Animal Technician

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

When you apply to this selection process, you are not applying for a specific job, but to an inventory for future vacancies. As positions become available, applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted for further assessment.

Work environment

The Veterinary Technical Services Section at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg provides ethical and safe use of laboratory animals in the areas of animal housing, veterinary nursing care, performance of medical techniques, and support systems. This core service enables the research and diagnostic activities of the Canadian Science Centre of Human and Animal Health. In accommodating the small animal procedures of client programs, the facility contributes to the development of knowledge and technologies that strengthen the capacity to detect and respond to infectious disease threats in Canada and internationally on a day-to-day basis or in an outbreak scenario. We are seeking an individual to fill the position of Veterinary Technologist. You will be amongst a team of staff working at the forefront of science in Containment Level II and Containment Level III Animal Facilities.

Intent of the process

The immediate intent of this inventory is to staff one term position in Winnipeg (Manitoba). Once met, the intent is to create and maintain an inventory of candidates to fill a variety of positions across the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML).

Applicants may be referred for one or more opportunities through call-outs sent directly through this inventory if they meet the needs of the position identified for staffing. Only those candidates referred will be contacted. Given that your application may be accessed at any point, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible and responding to call-outs that match your experience and interest as they arise. The first pull may be as early as October 18th, 2021.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Education:
Graduate with post-secondary diploma or certificate for a minimum 2 year course program in the animal health technology (Veterinary Technologist) field from a recognized technical college,
OR
an undergraduate animal science degree from a recognized post secondary institution, with extensive (5 years) animal experience will be considered.

Degree equivalency

Experience
E1: Experience in animal nursing care, health, behavior and handling of a variety of animal species.
E2: Experience in anesthetizing various animal species via inhalation and injectable methods.
E3: Experience in collecting animal samples such as blood and tissues, performing injections by various routes on multiple species.
E4: Experience in a variety of software applications, including Microsoft Windows Office applications (Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint).

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Asset Education:
CALAS certificate as a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician or equal certificate from a recognized post-secondary program

Degree equivalency

Asset Experience:
AE1: Experience in working in a barrier/ containment animal facility or laboratory with specialized air systems to support negative/positive pressure gradients and climate control.
AE2: Experience working with conventional and non-conventional laboratory animals such as mice (including immune-compromised), guinea pigs and ferrets.
AE3: Experience working with Non-Human Primate.

Operational Requirements:
OR1: Must be able to conduct extra duty work on a weekend rotational schedule and occasional evening work to ensure proper animal care.
OR2: Must be physically able to safely carry 20 lbs for a minimum of 15 feet.
OR3: Must be willing to participate in mandatory training such a Respect in the Workplace, WHMIS, TDG, First – Aid/ CPR/ AED and spill trainings.

Organizational Needs:
The Public Health Agency of Canada is committed to Employment Equity. In order to ensure a diversified workforce, preference may be given to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one or more of the following Employment Equity groups: aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minority groups provided the candidates meets all essential qualifications listed on the job opportunity notice and any applicable asset qualifications(s).

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

Knowledge:
K1: Knowledge of various decontamination techniques for medical waste.
K2: Knowledge and understanding of CCAC guidelines pertaining to small laboratory animals.

Competencies:
C1: Demonstrating integrity and respect
C2: Thinking things through
C3: Working effectively with others
C4: Showing initiative and being action-oriented

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Asset Knowledge:
AK1: Knowledge and understanding of Biosafety Guideline for Containments Level 2 and 3.

Asset Competency:
AC1: Biomedical Investigation and Intervention: Relates to the methods and techniques of animal science, including those for: the conduct of laboratory research, experimentation, testing and record keeping while in compliance with quality assurance standards.
AC2: Health, Safety and Security: Relates to the maintenance and operation of personal protective equipment to minimize risks when handling potentially hazardous chemicals, biologicals and animals.

Asset Abilities:
AA1: Ability to assist with or conduct minor animal surgical procedures.
AA2: Ability to run specialized animal monitoring equipment (Blood Pressure, Pulse oximeter, etc).
AA3: Ability to conduct laboratory assays such as CBC, Electrolytes, PCV, X-ray, fecal floatation etc.

Conditions of employment

CE1: Security Clearance: Reliability or Secret Security Clearance
CE2: Medical Clearance
CE3: Willingness and ability to participate in the Medical Surveillance Program (Occupational Health) which may require certain vaccinations and medical clearances to work in the animal facility(ies)
CE4: Willingness and Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment as part of the mitigation measures indicated in Risk Assessments associated with containment level(s) and Animal Use Documents

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

The Public Health Agency is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce that comprises individuals who have an array of identities, abilities, background, culture, skills, perspectives, and experiences that are representative of Canada’s current and evolving population. We are passionate about fostering a workplace where all people feel welcome, can reach their full potential, and contribute their unique perspectives and experience to the success of the team.

BRING YOUR WHOLE SELF TO WORK

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex (including gender identity and/or expression), national origin, sexual orientation, civil union or relationship status, disability, age, parental status, military service, or other status protected under federal law.

To submit an application on-line, please click on the button "Apply online" below.
Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

All communication received from candidates throughout the staffing process may be used to assess qualifications on the Statement of Merit Criteria.
Acknowledgment of receipt of applications will not be sent; we will contact candidates when the screening process is completed.

Candidates should be prepared to provide proof of education (copy of degree/diploma).

Reference checks may be sought.
A written examination may be administered.
An interview may be administered.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Give yourself the best chance to succeed! As the objective of this process is to assess qualifications needed for the position(s) to be staffed, let us know if you have a functional limitation/ disability, which may affect your performance. For example, contact us if you need assistance in completing and submitting your application. Should you then proceed to the next assessment stage, such as an exam or interview, we will send you an e-mail with additional information on the assessment format so that you can determine if you may require an accommodation (such as a different test format, an adaptive technology, or additional time). Assessment accommodations are designed to remove the obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so candidates with functional limitations can fully demonstrate their abilities. You may also review jobs open to the public through INFOTEL at 1-800-645-5605. The INFOTEL number for persons using a TTY/TDD is 1-800-532-9397.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.