Dairy Research Technician - Ontario Dairy Research Centre - Elora

Department: OMAFRA Research Facilities
This position is covered by the Collective Agreement with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation District 35 - Technician/Administrative/Research/Agricultural

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Forepersons, Ontario Dairy Research Centre, the Dairy Research Technician is responsible for the smooth planning, organization and execution of research projects at the Ontario Dairy Research Centre.  The Ontario Dairy Research Centre is a fully operational dairy farm that must meet all the food producing requirements of milk production while the animals are being used for a wide variety of research projects.  The technician is the liaison between researchers, facility supervisors and barn staff.  They ensure accurate collection of data and that individual project requirements are carried out in the manner required by the researcher, but also within the means of the facility.  Other responsibilities include aiding researchers in a variety of ways, maintaining, repairing and updating the facility’s research-related equipment, supervising research projects to ensure that animal care guidelines and university safety policies are being followed, and providing training in both safety and research methodologies to researchers.  The incumbent also provides coordination and logistical support in the absence of the facility Forepersons.

General duties include:

• Coordinate research activities with facility staff (up to 20 individuals), graduate students and technicians (up to 30 individuals) involved with research projects.  Including initiating information sessions, summarizing research protocols, developing workable research routines, and liaison with researchers, facility supervisors and barn staff.
• Collection of samples (e.g., blood, milk, feed); surgical sample collection (e.g. liver, mammary or muscle biopsies), insertion of blood and urinary catheters or aiding researchers with same.
• Ensure research project compliance with all Animal Care guidelines and requirements.
• Provide general support to facility management by assisting the Forepersons with administrative and public relations inquiries.  Maintain informative resources on past and present research.
• Maintain, troubleshoot and repair research-related equipment such as automated feed bins, scales, feed cart microprocessors, body condition score cameras, cell counters, and rumination monitors.

Requirements

• University degree in Animal Science or Animal Production (Masters preferred) along with two (2) years of experience in a dairy science setting, or the equivalent education and experience. 
• A clear understanding of the principles, practices and procedures that are required to achieve precision and accuracy in research data;
• Knowledge of experimental design and implementation;
• Competency in safe animal handling and restraint; 
• Experience with sample collection and proper handling and storage of samples;
• Experience with catheter placement and minor surgical techniques;
• Experience with a variety of computer programs, including data collection and data management programs and site-specific software being used;
• Experience in communicating with people from many different educational backgrounds;
• Experience guiding people whom you do not supervise (facility staff, researchers, graduate students);
• Learning the intricacies of the research projects being conducted, outstanding oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills;
• Ability to execute complex instructions without direct supervision and the ability to be part of a team.

Employee Type: Regular  
Position Number: 10447027   
Classification: OSSTF/TARA, District 35 Salary: Band 7      
OSSTF/TARA Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 08/22/2025 
Close Date: 09/05/2025