Animal Lab Specialist

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: Level P, $32.96 – $35.29 per hour (Step 1, 2, or 3 of the salary grid; starting rate will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.)

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.

About Us

ACVS supports researchers in their quest to discover solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, while ensuring the highest standards of ethics and care in animal-based science.

Responsibilities

The Animal Lab Specialist (Sick Animal Response Technician) serves as the first responder to sick animals within Western’s campus-wide Animal Care facilities, in accordance with the Animal Ethics and Care Program (AECP) policies and procedures. The role works closely with Institutional Veterinarians, Animal Care Facility Managers and Supervisors, Principal Investigators, research staff, and Animal Care Technicians to coordinate case follow-up, maintain accurate records, and ensure clear and timely communication.

In support of the Institutional Animal User Training Program (IATUP), the Specialist provides coaching to animal users, demonstrating treatments and technical procedures and tailoring recommendations to align with approved Animal Use Protocols (AUPs). This role also contributes to Veterinary Services-Research Support by performing animal care and technical duties in compliance with all relevant guidelines and by helping ensure staff and students are appropriately trained and qualified.

As a member of ACVS, the role consistently demonstrates compassion for research animals, strong attention to detail, adaptability, sound judgment, effective teamwork, clear communication, and discretion in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate from a recognized Veterinary Technician Program
• Maintained Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) designation in Ontario – Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT)
• Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT); completed or in progress (within 2 years of hire) is preferred

Experience:

• 2 years of experience working as a registered veterinary technician
• 2 years of recent experience providing animal health professional care to a variety of laboratory animal species

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Familiarity with animal “normals” for a variety of animal species
• Demonstrated ability to provide timely and consistent animal health professional care to research animals that align with regulatory and institutional requirements
• Demonstrated understanding of and appropriate response to non-normal animal conditions for both small and large research animal species
• Demonstrated ability to follow SAR procedures and SAR algorithms
• Demonstrated ability to administer treatments to sick animals in a timely and appropriate fashion
• Demonstrated ability to continually assess and prioritize sick animal cases
• Verbal communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience
• Written communication skills and the ability to write clear and precise procedural documentation
• Demonstrated ability to effectively restrain both small and large research animal species
• Influential interpersonal skills that build positive and strong relationships with all stakeholders
• Proven ability to work successfully in a team environment (e.g., supportive of team members, active contributor to team goal setting and achievement)
• Demonstrated ability to identify and thoroughly investigate issues and collaboratively resolve problems using sound judgment, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple tasks and set appropriate priorities in a fast-paced, quickly changing setting involving frequent interruptions
• Ability to adapt to changes and resilience in the face of roadblocks and setbacks
• Proven attention to detail, organizational and multi-tasking skills with demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records
• Ability to maintain a high degree of diplomacy, composure and confidentiality
• Ability to assess current processes and protocols and make recommendations for improvement
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s activities
• Ability to follow formal business practices with high attention to detail
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite; proficiency with email communications and Excel spreadsheets, and basic database entry
• Demonstrated ability take initiative, to work independently and follow through on work assignments
• Ability to interact professionally with students, staff, faculty, and other members of the University community
• Ability to ensure a safe environment by identifying, resolving and reporting safety hazards
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred

Union Statement

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university’s policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Background Checks

Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce a current police information record check(s) from a police service prior to commencing employment.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

Interested applicants are asked to visit: https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #41951 by 11:59PM on April 12, 2026.

This position is an existing vacancy. AI is not used in the selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Tagged as: calas, rlat, RVT