Animal Transportation Technician

Staff - Union

Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Animal Transportation Technician Department Research Support | Centre for Comparative Medicine | Animal Care Services Compensation Range $29.27 - $31.92 CAD Hourly Posting End Date April 22, 2025

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

Job End Date

Full-time during training (6-8 weeks). Casual, on-call ongoing based on seniority, operational needs and availability of employee. Employee must provide a minimum of 1 shift per week availability. Shifts are not guaranteed.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary
This position is responsible for driving the Animal Care Services (ACS) vehicles to receive and deliver research animals, associated equipment, materials, and supplies for the UBC Animal Care & Use Program (ACUP), which encompasses all UBC & affiliated teaching hospital research facilities. The position requires specialized knowledge on the care and transport of live animals. When not engaged in driving duties, performs facility maintenance and general housekeeping duties.

Organizational Status

Works under the direction of the CCM Operations Manager and ACS Procurement Manager. Works closely with the ACS Business Team and ACS staff. Liaises with investigators and research teams at UBC and affiliated institutions. Contacts and works with external agencies such as specialty logistics providers and customs brokers.

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

1. Provides transport and delivery services of various laboratory animal species, equipment, supplies, and materials by:

- Operating transportation vehicles (van and/or truck) having automatic transmissions and step-up storage rear end.

- Transporting, delivering, and picking up laboratory research animals from the loading docks of both on and off-campus research facilities using established department safety routines, policies, and procedures. This can include restraining and handling various laboratory animal species ranging from 20g to 50kg.

- Transporting, delivering, and picking up research animals from destinations including but not limited to the Vancouver International Airport and regional specialty logistics providers.

- Monitoring, observing, and reporting health status of transported animals to ACS clinical veterinarians, researchers, and the appropriate supervisor.

- Transporting, delivering, and picking up equipment, supplies, food, bedding, and materials for biomedical research from research facilities and vendors in Metro Vancouver. This can include feed and bedding bags and animal cages.

- Communicating with customs brokers, airport personnel and courier staff in a professional manner.

- Contacting and liaising with relevant external and internal individuals of facilities and organizations in an effective, respectful manner, and provide feedback to the ACS Procurement Manager.

- Performing all routine fueling and maintenance procedures. Scheduling all non-routine repairs and maintenance.

- Reporting vehicle defects and unusual performance to Supervisor for timely repairs to be made.

- Interacting with the public which may include animal advocacy organizations and tactfully handling confrontational situations.

2. Contributes to a clean, safe, and productive work environment by:

- Cleaning and disinfecting transportation vehicles to maintain sanitary conditions. This includes mixing chemical cleansing agents and solutions (e.g. Virox) to sanitize and disinfect interior storage area of vehicle.

- Utilizing transportation equipment such as hand trucks to handle very heavy animal species, equipment, and supplies.

- Liaising with vehicle maintenance mechanics to solve vehicle issues.

- Maintaining and securing accurate documentation of goods received or shipped.

- Delivering administrative documents to various facilities on and off-campus.

- Picking up and paying for external supplies using UBC Purchase Card and forwarding receipts to ACS Finance team.

- Performing facility maintenance, general housekeeping and cleaning, cage processing.

- Report any safety concerns to the ACS Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC).

- Keeping abreast of developments in the field and participate in continuing education programs.

- Performing other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Inappropriate judgment exercised by this position may seriously impact the health and welfare of animals. This position handles confidential tasks in a highly detailed and regulated environment. Errors in judgment, ineffective communication or inappropriate action could negatively reflect on ACS and the University as a whole. Errors may impact the successful operation of ACS and may compromise scientific data. Errors in judgment may result in financial loss and damage to credibility of the department and the University.

Supervision Received
Works under general supervision; receives detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems.

Supervision Given
May oversee and direct the work of one or two employees at lower classifications in which case they are responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.

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.

- 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Current valid and subsisting BC Class 5 Driver’s License with clean driving record.

• Experience with commercial driving and making deliveries.

• Experience dealing with sensitive shipments, such as live animals.

• Knowledge of CCAC requirements.

• Knowledge of related UBC and Animal Care Committee policies and procedures.

• Willingness to complete required training courses, such as, but not limited to, Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) and the CCAC Online Ethics courses.

• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Ability to deal with customers and suppliers in a courteous and patient manner.

• Ability to exercise good judgment, initiative and discretion.

• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

• Ability to demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work toward consensus and resolve differences.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Able to lift up to 25 kg several times throughout the day and work in an environment that requires continuous bending, stooping, twisting, and turning.