Animal Care Technician Job

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship, Division of Veterinary Resources (DVR), has an exciting opportunity for a seasoned full time Animal Care Technician at the Medical Campus.

Base Pay Range: $15 - $19.76 Hourly, based on experience

CORE JOB SUMMARY

The Animal Care Technician provides daily care for various species of animals. Duties include daily observation; feeding and watering; sanitizing and/or sterilizing animal cages and equipment; exercising and providing environmental enrichment. May assist veterinary and research staff with procedures such as collection of biological samples and administration of medications and treatments. Receives and stores materials/supplies as well as maintains animal records.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides animal husbandry to a variety of animals including non-human primates (NHP). This includes daily observation, feeding, watering, exercising and providing environmental enrichment to research animals housed in multiple facilities.


• Monitors animal room light cycles and document room environment (temperature and humidity) on a daily basis.


• Sanitizes animal cages and equipment.


• Receives animals and supplies from vendors and properly house the animals and store supplies according to established SOPs.


• Prepares animal diets, cages and water for autoclaving. Operates autoclaves to sterilize animal food, water and equipment.


• Reviews and inspects the animal facility area and report problems to Supervisor (and or Physical Plant, Facilities or Energy Management) so work orders for repairs can be prepared.


• Assists veterinary and research staff with animal procedures such as collection of biological samples and administration of medications/treatments.


• Observes animals for signs of injury, discomfort and disease and report findings to Supervisors and/or Veterinary staff.


• Assists with treatment of sick animals as directed. Assist with monitoring animal health status through the use of established sentinel program.


• Monitors and changes ventilated cage rack filters and animal room filters. Provides preventive maintenance on ventilated racks.


• Cleans and maintains biosafety hoods and animal change stations in animal rooms.


• Participation in the department's Emergency Response Team as Essential Personnel is required.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent required.

Certification and Licensing:

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) level is preferred and will be strongly encouraged.

Experience:

Minimum 1 year of animal care experience. Animal research facility experience in the handling of multiple animal species including Non-Human Primates (NHP) and Virus Antigen Free (VAF) rodents is preferred. Any appropriate combination of relevant education and/or work experience may be considered. Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends is required. Must be able to lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds without assistance.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Strong oral and written communications skills and computer literacy.


• Thorough knowledge of the handling and care of lab animal species.


• Ability to complete assignments accurately and with attention to detail.


• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.


• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.


• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as required.


• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.


• Commitment to the University's core values.