Lab Animal Tech 1

Regular, ongoing position at 1.0 FTE.

About the Department

Aquatic Animal Care Services (AqACS) is a Research Core Facility supported by the Vice President for Research and Innovation. The mission of AqACS is to support researchers using aquatic and semi-aquatic animal models, primarily fish, to study vertebrate genomics and vertebrate development by employing expert husbandry techniques, supplying efficient and timely services, and fostering a helpful, cooperative environment. The most prevalent fish model at the University of Oregon is the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Any research investigator with a sponsored project requiring the use of aquatic animals may use the facilities and animals hosted by AqACS, provided the project and its personnel follow all federal, state, and university policies and procedures on the use of aquatic animals. Currently, AqACS supports 9 University investigator laboratories, including postdoctoral associates, graduate students, undergraduate students, and visiting researchers, plus one non-university external for-profit company.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic aquatic animal care, including feeding, transferring animals to and from cages, maintaining clean cages, and applying medication as prescribed.
• Follow posted instructions for all tasks related to animal care.
• Perform general sanitation tasks such as cleaning counters, sinks, walls, and floors with disinfectant.
• Operate mechanical cleaning equipment, including cage washing machines and power sprayers.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and inventory as needed.
• Monitor animal health daily, recording and reporting findings of behavior, illness, or injury.
• Perform accurate identification and census counts of animals.

Requirements

• Six months of experience caring for animals (e.g., watering, feeding, bedding, housing, checking animals' health).

Qualifications

• Ability to follow detailed procedures and protocols.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Computer literacy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed courses of professional development in aquatic animal husbandry, especially related to fish.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience in aquatic animal husbandry.

Skills

Experience with repetitive tasks, repetitive motions, and direct contact with animals. Ability to work in warm, humid lab conditions (83°F with 90% relative humidity) while wearing protective equipment.

Schedule

Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Pay

$18.06 – $26.20 per hour.

Benefits

The University of Oregon offers a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This is a classified position represented by SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.