Job Title: Animal Health Laboratory Technician and Biological Safety Officer (Replacement)
Job Category: Support
Department: Academic Sector
Services: Faculty of Science and Technology
Immediate Supervisor: Carl Beaulieu
Contract Length: Until June 30, 2027, or until the return of incumbent
Work Location: Vanier College
External posting start date: August 19, 2026
External posting end date & time September 1, 2026 at 17:00
Salary scale: $27.75 - $37.04
Expected start date: September 21, 2026
Job Description:
Reporting to the Assistant Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, the Animal Health Laboratory Technician and Biosafety Officer performs supervision and evaluation of laboratory work, administrative functions related to the Animal Health Technology Pedagogical Clinic (AHTPC), and addresses the needs and maintains the Biosafety standards throughout the college.
More specifically, but not limited to, the Animal Health Laboratory Technician and Biosafety Officer completes tasks in the following areas.
Operates, supervises, and ensures the maintenance of the Animal Health Technology (AHT) laboratories:
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Sets up laboratory equipment and prepares laboratories, in collaboration with the teachers;
- Collects specimens;
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Demonstrates, monitors, instructs, and evaluates the students;
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Cares for all animals used in the laboratories according to guidelines and standards, such as the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC);
- Provides guidance to students for the care of animals and the maintenance of the AHT facilities;
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Organizes, trains, and supervises students for ‘Duty Week’ and other AHT activities;
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Trains and supervises student employees and ensures administrative tasks are completed for hiring and payment;
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Assists with the selection of equipment and ensures its proper use;
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Calibrates and maintains equipment, lab tools, and other teaching aids and arranges for repairs and maintenance;
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Maintains and updates inventory and prepares purchase, work order, and other requisitions;
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Liaises with other college departments and external suppliers;
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Demonstrates and ensures that health and safety practices are maintained in the laboratories and animal facilities;
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Arranges for animals to be available for student interactions and interventions;
- Maintains client records and files and processes payments for the Animal Health Technology Pedagogical Clinic;
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Works collaboratively with other Laboratory Technicians and helps supervise and train less experienced personnel;
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Participates in departmental and college committees and activities.
Coordinates the schedule and maintenance of the Animal Health Technology Pedagogical Clinic (AHTPC):
- Monitors, responds, and follows-up with voice and web inquiries for the AHTPC, schedules appointments for the Clinic, keeps records and agenda up to date, coordinates activities of the AHTPC with teachers and technicians, etc.;
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Maintains client records and files and processes payments for the Clinic;
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Works with the Finance Department to maintain records, reconciles invoices (Logivet) with services rendered, accounts receivable, deposits, etc. and implements new accounting policies & procedures, as required;
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Handles payment transactions for student activities (dosimeters, DOVE videos, nametags, rabies vaccines, etc.);
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Maintains inventory of consumable supplies and prepares purchase requisitions;
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Completes financial reports, budget analysis, and forecasting of AHTPC and department activities;
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Coordinates and tracks departmental expenditures.
Acts as Vanier College’s licensed Biosafety Officer:
- Develops biosafety documentation, training, and standards for Vanier College in compliance with the Canadian Biosafety Standard guidelines;
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Verifies the accuracy and completeness of license applications, pathogen import permit applications, and transfer applications for the movement of materials;
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Communicates with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC);
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Assists in the development and maintenance of a Vanier College Biosafety Manual and standard operating procedures (SOPs);
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Assists with internal investigations of incidents;
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Trains staff (technicians, teachers, receiving personnel, cleaners, security, etc.) on required biosafety and biosecurity measures and maintains training records;
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Verifies, reports, and maintains Vanier College’s Biosafety license in good standing and compliance;
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Coordinates meetings of the Vanier College Biosafety Committee and maintains biosafety and biosecurity records;
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Liaises with Health and Safety Committee and other college committees and personnel;
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Completes Risk Assessments of Biosafety and Biosecurity areas throughout the college;
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Verifies physical locations of Biosafety Level 2 Containment Laboratories.
Other related tasks which fall within the scope of the classification of this position may be assigned.
Schedule: Monday to Friday - schedule to be determined each semester (35 hours/week)
Contract: Until June 30, 2027, or until the return of the incumbent to their position
Classification: Technicienne ou technicien en travaux pratiques (Laboratory Technician)
Qualifications:
- Diploma of College Studies (DEC) in Animal Health Technology or related field, or a diploma or attestation of studies which is recognized as equivalent by the competent authority.
Conditions related to the specific position
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Eligibility to obtain a license from Public Health Agency of Canada for a Biosafety Program (Background Check).
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Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) certification or equivalent (an asset);
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At least two (2) years of pertinent experience (an asset);
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Strong English and French oral and written competencies (to be tested);
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Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and Excel (to be tested);
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Experience with veterinary clinic procedures and laboratory animal procedures;
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with strong ability to deal with the public;
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Ability to learn and use specialized software, namely Logivet;
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Established ability to work effectively as a team member and to collaborate with colleagues, patrons, and students;
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Ability to work independently and maintain safety precautions and standards;
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Knowledge of office procedures and practices;
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Ability to triage which clients will be accepted in the Animal Health Technology Pedagogical Clinic;
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Knowledge of Biosafety and Biosafety standards and procedures, and willingness to develop professionally in this area.
