CLASS SPECIFICATION
Animal Technician 4
Revision Date:
July 2008
Classification:
Unit:
Hay Point Range:
Animal Technician 4
AESES
329-399
CHARACTER OF THE JOB
Incumbents at this level are responsible for managing all aspects of operations of an animal
holding facility or centrally governed function.
Incumbents at this level would be responsible for ensuring the U of M is meeting it’s regulatory
requirements with respect to animal care. Four examples might include 1) The mandatory
laboratory animal care and use program, ensuring that all personal who have contact with
animals are knowledgeable and competent with both the species to be used as well as the basic
methodologies used in any research or teaching program. 2) The Post Approval Monitoring
program, ensuring personnel are adhering to approved protocols. 3) The health of research
animals program, ensuring biosecurity, herd health and individual health and safety of all
animals. 4) Oversight of in house colonies of genetically modified rodents including phenotype
monitoring.
Incumbents may be responsible for the supervision of staff and students throughout the
University with respect to the University’s responsibilities to meet applicable requirements or
may manage and supervise department animal colony laboratories and surgical suites.
Employees at this level may be required to work weekends, evenings and holidays on a rotating
basis.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 Responsible for the continual development and management of the Animal User Training
Program
 Refines course content, updates the material, processes registrations, assigns course material
and issues certificates
 Conducts hands on training sessions (wet labs) on a monthly basis
 Responsible for all operations, maintenance scheduling and supervision of research for animal
holding facilities, including the breeding colony program
 Ensures animal care meets Canadian Council on Animal Care standards
 Writes and submits required protocol for animal breeding colonies
 Instructs Undergrad and Grad students in the maintenance and proper handling of experimental
animals
 Required to obtain knowledge of and comply with safety policies applicable to the workplace
 Inspects animal care facilities and laboratories to ensure a high standard of animal health and
welfare
 Inspects activities of animal care personnel, researchers and their staff to ensure protocol
adherence
 Performs other related duties as required or assigned
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
The minimum qualifications necessary for acceptable (satisfactory) job performance are:
Level of Formal Education
 Bachelor of Science or graduation from a recognized community college program in a directly
related study area, including practical experience, plus 4-5 years of directly related experience.
- or  Some holding facilities have as a requirement for their positions current standing as either a
Registered Laboratory Animal Technician or a Registered Laboratory Animal Technician
(Research) with the Canadian Association of Laboratory Animal Science, or an acceptable
equivalent certificate of training.
Experience
An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Must
have experience with government applications and regulation processes regarding animals. Must
have recent experience applying Canadian Counsel on Animal Care guidelines.
Skills and Abilities
 Ability to plan, organize and supervise.
 Ability to perform specialized animal surgery.
 Ability to communicate effectively with researchers, staff and others.
 Patience and humane feelings toward animals.
 Ability to instruct and train staff and students in proper handling of experimental animals.
Physical Requirements
 No allergies to animals or cleaning solutions.
 Moderate to heavy lifting may be required.
 Capable of performing the duties as assigned.
Other Job Related Requirements
 Humane treatment of all animals at all time must be a guiding principle. Must have an
understanding of the ethical questions involved in using animals for research, and have
thorough knowledge of the CCAC and University guidelines and policies regarding the use of
animals in research.
This class specification is intended to illustrate the characteristics of this classification level and
should not be interpreted as a description of any one individual position within this classification
level.