Laboratory And Field Technician

POULTRY HEALTH SERVICES LTD.

FULL TIME LABORATORY/FIELD TECHNICIAN

Permanent position required for veterinary consulting practice in Airdrie, AB.

ABOUT POULTRY HEALTH SERVICES LTD.:

Poultry Health Services is a team of dedicated professionals who provide innovative solutions for the commercial poultry industry by using scientific and evidence-based medicine to improve bird health, welfare, quality, and profitability. We provide industry-leading veterinary and health management services to clients across Canada that includes flock health management, diagnostic and laboratory testing, integrative plant and hatchery consulting and veterinary and health consulting. Guided by our vision, we focus both on what and how we achieve our results by working together as a committed team of professionals.

Our lab teams provide services both in-house and on-site. In-house our labs provide diagnostic services to industry clients (farms, hatcheries, processing plants), and conduct postmortem examinations, bacteriology, parasitology, serology, and virology tests. On-site services include farm visits, audits, flock health checks and sample and data collection for government and industry-partner programs.

Our positive team environment is built on the values of INNOVATION, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, HONESTY, and TRUST and strives to create alignment between the needs of our business and the personal needs of our employees. We care about our people, and it shows in the flexibility, benefits, and learning opportunities.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

We are looking for a team player who is a motivated learner who takes action that aligns with the goals and vision of our organization. We are looking for someone who owns their role, works well with others, and is committed to learning and growing themselves and the organizational outcomes.

We are looking for a full-time Laboratory/Field Technician reporting to the Technical and Veterinary Team in our Airdrie office. This role is an integral part of our team and provides in-person services to our clients both in our Laboratory and in the field, working directly with our Veterinary team. The variety in the role provides you with the opportunity to learn our business from the ground up and provide leading-edge services to our clients.

Our business success is based on the commitment to customer services that our employees provide. As our client services expand, so does our need to add great people to our team. If you have the qualifications and the desire to be part of our evolving team, we invite you to apply and share with us how your skills will help us take our business to the next level. We’ve built a company where people love to what they do and work together across business areas to achieve the best for our clients, then we look forward to hearing from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Conducting Laboratory tests including:

o Serology with ELISA kits,

o fecal floatation,

o bacteriology (isolation, ID, antibiotic sensitivity testing),

o biofilm,

o bio-mapping, etc.

· Sample reception, sample identification, sample preparation, sample dilutions

· Quality Control

· Write CFIA import permits for serology ELISA kits on a yearly basis or as needed

· Collecting samples and gathering information at client farms, hatcheries, feed mills, processing plants or other locations (examples include the CanNAISS and CIPARS programs)

· Preparation of standards and reagents

· Assist with postmortems

· Support and coordinate development and implementation of new laboratory tests

· Maintain effective and clear communication with team members, suppliers and clients

· Inventory maintenance and control for both lab supplies and Field Kits

· Support and coordinate the management and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments.

· Labelling, packaging, shipping, and receiving of vaccines and samples, including lifting supplies from truck

· Prepare budgets and laboratory activity planning with the technician team

· Support Partners and Managers in other teams, offices and/or related companies through coordination and direction of lab and technical support.

· Maintain a clean working environment

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

· A Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Science, Chemistry, Animal Health background or equivalent required, or completion of Laboratory Technician / Veterinary Technician program at a recognized College or University

· Strong 1 year + microbiology laboratory experience desired

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills

· Self- starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision

· Demonstrated strength in fostering collaboration with colleagues

· Relationship builder with both team and suppliers, clients and business partners

· Ability to demonstrate empathy with clients while ensuring quality outcomes

· Advanced analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills

· Experience writing process and procedural documentation

· Experience of working with tight deadlines and turnaround times

· Work well under pressure during high (peak) workloads

· Able to adapt to changing situations and make decisions that support the team and client needs

· Ability to balancing high volumes and produce quality of results

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 including: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Microsoft Office, Teams, Exchange Online

· Valid driver’s license (class 5)

WORK CONDITIONS:

· Handling of blood and tissue samples

· Live bird handling

· Humane euthanasia

· Ability to work in both lab and Field environments

· Ability to operate microscope for extended period of time

· Tolerance of strong odours

· Ability to lift up to 30 pounds

· Able to stand for extended hours

· Weekend shift work may be required from time to time

WE PROVIDE:

· Competitive compensation package

· Employee benefits

· Flexible environment

· Ongoing development

· Opportunity to help shape the future of our business

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

If this opportunity sounds like a fit for you, please provide us with your resume and a cover letter letting us know how you are a fit for our role.

Candidates must be authorized to work in Canada.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Feb. 23, 2024

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $20.00-$22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• RRSP match

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Airdrie, AB (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-02-23
Expected start date: 2024-03-01