Equipment Maintenance and Animal Care Technician

Primary Purpose: To perform equipment maintenance and animal care activities in the Rayner Dairy Research and Teaching Unit. The individual in this role will perform a wide range of activities associated with efficient functioning of the unit.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Dairy Unit Manager, this position performs routine maintenance and repair activities of various dairy-related equipment, including the milking parlor, voluntary milking system, manure handling equipment, and facility assets such as overhead doors, overhead fans, pens, and gates. In addition to maintenance and repair duties, the incumbent will perform dairy cow milking, feeding, caring for livestock, and assisting with unit research activities. Work is performed independently with minimal supervision.  It involves lifting and moving of heavy feed, equipment, and other supplies. Work takes place in a facility with large animals, where the incumbent is exposed to animal dander, animal waste, and unpredictability. Shift work is involved, providing coverage during the day, evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays as the unit is a 24/7 operation. Being on standby for equipment alerts may also be required.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Maintenance and repair activities will be performed on all milking, feeding, manure management, facility, and rolling equipment. Animal care duties will include feeding and milking cows, bedding animals, monitoring animal health and reproductive status, moving animals, etc., in accordance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care. The individual in this role will have experience safely operating farm equipment, including tractors, bobcats, manure spreaders, feed mixers, augers, and trucks. The role may include various other duties as assigned, including assisting with liquid waste removal, covering silage, unloading feed shipments, assistance with cropping activities, etc.

Education: Post-high school training such as a Diploma in Agriculture is an asset. Preference will be given to candidates who hold any/all of the following:

• Operator Certificate in Powered Mobile Equipment (PME)
• Heavy Duty Mechanic Certification
• Refrigeration Certification
• Welding Certification
• Dairy-specific certificates such as Delaval Automation Certification

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

Experience:

• Experience with large animal handling.
• Experience and certifications as a service technician/equipment installer related to milking equipment (automated and parlour), barn ventilation, refrigeration, and manure management equipment.
• A proven track record of safely operating equipment.

Skills:

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, researchers, and students.
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment.
• Ability to follow animal care protocols and SOPs.
• Demonstrated understanding of humane animal care and handling principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform heavy physical labour in all weather conditions.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Sydney Goldsmith at 306-966-4155

Department: Animal Science Farms

Status: Term 6 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent

Employment Group: CUPE 1975

Shift: Shift work is involved, providing coverage during the day, evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays.

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: 2/28/2024

Closing Date: 3/21/2024 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 is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. 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 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’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.