Technician, Animal Care

Overview

Under the supervision of the Animal Facility Supervisor or Designee, the Animal Care Technician performs a variety of duties related to the care of laboratory animals. Primary responsibilities are to maintain a clean and healthy environment for laboratory animals and observe animals for their general health and well-being. The position is considered essential, and as such requires weekend, holiday and off hour’s coverage as needed.  

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Observe animal health and behavior, record and report atypical findings of the environment or physical plant, These observations include but are not limited to sick animals, maintenance problems, safety hazards, and reporting animal welfare concerns
• Perform animal husbandry duties; e.g., feeding, watering, cage/pen cleaning of all laboratory species
• Handle, restrain, and sex laboratory animals
• Prepare and distribute routine medications as directed; e.g., medicated drinking water or feed
• Perform routine maintenance and sanitization of rooms and associated equipment within the vivarium
• Keep assigned work areas stocked with supplies needed for routine operation of the area
• Collect and dispose of waste
• Maintain animal room records; e.g., census, sanitation, enrichment, feeding, and animal identification.
• Maintain validation records of equipment and room maintenance records of assigned areas
• Operate commonly used equipment including machines used for washing and sterilizing items
• Record accurate documentation necessary for regulatory compliance
• Ensure compliance with all UMMS policies and local, state and federal laws governing the use of research animals

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Graduate or equivalent
• Must have the ability to travel to off-site locations and respond to matters of urgency
• Basic computer skills e.g. familiar with Microsoft Office and related hardware
• Ability to work in an environment containing allergens, physical and biological hazards, and all species of animals.
• Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE). Minimum PPE; scrubs, exam gloves, head cover, dust mask, shoe covers. additional PPE; e.g.. safety glasses, face shield, jump suit, respirator may be required for some areas.Shower may be required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Direct laboratory animal experience

Additional Information

Environmental Working Conditions

• Standing. Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Heavy work. Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
• Lifting. Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Requires visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures
• Requires visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment.

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