Technician, Animal Care

About the role

Under the supervision of the Animal Facility Supervisor or Designee, the Animal Care Technician performs a variety of duties related to the care of laboratory animals. Primary responsibilities are to maintain a clean and healthy environment for laboratory animals and observe animals for their general health and well-being. The position is considered essential, and as such requires weekend, holiday and off hours coverage as needed.

Responsibilities

• Observe animal health and behavior, record and report atypical findings of the environment or physical plant (including sick animals, maintenance problems, safety hazards, and animal welfare concerns)
• Perform animal husbandry duties (e.g., feeding, watering, cage/pen cleaning of all laboratory species)
• Handle, restrain, and sex laboratory animals
• Prepare and distribute routine medications as directed (e.g., medicated drinking water or feed)
• Perform routine maintenance and sanitization of rooms and associated equipment within the vivarium
• Keep assigned work areas stocked with supplies needed for routine operation of the area
• Collect and dispose of waste
• Maintain animal room records (e.g., census, sanitation, enrichment, feeding, and animal identification)
• Maintain validation records of equipment and room maintenance records of assigned areas
• Operate commonly used equipment including machines used for washing and sterilizing items
• Record accurate documentation necessary for regulatory compliance
• Ensure compliance with all UMMS policies and local, state and federal laws governing the use of research animals

Required Qualifications

• High School Graduate or equivalent
• Ability to travel to off-site locations and respond to matters of urgency
• Basic computer skills (e.g., familiar with Microsoft Office and related hardware)
• Ability to work in an environment containing allergens, physical and biological hazards, and all species of animals
• Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE). Minimum PPE: scrubs, exam gloves, head cover, dust mask, shoe covers. Additional PPE (e.g., safety glasses, face shield, jump suit, respirator) may be required for some areas.
• Shower may be required

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct laboratory animal experience

Environmental Working Conditions

• Standing, particularly for sustained periods of time
• Heavy work: exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Stooping: bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist
• Lifting: raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position (important if occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles)
• Requires visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures
• Requires visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment