Chief Animal Science Technician

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Position Summary:
Under the direction of the General-Manager, oversees the day-to-day running of the feed-room area in the Dairy complex.  Oversees the operation and maintenance of all equipment including motorized carts, silos and conveyors, manure systems (liquid and solid), and ventilation and milking systems. Collaborates with the Animal Science Coordinator and the nutritionist to determine various rations for the dairy herd. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

- Remains available to be on a regular on-call rotation to address feed and feed room operations with staff after hours and on week-ends. 

- Assigns tasks, trains staff in the operation of the feed room (e.g. preparation and feeding of rations, operation of equipment, routine maintenance), monitors progress and verifies work of several casual employees working on different schedules over 7 days per week.  Provides ongoing technical guidance and instruction on work methods, diet formulation, and feeding procedures.  Monitors feed inventory; prepares feed requirement forecasts; orders bagged & bulk feeds, & bedding.  Participates in certain physically demanding tasks such as filling and sealing silos, loading/unloading hay, straw, wood and paper bedding. 

- Prepares feed rations for herd, or monitors rations preparation, feed quality, distribution to animals in accordance with schedule and prescribed quantities.   Provides support with research projects, at times with requirements to feed special diets, collect samples, examine and/or move animals, modify installations and accurately record data according to protocol. 

- Monitors body condition of dairy herd, including lactating cows, dry cows and heifers.  Oversees management of pastures, including timely rotation of animals, fence maintenance, water and irrigation system and weed control.  Trains, assigns tasks, verifies the work of Animal Care Assistants carrying out rotational grazing and organizing pastures and irrigation system over 7 days per week from May to November. 

- Conducts teaching labs for degree and diploma classes on topics such as ration formulation, feed storage, body condition scoring and monitoring, dehorning, and manure, ventilation and feeding systems.  Participates in instruction and training of student interns, and verifies their work with a written evaluation. 

- Performs technical duties related to animal husbandry such as administration of medications, monitoring animal health, assisting with calving's, moving and restraining cows, routine animal care, various daily chores (sweeping, cleaning pens, replacing bedding, and milking when needed).  Assists with field work when needed.  

- Oversees general maintenance of equipment in the Dairy unit.   Implements a regular maintenance schedule for equipment and maintains records of maintenance/repairs done.  Inspects and ensures functioning of equipment in milk house (e.g. pipeline, milking machines, bulk tank, compressors, containers of cleaning solutions and sanitizers), pumps, ventilation fans, silos, conveyors, feed carts, skid steer etc.   Operates equipment in the unit (feed carts, silo unloaders, skid steer, loader tractor, pressure washing equipment, etc.). 

- Remains familiar with Dairy SOPs and ensures adherence to safety and waste management procedures. 

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

Driver’s license is mandatory. 

Bilingual French and English (Level 3).  

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

• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

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.
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 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience:

DEC III - Animal Health Technology 3 Years Related Experience / DEC III - Farm Management Technology

Hourly Salary:

(MUNACA Level G) $31.19 - $38.65

Hours per Week:

40 (Full time)

Supervisor:

General-Manager Campus Farm

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2026-04-09

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].