Biological Science Technician (Animal)

About the role

This position is located in Agricultural Research Services, Midwest Area, National Animal Disease Center (NADC), Animal Resources Unit in Ames, IA.

Responsibilities

• Manage the technical work in support of the care, maintenance, health, and behavior of animals involved in the research projects located in ARS Biocontainment and High Containment Animal Research facilities.

Requirements

Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.

Qualifications

• GS-05: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-04 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Handling and observing animals such as livestock, rodents, poultry, aquatics, or wildlife; AND ensuring clean housing for animals.
• GS-06: One year of specialized experience comparable to GS-05 which is directly related to the work of this position, and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Handling animals in an agricultural, commercial, or research setting; collecting animal samples, AND operating common laboratory or field equipment such as autoclave, cage washers, pressure washers, manure spreaders, tractors, or skid loaders.

Physical Demands

• Moderate to heavy physical exertion is required daily for restraining large animals and moving feed, hay, bedding, and equipment (up to 75 pounds).
• May be required to move large animal carcasses and/or portion of carcasses in carts weighing up to 300 pounds with the support of handling equipment.
• Frequent standing on a ladder to complete overhead tasks, i.e., the cleaning and changing of filters; stooping, bending, reaching, and active walking.

Work Environment

• Biosafety Level 2, and 3 facility.
• Animal holding facilities where natural and man-made environmental extremes (i.e., rain, snow, ice, sunlight, heat, cold, and high humidity) are present.
• Expected to work with animals infected with zoonotic diseases and follow shower procedures and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators, ear and eye protection, boots, gloves, and coveralls.
• Various forms of respiratory protection equipment must be worn when working with certain infectious agents, chemicals, and animal allergens.
• PPE provides necessary protection against biological and chemical hazards but may increase risk of accidents due to decreased vision, hampered communication, and limited mobility and dexterity.
• Prolonged usage of PPE may compromise physical well-being leading to labored respiration, heat stress, and dehydration.
• Daily work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, virucidal, and bactericidal disinfectants, and detergents.