VETERINARY TECHNICIAN TRAINEE

Job ID: 57300
Job Category: Animal Care & Control
Division & Section: Municipal Licensing & Standards, MLS Toronto Animal Services
Work Location: Various, see potential locations below 
Job Type & Duration: Seasonal, Full-Time, approximately 2 months
Hourly Rate: $30.80
Hours & Shift Information: 40 hours per week 
Affiliation: L416 Outside
Number of Positions Open: 2
Posting Period: 27-Jun-2025 to 11-Jul-2025
Work Locations:

• TAS East Shelter 821 Progress Avenue
• TAS North Shelter 1300 Sheppard Avenue West
• TAS West Shelter 146 The East Mall

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 3 million people. Consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities, we are a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture. Join the award-winning Toronto Public Service

Major Responsibilities:

• Assists with providing daily care and humane handling of animals including, feeding, watering, grooming and maintaining sanitary conditions in the shelter.
• Assists with triage of animals upon arrival to shelter. Assists in Administering animal health requirements, flea treatments and parasite control.
• Assists in the preparation and administering of medication including giving subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, vaccines, and treatments, as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Assists in the collection and preparation of biological samples, such as blood, feces, urine and hair/skin specimens, for external laboratory testing, culture or microscopic examination, and assists with operation of a pathological incinerator.
• Assists during examination of animals, providing effective restraint as needed in order to work safely and effectively.
• Cleans and/or sterilizes equipment and work areas to ensure the highest standard of cleanliness and sanitation.
• Assists in providing services including animal intake, claims, searches, adoptions, registrations, etc., including handling of receipt transactions, as well as transporting animals to other locations.
• Utilizes computer systems and other information technologies related to animal services to input, maintain and retrieve data and City records.

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

1. Currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate from a Veterinary Technician program.
2. Experience in kennel, shelter or veterinary clinic setting.

Your application must also demonstrate that you have the following skills:

• Good physical condition, agility and strength, including ability to stand for long period of time while cleaning and feeding animals, managing and lifting animals, including large dogs and heavy articles (weighing up to 25 kgs).
• Required to be immunized against rabies and have a titre test every two years to determine immunity level and if needed, receive booster vaccinations.
• A good understanding of the Canadian Council of Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) regulations and the Canadian Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.
• Proficiency in use of computerized applications such as Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel & Outlook) and computerized records management systems.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task to effectively carry out the various duties and responsibilities of this position, with minimal supervision and direction.
• Ability to work in a customer service environment with excellent interpersonal and conflict management skills, dealing effectively with all levels of staff, the public and external contacts in person in a courteous manner, by telephone and in writing.
• An excellent understanding of usage, dosage and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the veterinarian and superiors.
• An excellent understanding of common diseases and can alert veterinarian and superiors when symptoms arise or when concerns arise with animals.
• An excellent understanding of all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols for dogs and cats.
• A good understanding of animal behaviour and the ability to handle a wide variety of animals (domestic and wildlife species), including injured and possibly dangerous animals; utilizing humane tools, equipment, technical devices and techniques, (i.e. crematorium)
• A good understanding of animal services programs, regulations and legislation pertaining to animals (e.g. Municipal Code Chapter 349, Dog Owners' Liability Act, etc.)
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work in a highly demanding work environment with many competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with employees and management.
• Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and in exposure to unpleasant odours, noise, dander and animal feces.
• Ability to work rotating shifts (day, afternoon, night, weekend and holidays). May be required to do shift and weekend work in conformance with the Collective Agreement.
• Must be familiar with requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations for the safe performance of his/her duties and responsibilities or capable of obtaining familiarity of same.

Please Note: 

• This is a temporary full-time opportunity expected to run from the date of hire until August 29, 2025, to align with the summer work term. Please note that future postings for this position are expected to run from May 1 to August 31 annually.
• Trainees may rotate through various locations; however, they may be primarily assigned to one location for the majority of their contract.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.