Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is hiring a Veterinary Assistant (Full-time)

Are you looking for a role that will challenge you? If you answered yes, then this may be the job for you! Our Biology Research and Development Facility is looking for Veterinary Assistants! The Biology R&D Facility branch operates the Biological Research Facility (B524) which is a specific pathogen free laboratory rodent facility. B524 maintains a hospital level of cleanliness designed to provide a barrier to prevent the introduction of pathogens. We are looking for a keen, hardworking, responsible Veterinary Assistant to provide support to maintain facility cleanliness and support the veterinary team in successful execution of animal studies to meet our project commitments and maintain high-quality animal care. This role will primarily consist of animal husbandry activities, cage processing, procurement of supplies, and facility cleaning. The incumbent will report to the Animal Care Section Head.

What will you be doing!
• Responsible for changing cages, water bottles, and enrichment devices for laboratory animals (mice and rats) to include physically moving animals from dirty cages into clean cages.
• Bringing the cages to the respective cage wash area and dumping the dirty cages utilizing a bedding disposal unit. Loading dumped cages and cage accessories onto washing racks and completing the disinfection via the cage washing process. Operation of a cage washer.
• Unloading washed cages and refilling with appropriate (type and volume) of clean bedding materials. Storage of washed/disinfected items for re-use. Procuring items related to laboratory animal projects, such as (but not limited to) bedding, food, enrichment, scrubs, surgical consumables.
• Maintaining an appropriate inventory of ordered/commonly used items and ensuring supply storage locations are stocked within animal housing zones and cage wash areas.
• Assisting veterinary technologists and veterinarians during examinations, treatments, and procedures, when required.
• Supporting veterinary technologists in successful preparation and execution of animal studies (e.g. labelling collection containers, recording data collected by technologists, procedure room set up, wrapping sterile packs for autoclaving, etc.).
• Cleaning common areas such as hallways, storage rooms, procedure rooms, animal housing rooms, and cage washing areas to maintain our specific pathogen barrier.
• Disposal of facility and study specific waste following guidance from Animal Care Section Head.
• Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What we are looking for :
• Education
• High school diploma, with additional education.
• Certification in Veterinary Assisting or animal care is required.
• Experience
• Experience in a research setting is considered an asset.
• Experience in performing animal husbandry (cage changing, washing, etc.) is essential.
• Experience in maintaining facility disinfection protocols and preparation of disinfecting solutions is required.
• Experience in inventory control (FIFO, minimum stock volumes) and procurement is required.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Basic understanding of animal physiology, behavior, and husbandry practices.
• Knowledge of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines with respect to animal husbandry
• Previous experience working with, and handling animals is required.
• Commitment to the humane and ethical treatment of animals.
• Independent.
• Detail oriented.
• Motivated.
• Ability to work alone or as part of a team is desired.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Security Clearance Eligibility Required
• Reliability Status with Site Access Security Clearance (SASC), which has aminimum requirement of 3 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screeningin accordance withthe Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's "Standard on Security Screening" and the "Policy on Government Security."

Working Conditions :
• Moderate physical activity is required in this job: moving 20kg bags of feed and bedding on a regular basis.
• Spending much of the day in the standing position, repetitive movements when changing, dumping, and filling cages of animals.
• Animal bites can occur when animals are improperly handled.
• Some jobs require the wear of personal protective equipment including a respirator for periods of time.
• This job is on-site, working out of the Biological Research Facility (B524, CRL).
• Ability to work in a windowless, quiet environment without much social interaction is essential.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Much of the working environment is quiet and semi-isolated

Why CNL?

Does working with a team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world speak to you?We'rereinventing ourselves to be the pacesetters so we can lead the charge in solving the problems that matter, like building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy solutions, developing new and better-targeted cancer treatments, and continuing to lead the world in environmental remediation.

We offer a complete total rewards package :
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, floater & personal);
• Benefitseffective day one, that's right, no waiting period;
• Tuition support
• and a pension!

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?
• Clean energy for today and tomorrow.
• Restore and protect the Environment.
• Contribute to the health of Canadians.

Location :

This role is a fully onsite role that requires the employee to primarily work atCNL's Chalk River Laboratorysite, with only occasional opportunities to work remotely, if desired by the employee.CNL's Chalk River laboratory is nestled in the Ottawa Valley and affords our employees an area that is environmentally pristine with extensive forests, hills and numerous small lakes, all of which support a variety of wildlife typical to the southern edge of theCanadian Shield. Many surrounding towns, such as Pembroke, Petawawa, and Deep River, provide you with unparalleled outdoor adventures at your doorstep!

CNL is committed to providing an atmosphere free from barriers that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in achieving our mission. CNL welcomes and celebrates employees, stakeholders and partners of all racial, cultural, and ethnic identities. Read here further on our DE&I Commitment.

CNL also supports a workplace environment and a corporate culture that is built on our Core Values: Respect, Teamwork, Accountability, Safety, Integrity and Excellence which encourage equitable employment practices and career prospects inclusive of accommodations for all employees.

CNL is committed to being an equal-opportunity employer. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please indicate via our ATS when applying. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.

The Chalk River Laboratories site is located on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. As an organization, CNL recognizes and appreciates their historic connection to this place. CNL also recognizes the contributions that First Nations, Metis, Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and this province and country as a whole.

#LI-ONSITE
Employment Type: Full-Time