Associate Vivarium Operations- Onsite

Major Accountabilities

• Principally responsible for daily husbandry to animals (predominantly rodents, some small animalUSDA), clinical observations, maintenance of the animal facilities (sanitation of animal rooms & equipment), receipt of incoming animals & supplies, fulfilling research requests, animal transfers and relocatons.
• Often responsible for ensuring compliance with all institutional and regulatory protocols, policies, and guidelines. Maintenance of relevant facility/animal records. Make independent decisions regarding operational standards/situations.
• Responsible for pursing continuous learning/professional development opportunities and enhancing/expanding skill set as time allows.
• Driven by the needs of our scientific partner/collaborator, limited routine technical procedures on animals may also be assigned.
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be required.

Key Performance Indicators

• Provide consistent and high quality on-site animal care and vivarium maintenance
• Effectively gain certification and proficiency on all applicable operational skills as required
• Team oriented and interactive. Foster peer/team development and performance
• Strong attention to completion of tasks in an efficient/consistent manner
• Continuously support Vivarium Operations Management in maintaining compliance with all internal and external regulatory agencies in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• Continuously pursue educational and professional development opportunities to enhance and expand relevant skills and knowledge
• Identify and resolve on-site vivarium operational issues/challenges
• Execute detail-specific operational support

Ideal Background

• GED or High School degree required, 2-year degree in Veterinary Technology, 4-year Science degree, or a combination of experience with higher education preferred
• ALAT Certification desirable or pursued after start
• Working knowledge of federal, state, local (Animal Welfare) laws and departmental SOPs
• Thorough understanding and comprehension of operational standards, processes, equipment, etc. as they relate to operational responsibilities
• Languages: English
• Experience: Strong experience (2 – 4 years) working with animals or performing animal husbandry in a research setting. Qualified candidates will have a strong commitment to providing quality research support, dedicated to providing consistent, humane animal care in accordance with Laboratory Animal Care regulations/standards. Candidates must be reliable, independent, work well in a dynamic, fast-paced team environment and have well-developed interpersonal & communication skills. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and move heavy objects. Must be able to work from a standing position for prolonged time periods and perform repetitive motion tasks. Able to work weekends, holidays and during inclement weather.
• Competency Profile
• Characteristics: Strong commitment to providing humane, consistent, and high quality daily care to research animals; strong interpersonal skills (transparency, professionalism, communication); strong sense of personal accountability, reliability and integrity; team-oriented and interactive; fosters peer/team development and performance; organized, effective time management, detail-oriented, thorough and consistent; ability to independently identify and resolve standard vivarium operational issues/challenges; self-starter requiring no daily oversight; open to supporting transitional operations and schedule changes; committed to professional development and continuous learning
• Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of animal care expectations/responsibilities; knowledge of facility operational parameters and standards; recognition of typical/atypical animal health and behaviors; effective time management/prioritization for operational expectations/responsibilities; knowledge of Federal, state and local Animal Welfare regulations and recommendations; ALAT or higher certification desirable
• Skills/Abilities: Strong communication skills (written and verbal required, presentation desirable); proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook required, database use desirable; able to lift 50 lbs., move heavy objects, work from a standing position for prolonged periods and perform repetitive motion tasks; able to perform standard animal care responsibilities; able to work weekends, holidays and during inclement weather; able to work weekends, holidays and during inclement weather