Animal Care Assistant III

About the role

The Veterinary Service Center (VSC) at Stanford University provides Laboratory Animal Care and operates within the Department of Comparative Medicine. We are fully accredited by the Association for Accreditation and Assessment of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC). Our vision is to pioneer in laboratory animal care, driving research innovations from bench to bedside.

Responsibilities

• Recognize and report signs of unusual or serious illness in wide variety of animals
• Provide training to other Animal Care Assistants
• Treat animals under the direction of veterinarian or researcher
• Perform complex lab procedures, such as drawing blood from veins
• Perform physical exams and administer vaccines according to standard operating procedures
• Maintain various strains of mice, check for mucus plug, and isolate pregnant females
• Set up breeding pairs and breeding dates for timed pregnancies using special breeding techniques
• Breed and maintain strains of rodents, including conventional strains of pedigree, cross and stock breeders
• Maintain accurate breeding records
• May perform any of the duties described in the Animal Care Assistant II specification or other duties as assigned
• Adhere to safety rules

Qualifications

• American Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences (AALAS) certification as a Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) or higher
• Experience and success in establishing productive relationships within a diverse research community that reflects a strong “client service” commitment
• Experience training employees
• Experience working in a cage wash facility within an animal research environment

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be able to read, write, understand, communicate and follow written and oral instructions in English
• Must be able to work with team members in a cooperative fashion and have good communication skills
• Intermediate desktop computational skills and familiarity with handheld device (e.g. iPad)

Physical Requirements

• Often lift and carry materials weighing up to 40 lbs
• Frequently handle materials up to 20 lbs
• Occasionally carry/pull up to 60 lbs, push over 60 lbs
• Walk/stand for long periods
• Bend, squat, reach above shoulder level
• Often use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls

Working Conditions

• May be required to work overtime, evenings and weekends, including Holidays, sometimes in inclement weather conditions
• Work in direct contact with animals and all components of animal housing and animal research environment
• May be exposed to dust, fumes or gases, chemicals or toxic substances
• Work occurs in a secured facility, in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research
• The incumbent should be free of animal-related allergies
• The incumbent will be required to complete an initial and annual Occupational Health Surveillance questionnaire and may be required to undergo a physical examination and/or immunizations
• Must observe and support good health and safety practices regarding the use of chemicals and equipment
• Expected to follow all safety requirements and procedures
• Must undergo regular hearing testing
• Must be able to work while using a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator)
• Responsible for the wearing, use and proper care of uniforms, supplies, and equipment provided by VSC. Including uniforms required for health & safety purposes
• Working Standards
• When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu , and the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement at https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/workplace-essentials/employee-labor-relations/labor-relations-collective-bargaining/seiu-higher .