Animal Technician

Animal Technician

The Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) is a unique research infrastructure complex of both analytical and field laboratories that encompasses all aspects of raising livestock on the Canadian Prairies. The LFCE provides researchers, faculty, students, producers, and the agriculture industry with an innovative, broad-based platform for research, teaching, and extension activities. Research at the LFCE focuses on the following key areas: cow-calf production; intensive livestock production; forage, pasture and grazing management; and, bison, cervid, and equine management, nutrition, and reproduction.

The LFCE is a leader in developing research, teaching, and technology transfer programs that provide the livestock and forage industries of Saskatchewan and beyond with new tools and techniques for healthy, sustainable, and competitive growth. The LFCE includes livestock facilities (Beef Cattle Research & Teaching Unit, Forage & Cow-Calf Research & Teaching Unit, and Goodale Research Farm), and a large base of forage production and grazing land all near Saskatoon, SK.

Primary Purpose: The purpose of the position is to perform a wide range of activities associated with the efficient functioning of the University of Saskatchewan Livestock & Forage Centre of Excellence.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Head of Operations, this position performs duties related to feeding, handling, and caring for livestock, forage processing, feed and manure handling, facility maintenance, and equipment maintenance and repair in all facilities within the Livestock & Forage Centre of Excellence. This position performs duties related to forage, bedding, and annual crop production. Assisting with research and student training is required. Work is performed independently with minimal supervision.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

1. Feed, handle and care for many types of livestock (Cows, calves, yearlings, bulls, feedlot cattle, bison, deer, and horses) under research and teaching conditions in accordance with the Canadian Council of Animal Care.
2. Provide care, oversight, and assistance as required to cows during calving and care for newborn calves.
3. Provide oversight of animal care and facility conditions in the metabolism barn in accordance with the Canadian Council of Animal Care.
4. Provide routine health care (e.g. monitor herd health, treatment, vaccination).
5. Adhere to research protocols, accurately collect and record data, and participate in the collection of all types of data and samples.
6. Operate tractors, wheel loaders, feed mixing wagons, skid steers, track hoe, and all other types of agricultural equipment.
7. Construct permanent and temporary fencing.
8. Roll barley and process forages and bedding as necessary.
9. Perform maintenance and repairs to ensure facilities and equipment are kept in good working order.
10. Perform all aspects of forage and annual crop production.
11. Assist students and researchers working with animals in the facilities and the metabolism barn with animal care, handling feed, equipment, and manure as required.
12. Receive and unload barley and other feed ingredients.
13. Purchase equipment, supplies, and services as required.
14. Provide leadership, supervision, and direction to student assistants.
15. Demonstrate proper animal handling techniques to students in all facilities.
16. Fabricate and build required equipment as necessary.
17. Adhere to Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
18. Facilitate and participate in undergraduate and graduate student teaching and extension events as required.
19. Perform other duties as assigned.

Education: A minimum of one year of relevant practical experience is required. Post-secondary education in a related field is considered an asset.

Licenses: Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. A class 5G driver’s license is an asset. Incumbent must be willing to obtain a class 5G license if they do not already possess one. A class 1A driver’s license is an asset.

Experience: Experience in the care and handling of beef cattle including pregnant and calving cows, newborn calves, bulls, yearlings, feeder, and slaughter cattle is required. Experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of various types of agricultural and construction equipment is required. Carpentry and welding experience is preferred; experience in collecting and recording research and production data is an asset; experience in the care and handling of bison is an asset.

Skills: Demonstrated competency in the care and husbandry of livestock and an understanding of humane animal care, health, and handling principles; accurate record-keeping skills; demonstrated proficiency in the operation, maintenance, and repair of all types of agricultural and construction equipment; reasonable welding and carpentry skills; ability to effectively interact, communicate, and get along with others; ability to effectively train students; self-motivated with the ability to work independently; possess a positive and collaborative attitude; willingness to take additional training and learn new skills; effective computer skills and ability to perform heavy physical labor.

Department: Livestock & Forage Centre of Excellence

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: CUPE 1975

Shift: 8:00AM - 4:30PM; 38 hours/week, weekends required

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $23.35 - 30.61 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Posted Date: 1/15/2025

Closing Date: 2/20/2025 at 6:00 pm CST

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Campus

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request.