Principal Animal Technician

About the role

The Principal Animal Technician (PAT) provides oversight of technical and environmental control activities in distinct animal care areas. They are responsible for training staff members, initiating and arranging orders and transfers of animals, supplies, and equipment, and ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Husbandry Duties: Daily maintenance of vivarium facilities, changing cages and racks, delivering food and water, maintaining animal housing areas, and reporting and remedying animal care needs.
• Area Lead: Provide on-the-job training, oversee facility operations, manage employee schedules, and conduct facility inspections.
• Animal Health: Identify and report sick animals, restrain animals for veterinary exams, and perform technical skills under supervision.
• Record Keeping: Maintain records, prepare daily check sheets, and submit reports to regulatory agencies.
• Maintenance Duties: Repair and maintain animal housing facilities, restock supplies, and troubleshoot facility issues.
• Miscellaneous: Transport animals and supplies, prepare rooms for housing animals, and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working under minimal supervision.
• High school graduation or equivalent, with a Laboratory Animal Technologist certification from AALAS and three years of related animal care experience.
• Knowledge of federal and other licensing agencies' regulations.
• Strong knowledge of feeding, caging, and space requirements for laboratory animals.
• Computer competency and ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and web-based software for data entry.
• Ability to recognize and report sick animals, and follow instructions and work independently or in shared assignments.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Pay

$XX.XX - $XX.XX per hour, depending on experience.

Schedule

Flexible schedule to accommodate animal care responsibilities.