Animal Technician II

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Basic animal husbandry, observation of animals, record keeping, and assisting with some technical procedures, in addition to cleaning and servicing of animal units.

Duties and Responsibilities % of Time:

• Provide basic animal husbandry, i.e., feed, water, care, sanitation, socialization.
• Observations of test animals for adverse reactions. 40%
• Cleaning and disinfection of animal units after an experiment is conducted.
• This includes initial cleaning, disinfecting, changing filters and fumigation of the units. 20%
• Support AS and R&D personnel by assisting with technical procedures on animals, i.e., bleeding, restraining and inoculation.
• This includes collection of blood, nasal swabs and fecal sampling.
• Euthanasia of animals for collection of tissue by Attending Veterinarian and/or Project Leaders.
• Necropsy of animals for project leaders to evaluate lesions, tissue samples and disease. 20%
• Keep accurate records on animals involved in studies.
• Contact Attending Veterinarian, Manager or Supervisor if animals show abnormal behavior.
• Review animal protocol studies within two weeks prior to initiation of the animal studies. 10%
• Stock animal rooms, identify animals, i.e., tagging, placement of animals in proper facility. 10%

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent; higher education desirable.
• Minimum 3 years experience working in an animal test facility.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, health and welfare for the specific species at the facility is required.
• Ability to perform physical work, i.e., lifting 50 pounds.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain basic records.

Additional Information:

• Immunizations & routine blood sampling may be required to ensure human safety while working with zoonotic agents.
• Actual protocol may vary by site.
• Involves 365 days per year of animal work and responsibility.
• Involves routine indoor/outdoor exposure on a daily basis, travel from facility to facility, on-call status for animal care, and involves flexible work week and/or overtime.