Animal Science Technician

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Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Farm General Manager, performs technical and animal husbandry duties related to housing, maintenance, experimental use and breeding of animals. Participates in projects and experiments. Administers medications. Acts as resource person. Maintains records. Maintains equipment.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administers treatments to dairy animals, including injections, intra-mammary infusions, oral drenches and topical ointments.

• Observes herd for signs of estrus, ailments and injuries. Records all treatments and animal events on log sheet.

• Regularly transfers data from log sheets into computer using DSA Laitier and DelPro software.

• Collects data for research trials and ensures accuracy of records.

• Liaises with Animal Science Coordinator (Dairy) to ensure tasks are done to expected standards and to review herd health performance.

• Works with Dairy team and Coordinator to ensure that all LCQ/CQM protocols are followed.

• Operates the milking equipment on a regular shift along with another team member, ensuring proper procedures are followed to ensure udder health and high quality milk.

• Checks milking equipment regularly to ensure it is clean and functioning properly – makes small repairs when needed and informs AS Coordinator immediately when more complicated maintenance is required.

• Cleans calf pens and maternity pens, removes manure from beneath cows, distributes bedding, scrapes gutter grates, sweeps floors, washes walls, pipeline and barn floors and any other equipment requiring cleaning.

• Operates manure pump and alley scrapers, as well as ventilation fans.

• Operates motorized feed carts to distribute feed to animals.

• Prepares milk replacer and feeds to calves, distributes calf grain and hay as per Farm protocols, monitors calves for signs of illness and poor appetite.

• Assists cows at calving and follows post-partum protocols.

• Liaises directly with veterinarian on problem calvings during evening shifts. Responsible for dairy while working evening shifts.

• Acts as autonomous resource person on the late shift (all other specialized resources being “on call”).

• Trains new personnel, demonstrates techniques to students and assists with tours of visitors, school groups, alumni etc.

• Assist with field work when needed.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

• DEC III in Farm Management Technology or Animal Health Technology (Preferred)

• Demonstrated ability to handle large farm animals and operate farm equipment

• Strong knowledge of animal husbandry and reproductive practices in dairy cattle

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions

• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Basic computer and math skills

• Ability to perform strenuous physical duties, including; Climbing ladder, Repetitive bending and crouching, Pushing and pulling large objects, Lifting and carrying heavy weights (50 lbs or more)

• Bilingual; English (level 3) & French

• May include weekends, with participation in a rotating on-call schedule

• Occasional work on statutory holidays

• Overtime may be required as needed

• Drivers licenses (Mandatory)

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)

• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)

• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)

• Competitive vacation policy

• Two (2) personal days

• Two (2) floating holidays

• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day

• Paid time off over the December holiday period

• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents

• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #3 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Hourly Salary:

Hours per Week:

Supervisor:

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].