Husbandry Tech I

About the role

The purpose of the Husbandry Technician I position is to provide animal care and to maintain a clean working environment within the vivarium.

Responsibilities

• Animal Care: Providing daily care for research animals including feeding, cleaning, changing cages, and monitoring their health and well-being.
• Animal Receipt: Receiving animals from suppliers, identifying orders from documentation, housing appropriately based on policy and study requirements, and distributing animals to appropriate locations.
• Environment Maintenance: Maintaining clean and sanitary conditions within the vivarium, including sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing equipment. Fogging rooms and areas as needed for decontamination. Using and maintaining the autoclave for uses such as sterilizing surgical equipment and test articles.
• Health Monitoring: Observing animals for signs of illness or distress and reporting any issues to veterinary or supervisory staff. Collecting clearly labeled swabs, cultures, and fecal samples for pathogen testing.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate and complete records of animal health, animal receipt, completed tasks, and environment conditions.
• Stocking Supplies: Maintaining adequate inventory of supplies within the vivarium. Ensuring supplies are unexpired and acceptable for use.
• Facility Support: Assisting in the maintenance of equipment and supplies related to animal care.
• Additional Skills: Demonstrating reliability, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude, particularly when it comes to maintaining a clean and orderly environment. Willingness to accept new projects as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Previous experience working with animals, preferably in a research or laboratory setting, is highly desirable. Experience with basic animal husbandry practices, including feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring, is advantageous.
• Skills:
  • Attention to Detail: Ability to observe and document animal behavior and health accurately.
  • Cleaning and Sanitation: Proficiency in maintaining clean and sanitary animal habitats.
  • Animal Handling: Basic skills in safely handling and restraining a variety of laboratory animals.
  • Communication: Good verbal and written communication skills to effectively report observations and issues.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work well as part of a team and follow instructions from supervisors.
  • Physical Stamina: Capability to perform repetitive physical tasks, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot minor issues related to animal care and facility maintenance.
  • Regulation Compliance: Understanding of and adherence to relevant regulations and guidelines for animal care and use in research (e.g., IACUC standards).

Preferred Qualifications

• ALAT certification preferred

Pay

$23-$25 an hour.