Animal Technician

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Performs daily laboratory animal care duties including animal health monitoring, animal husbandry, and routine cleaning and sanitation.
• All work assignments are performed in accordance with SOPs and protocol instructions.
• Maintains positive working relationships with co-workers and customers, works independently to perform tasks, and ensures regular attendance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform animal husbandry duties to maintain quality and health of research animals, including daily feed/water/enrichment, and cage or room cleaning.
• Report all animal welfare concerns to management and/or others as required.
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare guidelines, and maintain buildings and equipment for IACUC inspections and AAALAC accreditation.
• Conduct euthanasia as trained according to AVMA guidelines and complete all associated documentation.
• Clean assigned animal rooms, isolator environments, animal care equipment, and facility areas daily.
• Maintain facility areas clean and orderly.
• Assist in maintaining and stocking inventory; communicate when items need ordering.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Assist with handling and manipulations as per SOPs and protocols.
• Operate equipment and use supplies according to safety guidelines; perform general housekeeping.
• Observe equipment and report failures.
• Maintain required attendance and adhere to work schedule; weekend and holiday coverage on rotation required.
• Work extended hours occasionally due to workload; overtime eligible.
• Take initiative to complete tasks and anticipate upcoming tasks.
• Adhere strictly to non-contamination procedures.
• Maintain good working relationships with others.
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.

Job Qualifications:

Education:

• AA degree required.

Experience:

• Lab animal or agricultural experience desired.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, roll heavy objects, use ladders, and work in temperatures up to 90°F or down to freezing.
• Ability to stand for long periods, squat, bend, stoop, twist, and turn.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity required.
• Subject to objectionable odors, aerosols, dust, animal dander, and noise.
• Not allowed to own poultry or swine.
• Multiple showers per day may be required for biocontainment, including washing hair. Hair must be completely covered within hairnet.
• Nails must be short for safety and fine motor tasks.
• Work requires appropriate PPE including Tyveks, hairnets, respirator/PAPR, gloves, safety glasses, uniforms, and shoes.
• Personal phones and jewelry are not allowed in the vivarium.