Position Title: Animal and Plant Care Technician
Department: Faculty of Science
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent
Classification: NSGEU Band 4
Hourly Range: $20.81 - 25.44 (35 hours/week)
Posting Date: April 30, 2025
Closing Date: May 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM AST

Position Description

The Animal and Plant Care Technician is supervised by the Senior Animal Care Technician, and is responsible for the regular care of the Animal Care Facility, greenhouse maintenance, and supervision of the student assistant. The individual must be able to deliver a high standard of animal care in accordance to Canada Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and provincial regulations for all teaching and research needs of the University.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily check of all aspects of the Animal Care Facility (ACF). Includes individual animal health, water quality, all equipment in operation in the ACF and any building systems that are critical to the ACF's environmental parameters.
• Animal Care: Feeding and watering of animals. Administration of treatments when necessary. Humanely destroying animals when and if necessary.
• Cleaning: Cleaning and disinfecting animal cages, aquariums, equipment and holding areas as needed. Domestic cleaning of the ACF. Domestic cleaning of the greenhouse.
• Monitoring food and supplies inventories. Updating charts as necessary. Collecting data for the annual animal use inventory.
• Greenhouse: Daily check of the greenhouse, watering plants in accordance to individual species' needs, and all other plant care as directed. Includes transplanting, pruning, fertilizing, propagating, pest and disease control.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Lab Animal Sciences, Animal Care Technician, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Experience with warm and cold water fish husbandry
• Experience with tropical plant care
• Excellent time management skills
• Work well unsupervised
• Commitment to learn and comply with all ACF Standard Operating procedures
• Ability to observe and document details
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work an alternative work schedule that includes some holidays and weekends
• Occasionally lifting 25-50 lbs; exposure to chemicals, dust and noise

To apply for this opportunity, click the "Apply Now" button and upload your cover letter, resume and references.

StFX is located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People.

Our institution is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous persons (especially Mi'kmaq), racialized persons (especially African Nova Scotians), persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+ and any others who would contribute to the diversity of our community. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

We are also committed to the elimination of barriers to participation for persons with disabilities. Should you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact People and Culture at [email protected] or 902-867-5038.

About St. Francis Xavier University

Established in 1853, St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) is consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada. StFX exceeds the needs of today's undergraduates by providing the very best academic experience -- outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, and global exchanges -- all within Canada's most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. Here, the focus is on the academic and personal development of every student, making community and social engagement a large part of the learning experience. Our students are academically strong and highly engaged in every aspect of life, determined to make a positive impact on the world.

In 2022, Maclean's annual university rankings put StFX #1 in student satisfaction and #2 in reputation across Canada in the primarily undergraduate category. For more, visit www.stfx.ca.

About Antigonish, Nova Scotia

The beautiful and historic town of Antigonish is located within the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia. Only a 15-minute drive from the ocean and a two-hour drive to major urban centres, Antigonish is a family-friendly community with a diverse and growing population and provides access to excellent education at all levels. The town is surrounded by rolling countryside and beautiful beaches and is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, sports and other active lifestyle activities. Antigonish supports a vibrant culture in the arts with music, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, and fabulous festivals happening throughout the year. For more information visit www.townofantigonish.ca or www.visitantigonish.ca.