Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Provincial Vaccine Depot Site Coordinator, the Provincial Vaccine Depot Technician plays a critical role in protecting public health by supporting the safe distribution of provincially funded vaccines across Alberta. This position is part of a dedicated operational team responsible for ensuring that all publicly funded immunization programs are effectively supplied with essential biological products.

Inventory & Ordering
• Order biological products from manufacturers and monitor inventory to ensure adequate stock with optimal expiry dates.
• Use the Alberta Vaccine Inventory (AVI) System to receive, ship, and track orders.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, shipping protocols, and invoicing processes.
• Report supply issues, including shortages or short-dated products, to leadership.

Receiving & Storage
• Receive and inspect shipments to confirm accuracy and appropriate temperature conditions.
• Maintain complete documentation of shipment conditions and discrepancies.
• Ensure all products are stored according to manufacturer requirements and cold chain standards.
• Implement first-expiry-first-out (FEFO) inventory practices.

Distribution & Shipping
• Pick, pack, and ship products according to schedules, authorizations, and urgent requests.
• Coordinate shipments with couriers, team leads, and delivery sites.
• Monitor shipments to ensure timely delivery and temperature compliance.
• Accurately record all distribution data and initiate cold chain break reports if required.

Cold Chain Management
• Maintain biological products within required temperature ranges from receipt to delivery.
• Monitor and record temperatures (minimum twice daily) for all storage units.
• Respond to alarms, equipment failures, and temperature excursions in accordance with procedures.
• Manage quarantine processes for compromised shipments pending direction.

Product Returns & Wastage
• Process expired or defective products, including documentation and disposal.
• Track and report reasons for product wastage (e.g., expiry, cold chain breaks, damage).

Role Responsibilities continued

Equipment & Facility Maintenance
• Identify equipment needs and coordinate repairs or replacements.
• Perform routine maintenance (e.g., cleaning, defrosting freezers, handling packaging waste).
• Support continuous improvement of storage and distribution processes.

Communication & Collaboration
• Communicate inventory issues, shipment concerns, and equipment problems to leadership.
• Participate in daily team meetings and ongoing process improvement discussions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
• Support training and mentorship of new staff once fully trained.

Policy & Program Support
• Contribute to the development and updating of policies related to cold chain, inventory, and distribution.
• Assist with education and training for stakeholders across the province, as needed.

Pandemic Response Support
• Manage antiviral stockpiles and monitor storage conditions.
• Distribute antiviral medications as directed during public health responses.
• Respond to alarms and incidents at off-site storage facilities.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

Systems Thinking
• Take a holistic view of complex challenges and identify how interrelated factors influence outcomes.
• Anticipate impacts of decisions and align actions with long-term goals and values.
• Seek insight into the implications of different options.
• Analyze long-term outcomes and emerging trends.
• Identify potential unintended consequences.
• Integrate diverse information to support sound decision-making.

Creative Problem Solving
• Bring curiosity and innovation to your work, continuously seeking opportunities to improve results and processes.
• Ask thoughtful questions to understand problems deeply.
• Identify new approaches to improve outcomes and activities.
• Explore what has worked well and share learnings with others.
• Gather diverse data and perspectives to inform decisions.

Agility
• Thrive in a changing environment by adapting quickly and maintaining a positive, solutions-focused mindset.
• Identify and act on opportunities to improve processes.
• Anticipate and adjust to change effectively.
• Remain calm and composed under pressure.
• Seek advice and support when navigating change.
• Work creatively within established guidelines.

Drive for Results
• Outcome-focused and committed to achieving and exceeding goals through collaboration and accountability.
• Plan work based on experience and insights.
• Hold yourself and others accountable for results.
• Partner with teams and stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Strive to exceed expectations and deliver high-quality work.

APS Competencies continued

Develop Networks
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships that support organizational success.
• Identify and engage key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain relationships across a broad network.
• Incorporate diverse stakeholder needs into decisions.
• Influence others through effective communication.

Build Collaborative Environments
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team culture where people feel valued and empowered.
• Leverage the skills and knowledge of others.
• Value diverse perspectives and foster learning.
• Support open communication and respectful conflict resolution.
• Recognize and appreciate contributions of others.

Develop Self and Others
• Committed to continuous learning and supporting the growth of others.
• Reflect on performance and identify development opportunities.
• Take initiative to stay current and build expertise.
• Share knowledge proactively with the team.
• Coach and mentor others to support their development.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards
Two-year technical and science diploma in a related field; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:
1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

The following experience is required:
• Strong operational experience in warehousing, materials management, and inventory control within a regulated or high-volume environment.
• Strong computer proficiency, with advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of cold chain management, including handling, storage, distribution, and inventory control practices aligned with established directives and guidelines.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy, reliability, and precision.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate materials handling equipment such as pallet stackers, wrappers, and strappers.
• Working knowledge of government and departmental financial policies and procedures.

The following experience is considered as assets:
• Working knowledge of pharmacy terminology, including abbreviations, generic and trade medication names, aseptic technique, and dispensary operations.
• Graduation from a recognized Pharmacy Technician training program.
• Warehouse Occupation Intermediate or Technician Certificate.
• Experience working in a vaccine depot or similar environment requiring strict adherence to cold chain protocols.

The following experience will be given preference:
• Direct experience in a vaccine depot or pharmaceutical distribution setting.
• Formal training or certification related to pharmacy or warehouse operations.
• Experience working in highly regulated environments where compliance with health, safety, and storage standards is critical.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

Notes

Hours of work are 07:30 AM to 03:45 PM, Monday to Friday. This is a full-time permanent position working 36.25 hours per week.

There is no option for hybrid work in this position.

If a security screening is required:
• Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Selected candidates will be asked to complete an Excel evaluation as part of the interview process.

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is recommended to assess your writing skills.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.
• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.