Animal Transportation Technician

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Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

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 Description 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, 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, general housekeeping duties.

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.

Organizational Status

Reports to the ACS Procurement Manager. 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.

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 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.

• 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.

• 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 and 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.

• Sitting on the CCM Safety Committee as a member.

• 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 the direction of the Operations Manager and ACS Administration Manager.

Supervision Given

May instruct laboratory animal technicians in appropriate methods of shipping, receiving, and delivery.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute.Completion of online Ethics Training Requirements of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC)/National Institutional Animal User Training Program (NIAUT).Minimum of 3 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.Experience with commercial driving and making deliveries. Experience dealing with sensitive shipments, such as live animals. - Certification in Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG).

• A current valid and subsisting BC Class 5 Driver s License with clean driving record.
• Knowledge of CCAC requirements.
• Knowledge of related UBC and Animal Care Committee policies and procedures.
• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• The ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25kg.
• Ability to operate cage and tunnel washers.
• Ability to operate laundry washers and dryers.
• 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.
• Sound analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to work toward consensus and resolve differences.