Chief Animal Science Technician

About the role

The Chief Animal Science Technician oversees daily operations of the feed‑room and related equipment in the Dairy complex at McGill University. Reporting to the General‑Manager, the role blends technical supervision, animal nutrition, and hands‑on husbandry to support a large dairy herd.

Key responsibilities

• Manage feed‑room staff, assign tasks, train casual employees, and maintain a 7‑day on‑call rotation for feed operations.
• Prepare and monitor feed rations, forecast inventory needs, and order bulk feeds and bedding.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, implement schedules, and inspect milking, ventilation, and manure systems.
• Monitor herd body condition, pasture rotation, fence maintenance, and irrigation.
• Conduct teaching labs on ration formulation, body‑condition scoring, and dairy equipment.
• Provide technical support for research projects, including special diets and data collection.

Required profile

• Driver’s licence (mandatory).
• Bilingual French and English (Level 3).
• DEC III in Animal Health Technology or Farm Management Technology.
• At least 3 years related experience in dairy or animal‑science operations.

Required skills

• Operation and maintenance of motorized carts, silos, conveyors, and manure systems.
• Feed formulation and ration preparation.
• Animal husbandry procedures (medication administration, calving assistance, health monitoring).
• Maintenance scheduling and record‑keeping for dairy equipment.
• Use of ventilation, milking, and pressure‑washing equipment.

What we offer

• Competitive benefits package (health, dental, life insurance).
• Defined‑contribution pension plan with up to 10 % employer contribution.
• Group RRSP and TFSA options.
• Generous vacation policy, personal days, floating holidays, and “Summer Fridays”.
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents.
• Up to two days of remote work per week where permitted.