Animal Science Technician

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Part-time employment opportunity available at Macdonald Campus Farm, located in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue.

[24 hours per week - Non standard schedule, see below]

Position Summary:
Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, Performs technical and animal health duties in a dairy facility used for teaching and research.   Participates in projects and experiments. Administers medications. Acts as resource person. Maintains records. Maintains equipment.

Non standard schedule (8 hours per day). 

• Monday & Friday: Evening Shift, 1:00pm - 10:00pm
• 1 weekend flex shift (Saturday OR Sunday): 5:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m
• Schedule may be changed in accordance with collective agreement

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs technical duties related to animal husbandry.  
• 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 at 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. 
• The list of duties and responsibilities outlined above is representative and not a complete and detailed list of tasks which may be performed by an employee whose position has been matched to this generic job description.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

• Must be willing to work, occasionally, on statutory holidays and above 24 hours per week when necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to handle large farm animals and to operate equipment.  Demonstrated knowledge of animal husbandry and reproduction practices in dairy cattle. 
• Demonstrated ability to feed, milk and care for dairy cattle, recognize signs of ill health and to administer prescribed treatments. 
• Ability to assist cows at calving and apply protocol for newborn calves.  Ability to instruct others on work methods. 
• Must be able to perform very strenuous physical duties, including climbing ladders, repetitive bending/crouching, pushing or pulling large objects, and lifting/carrying heavy weights (up to 50 lbs.) or more. 
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and attention to detail. 
• Must be self-motivated and able to work alone and in a team environment.  Basic computer and math skills. 
• 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 (Advanced) for verbal, and a level 2 (intermediate) for written, on a scale of 0-4.
• Knowledge of French: Intermediate level for verbal proficiency

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

IMPORTANT: 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.

Minimum Education and Experience:

DEC III - Animal Health Technology 2 Years Related Experience /

Hourly Salary:

(MUNACA Level F) $29.42 - $36.46

Hours per Week:

24 (Part time)

Supervisor:

General-Manager Campus Farm

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2026-02-11

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].