What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Animal Care Technician position at Colgate University?
Accountabilities
The individual in this role is accountable for collaborating with and supervising colleagues in the animal care facility to ensure the proper maintenance and care of housed animals, in accordance with institutional animal care protocols and state and federal regulations. This includes managing inventory levels of subject animals to meet faculty needs, and overseeing the upkeep of cages, tanks, life support systems, cleaning equipment, and experimental apparatus associated with animal care.
The role also involves implementing faculty-specific research protocols and providing training to students and staff on animal care and equipment usage. The individual ensures that anyone involved in animal research or teaching completes the required training certification prior to handling animals and provides additional training based on the scope of the activities. The position coordinates with the consulting veterinarian for surgical training and authorizations as needed.
The individual is responsible for overseeing the work of other technicians, ensuring quality and accuracy in their tasks, and may also manage technician scheduling and coverage. Consultation with the attending veterinarian is required to address veterinary needs for species and maintain the occupational health program for animal handlers.
As a voting member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee ( IACUC ), the individual provides feedback on protocols, consults on animal care status, evaluates the current animal care program, and conducts regular inspections of all animal care spaces.
The individual must adhere to Colgate University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan and ensure a safe environment for all. This includes staying current with relevant animal care regulations from agencies such as the NYS Department of Health, USDA Animal Welfare Act, and PHS , and advising faculty and staff on compliance with these regulations.
Technical Competencies
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Research Protocols
Description
Demonstrated expertise in animal care use in research sufficient to configure research protocols as directed by faculty.
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Laboratory Support
Description
Demonstrated ability to organize lab environment and effectively manage inventory levels of materials and supplies.
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Scientific Instruments and Equipment
Description
Demonstrated ability to diagnose problems with key lab equipment and arrange for proper repair and maintenance. Knowledge of all related equipment sufficient to teach others on proper use.
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Training
Description
Demonstrated ability to teach and train others on the proper use of equipment and safe handling of animals.
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Subject Care
Description
Demonstrated ability to safely handle and work with subjects used within relevant laboratory and fieldwork. Knowledge of animal subjects handling and safety sufficient to teach students and other key members of research teams.
Demonstrated ability to diagnose health, housing, care and other related issues with subject animals.
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Technology
Description
Familiarity with domain-specific software sufficient to document research activities and animal care.
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Regulatory and Safety Knowledge
Description
Working knowledge of relevant OSHA , USDA , PHS and other safety regulations sufficient to follow policies, practices, and procedures established by the University and other relevant regulating bodies. Demonstrated ability for maintaining facilities up to the standards set by both the NYSDOH and USDA to ensure the best animal care practices are being utilized.
Behavioral Competencies
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Personal Accountability for Results
Description
Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.
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Effective Communication
Description
Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.
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Problem Solving and Decision Making
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Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.
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Change Management
Description
Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.
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Leadership and Teamwork
Description
Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.
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Creativity and Innovation
Description
Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.
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Diversity and Inclusion
Description
Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.
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Sustainability
Description
Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.
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