Department: LSD AHL Central Services
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120
Temporary full-time from 12/01/2026 to 12/31/2027 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
With the mission of working together toward a healthier future, the Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) provides high-value, analytic and diagnostic services for the agricultural, food and veterinary sectors. AHL is seeking a qualified Client Services Representative to provide front-line client service, specimen accessioning, and data-entry in the high-volume Specimen Reception lab section.
Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include: 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 the telephone enquiry line for AHL clients; retrieving electronic mail and redirecting calls to appropriate areas; act as liaison between various University of Guelph departments (e.g., OVC Pathobiology); act as a contact to clients for the veterinary diagnostic laboratory; splitting specimens for dispatch to the various labs; trimming tissues and making blood smears; preparing and filing pending and billed case information.
The Specimen Reception lab environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative. Candidates who bring a positive and service-focused attitude, who thrive managing multiple tasks, are highly adaptive and flexible, and enjoy working within a team environment, will be most successful in this role.
Requirements
- 2-year community college diploma in a Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) program or a related field and a minimum of 12 months of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Understanding of veterinary medical terminology
- Excellent computer, data-entry, and keyboarding skills
- Experience working 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
- Proven 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
- Demonstrated experience with telephone and frontline client relations
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Understanding of WHMIS and Occupational Health & Safety in a laboratory environment
Must be or willing to be rabies vaccinated.
Hours of work: 35 hours per week Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a rotational Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift.
Employee Type: Regular Position Number: 10922270
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: 10/09/2026 Closing Date: 10/16/2026
