Animal Technician, College of Agriculture & Bioresources

University of Saskatchewan • Full-time • Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada • USD $ 23 - USD $ 30 / hour • 1w ago

Animal Technician, College of Agriculture & Bioresources

Primary Purpose: To perform tasks associated with the care and maintenance of the University’s poultry flocks which are used for research and teaching purposes and are housed at the Poultry Research & Teaching Unit.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Animal Technician Supervisor or Unit Manager, this position will assist with the day-to-day care and maintenance of poultry stocks at the Poultry Research & Teaching Unit. Work is performed independently and with minimal supervision. Duties may involve heavy lifting and heavy physical labour. Working in a facility with animals, the incumbent is exposed to animal dander, feed, bedding dust, waste, and unpredictable animal behavior. Irregular hours of work are required, including weekends, unsocial hours and overtime during peak times throughout the year. When working with research trials, a high degree of care and attention to detail is required, as is strict adherence to protocols.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Work includes manual tasks related to bird care and maintenance (e.g. feeding, watering, handling) in accordance with the Canadian Council of Animal Care; monitoring barn environmental quality using computerized controls; accurate collection and recording of data (e.g. egg numbers and quality, weight and feed intake); routine health care to flocks (e.g. monitor flock health, vaccination, euthanasia); compliance with all biosecurity, equipment use, and animal care protocols; operation of heavy equipment such as tractors, skid-steers, manure spreaders and trucks; demonstrating bird handling and other procedures to students; yard work; daily cleaning and barn cleanouts; assistance in other Animal and Poultry Science Farm units; and other duties as assigned.

Education: Post-high school training, such as a Diploma in Agriculture, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses: Must hold and maintain a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Experience: Recent experience with poultry care and handling required. Experience in the operation of a variety of heavy agricultural equipment and computer literacy is preferred. Experience in a research environment would be an asset.

Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in care and husbandry of poultry and an understanding of humane bird care, bird health and handling principles; ability to operate farm equipment; strong attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to interact and communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, researchers, students and to cooperate and compromise as part of a team; ability to effectively train students; self-motivated with the ability to work independently; basic computer skills; willingness to take additional training and learn new skills; and the ability to perform heavy physical labour. Applicants must not be allergic to poultry or dust.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Jocelyn Fournier at 639-999-8718.

Department: Animal Science Farms
Status: Term 6 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: CUPE 1975
Shift: Monday - Friday 8;00 am - 4:30 pm, but irregular hours of work are required, including weekends, unsocial hours and overtime during peak times throughout the year.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $23.35 - 30.61 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Facility Services
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 4
Posted Date: 1/21/2026
Closing Date: 2/25/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resourcesfor assistance.