Animal Care Technician

SUMMARY
Under general supervision, the Animal Care Technician is responsible for performing animal husbandry and sanitation as prescribed by federal laws and regulations, and for observing, reporting and monitoring the health and comfort of animals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not manage direct reports, however this position shares knowledge with other department personnel, may orient and train new personnel and may assist with the delegation of tasks and responsibilities with project work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

[This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change or be eliminated.  Employees are always expected to follow their supervisor’s instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.]

·        Provides for the care of laboratory animals in a humane, safe and sanitary manner using appropriate equipment and established procedures.

·        Feeds and waters the animals on a daily basis or as specified.

·        Changes animal caging and cleans animal rooms.

·        Breaks down and sanitizes animal quarters; sanitizes service rooms, equipment and hallways.

·        Observes animals for clinical signs of diseases and behavioral changes and reports observations to Manager, Animal Care.

·        Assists in the maintenance of animal records.

·        Administers special diets, water and oral medications according to specified protocols and directions.

·        Assists in the preparation of animals for procedures.

·        Accurately maintains all necessary records to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

·        Cleans, maintains, and sterilizes instruments and equipment.

·        Receives, transports and distributes incoming animals as specified by animal receiving procedures.

·        Operates and maintains the cagewasher, bottle washer, tunnel washer, autoclave and other support equipment.

·        Observes and reports any aberrations in animal room environments (room temperature, humidity, lighting, ventilation, vermin, etc.).

·        Attends in house training programs to advance knowledge of laboratory animal science and workplace safety.

·        Additional duties as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN GLP STUDIES

·        Participates in animal receipt, placement and moving within the facility, as well as to and from the off-site housing as directed by the Manager, Animal Care.

·        Participates in the sanitization of the vivarium as directed by the Manager, Animal Care.

·        Assists in preparing animals for the procedures, including obtaining body weights.

·        Dispenses feed, water and medications to study animals as directed by the Manager, Animal Care

·        Observes animals for clinical signs of diseases and behavioral changes and reports observations to the veterinary staff.

·        Makes entries in animal-related documentation and records.

·        Reports issues with the equipment in the area of animal care to supervisors.

·        Documents any circumstance that may affect the quality and integrity of the study when they occur.

·        Reports any health or medical condition that may adversely affect a study to supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

[To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.]

·        High school diploma or GED.

·        ALAT certification, or eligibility to obtain within one year preferred.

·        1 year experience/training in a laboratory animal facility preferred.

·        Ability to understand basic written or verbal instruction. Strong work ethic resulting in timely and high-quality completion of assigned tasks.

·        Ability to perform heavy repetitive lifting and moving of equipment on a daily basis.

·        Strong focus on flexibility, ability to multi-task, attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, good follow-up and judgment.  Must be able to prioritize.

·        Must possess good communication skills, patience, professionalism and ability to effectively interact with staff and management alike.

·        Ability to utilize basic information, analyze and solve problems related to the proper care of laboratory animals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
[The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.]

Must be able to perform heavy repetitive lifting and moving of equipment on a daily basis. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 100 pounds, along with members of his/her team.

Mandatory weekend and holiday coverage, as scheduled, on a rotating basis.

Mandatory weekend and holiday coverage, as scheduled, on a rotating basis.

Must not be allergic to animals, latex rubber, waste products, cleaning reagents, feed or bedding.

The work environment is an indoor, climate-controlled Vivarium. The lighting is appropriate. The noise level in certain animal areas can be above normal. There are hazards, and protective gear may be required to be worn or used.