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Job summary

The technician will assist pathologists with postmortem examinations, including carcass preparation, sample collection, and equipment maintenance. Additionally, they will provide front-line client service, manage specimen accessioning, and perform data entry into the laboratory information management system.

Job details

Department: LSD AHL Central ServicesPosition covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120 Temporary full-time from 10/01/2026 to 04/28/2028 Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent 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) General Purpose The Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) is seeking a qualified Postmortem (PM) Laboratory Technician/Client Service Representative (CSR) to contribute to the general operation and functionality of the postmortem suite and to provide front-line client service, specimen accessioning, and data-entry in Specimen Reception. The PM Laboratory Technician responsibilities include: taking postmortem submission histories; unloading large and small animal carcasses and assisting with live animals; assisting pathologists in performing gross postmortem (autopsy) examinations by preparing and prosecting carcasses and collecting laboratory samples; cleaning and disinfecting the postmortem room and equipment; properly disposing of carcasses and laboratory waste; operating and maintaining various types of postmortem equipment including saw, overhead hoists, hydraulic tables, thermal tissue digester; helping to ensure health and safety regulations are followed; ordering/shipping/receiving specimens and supplies; assisting with equipment cleaning and maintenance. Duties and Responsibilities Receiving incoming specimen submissions. Interpreting handwritten case submission forms and entering submission requests and case histories into the laboratory information management system (LIMS). Accepting payment from external clients at time of specimen submission. Preparing, packaging and shipping samples to external labs (national and/or international). Answering telephone enquiry line for AHL clients. Retrieving electronic mail and redirecting calls to appropriate areas. Acting as a liaison between various University of Guelph departments (e.g., OVC Pathobiology). Acting as a contact to clients for the veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Splitting specimens for dispatch to various labs. Trimming tissues and making blood smears. Preparing and filing pending and billed case information. Requirements 2-year Community College program (veterinary technician preferred), combined with some related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Understanding of veterinary medical terminology. Working knowledge of farm animal husbandry. Able to work safety with live farm animals and take accurate case histories. Ability to assist with euthanasia of animals. Good manual dexterity and knowledge of basic anatomy to assist with postmortem examination. Excellent computer, data-entry and keyboarding skills. Working experience in an organization with quality accreditation and a thorough understanding of quality protocols. Working knowledge of laboratory information management systems. Knowledge of biosafety and safe sample handling and distribution. Experience with specimen accessioning with a diversity of samples. Ability to work effectively with internal and external clients and to be able to relay critical information to others. Some experience with billing/invoicing, accepting payments from clients and receiving/delivering supplies. Proven ability to be an effective team player in a high-volume, time-sensitive setting; proven experience with telephone/frontline client relations. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Understanding of WHMIS and Occupational Health & Safety in a laboratory environment. Must be physically capable of lifting/moving 40-60 pounds on a regular basis. Must be (or willing to be) rabies vaccinated. Hours of work: Wednesday to Sunday, 35 hours per week, with scheduled start times between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Employee Type: Regular Position Number: 10482124 Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5 USW Local 4120 Wage Grid 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: 09/21/2026 Closing Date: 09/28/2026

What you’ll do

The technician will assist pathologists with postmortem examinations, including carcass preparation, sample collection, and equipment maintenance. Additionally, they will provide front-line client service, manage specimen accessioning, and perform data entry into the laboratory information management system.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a 2-year community college program, preferably in veterinary technology, along with relevant experience. Proficiency in veterinary terminology, farm animal handling, and laboratory safety protocols is essential.

Listed skills

• Customer service · Preferred
• Manual dexterity · Preferred
• Data entry · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Veterinary medical terminology
• Postmortem examination
• Specimen accessioning
• Data entry
• Laboratory information management systems
• Biosafety
• Sample handling
• Client service
• Animal husbandry
• Euthanasia assistance
• Manual dexterity
• Billing and invoicing
• WHMIS
• Occupational health and safety
• Communication skills
• Organizational skills
• Invoicing
• Interpersonal Communications
• Occupational Safety And Health
• Shipping And Receiving
• Data Entry
• Health and Safety Regulatory Compliance
• Packaging And Labeling
• Billing
• Filing
• Postmortem Examination
• Pathology
• Loading And Unloading
• Anatomy
• Fine Motor Skills
• Organizational Communications
• Animal Husbandry
• Disinfecting
• Dispatching
• Animal Health
• Sawing
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems
• Medical Terminology
• Laboratory Information Management Systems
• Small Animal Care
• Rabies
• Overhead Hoists
• Stock Farming

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Healthcare
• Customer Service & Support
• Agriculture
• Administrative
• Client Service Representative
• Client Service Representative / Associate
• Inquiry Clerks
• Customer Service Representatives