Project Technician Jobs

Staff - Union
Job Category
CUPE 116
Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title
Project Technician
Department
Project Support | Animal Care Services
Compensation Range
$4,618.00 - $5,036.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
April 21, 2023
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.
Job End Date
Apr 30, 2024
Job Summary
The Project Technician in Animal Care Services, will provide service to all three facilities across Animal Care Services, The position will be located at the Centre for Comparative Medicine (CCM), the Centre for Disease Modeling (CDM), or the Modified Barrier Facility (MBF) and will depend on where the project is being performed. The position is responsible for directly supporting the animal-based research community associated with the University of British Columbia by providing a high level of technical skills and related project support, including monitoring and overseeing project progress and working closely with the Clinical Veterinarians and the Animal Care Teams. ACS is a rapidly growing and dynamic environment in which staff partner with researchers from both academia and industry. Research conducted at ACS 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 Project Technician will work together with other technicians, including training technical procedures and veterinarians in a time-sensitive, regulated environment governed by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and UBC Animal Care Committee (ACC). This position requires strict adherence to protocols and standard operating procedures that prevent accidental introduction of disease or confounding research variables.
Work may involve the use of potentially hazardous material or may be located in areas where such materials are used. Work will require the use of personal protective equipment, including a full face respirator. The work is very repetitious and physical, including lifting up to 25 kgs. Work schedule will include evenings, weekends and statutory holidays and will be informed by project schedules. This position will be expected to work independently with supervisory support available. Orientation and training will be provided on the job.
Orientation and training will be provided on the job.
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 ACS Project Coordinator. Works closely with the Animal Care Technicians, Registered Veterinary Technicians, Senior Operations Manager, Operations Manager and Clinical Veterinarians. Liaises with researchers and their teams.
As part of UBC Animal Care Services (ACS), the largest animal care program in Western Canada and the second largest in Canada, CCM 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
Provide consistent, high quality and compassionate care to all animals.
Performs technical 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 biosamples; 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.
Monitor the physical, behavioral and environmental requirements of individual species, including animals who have received radioactive isotopes and the non-human primates. 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.
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 the vets
Ensures that rodent projects across the three facilities are appropriately staffed and the Animal Care Technicians are able to perform technical duties.
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.
Follow all safety standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and policies.
Assist ACS research staff and users with animal care procedures and techniques.
Recommend revisions to existing policies and procedures to the Managers and Supervisors.
Participate in the delivery of training programs in laboratory animal science to the research community at UBC, as well as lower mainland biotechnology industry partners and ACS staff.
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.
Perform Other Related Tasks As Required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
This person must be willing to pay attention to details, be aware of pitfalls and be willing to repeat tasks if necessary. Most of the procedures will require following a protocol already in place; however, there is room for innovative thinking to improve upon existing protocols and provide input into the direction of the project. These positions are expected to exercise some initiative and judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems would be referred to supervisor. Incorrect decisions could result in deterioration of animal health, including mortality, and/or disruption or ruination of a research study. Inappropriate judgment exercised by the position may impact the success of the facility, leading to increased expenses and time loss. Inappropriate judgment concerning the use of controlled substances could lead to legal action against the university or revoking of provincial licenses currently held by the university veterinarians.
Supervision Received
Takes direction from the Project Coordinator. May also receive work instruction from Operations Managers or Clinical Veterinarians at each facility. Receives instructions during orientation, on subsequent new assignments, on changes in procedures, and on unusual problems or matters which are not covered under established SOP's and policies. Carries out familiar duties and responsibilities under general supervision.
Supervision Given
The incumbent may distribute work assignments to employees at lower classification levels and initiate new employees into routines, procedures, and operation of equipment. May instruct co-workers, researchers, and their staff in techniques and procedures; and ensure adherence to established SOP's and policies.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
B.Sc. degree in an animal related field and/or AHT diploma preferred. CALAS Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) or Registered Veterinary Technician preferred. High level of technical proficiency working with small animals in a research capacity. Be a certified trainer, or willing to be trained to be a certified facility trainer. A sound theoretical and working knowledge of the principles and practice of laboratory animal science.
Ability to work effectively independently in a team environment.
Ability to work weekends, evenings and statutory holidays.
Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.
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.
Ability to explain, assign and monitor work;
Ability to perform the physical demands of the job including: working in humid environments with varying temperatures; continuous exposure to animal dander, odours, excreta, dust, and noise, including potentially lethal pathogens, such as those of non-human primates; be able to walk and stand for extended periods, lift, carry, and move up to 25 kg objects over a distance; perform repetitive tasks; good manual dexterity, mobility, auditory, olfactory, and visual skills;
Ability to operate job-related equipment (e.g., anesthetic machines, radiography, fluoroscopy, cautery machines, anesthetic monitoring equipment, pulse oximeter, Doppler, IV fluid pumps, syringe pumps, EtCO2 monitor, ventilator, 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 effectively use software at a moderate level (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, MosaicVivarium);
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 communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner, both verbally and in writing;
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 develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships;
Ability to effectively resolve complaints and interpersonal conflict in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment; and
Ability to exercise tact and discretion.