direct the work and are responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute. BSc in an animal related field, and/or AHT diploma, and/or CALAS RLAT level certification. Minimum of 3 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Supervisory experience required, preferably in an laboratory animal facility. - Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and statutory holidays;

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing;
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the job (work with high temperature equipment, exposure to animal dander and urinary proteins, perform repetitive tasks, lift 20kg, good manual dexterity and eyesight);
• Ability to determine the nature and urgency of inquiries and issues, and triage appropriately;
• Ability to accurately create and maintain records;
• Ability to operate job-related equipment (e.g., rack and tunnel washers, autoclaves, dry heat oven, floor cleaning machine, industrial washers and dryers, bedding vacuum and dispensing system, bottle filling system, and high pressure spray units);
• Ability to address and moderate interpersonal conflict by confronting issues and taking appropriate action;
• Ability to communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner;
• Ability to understand and apply policies, SOPs, instructions and applicable Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines;
• Ability to facilitate groups to achieve appropriate outcomes;
• Ability to train others;
• Ability to read and comprehend technical material;
• Ability to explain, assign and monitor work;
• Initiative and the ability to master new techniques;
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment;
• Ability to evaluate staff performance by establishing standards and goals, providing feedback and taking corrective action;
• Ability to effectively use software at an advanced level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, Mosaic Vivarium);
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion.
• Be willing to maintain and upgrade training;
• Ability to coordinate and oversee work processes;
• Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail;
• Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner;
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines;
• Ability to effectively resolve complaints in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment; and
• Ability to work toward consensus and resolve differences;
• Ability to anticipate problems and issues and plan ahead;
• Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required;
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships;