What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Animal Care Technician position at Colgate University?
**Head Animal Care Technician Position Summary**
This is a 12-month full-time position reporting to the Dean of the Faculty. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the animal care facility, ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with faculty members to implement research protocols and provide training to students and staff on animal care and equipment usage.
- Supervise and manage inventory levels of subject animals, oversee upkeep of cages, tanks, life support systems, cleaning equipment, and experimental apparatus associated with animal care.
- Ensure 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 activities.
- Oversee the work of other technicians, ensuring quality and accuracy in their tasks, and may also manage technician scheduling and coverage.
- Serve as a voting member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and provide feedback on protocols, consult on animal care status, evaluate the current animal care program, and conduct regular inspections of all animal care spaces.
Requirements
- Demonstrated expertise in animal care use in research sufficient to configure research protocols as directed by faculty.
- Able to diagnose problems with key lab equipment and arrange for proper repair and maintenance.
- Demonstrated ability to safely handle and work with subjects used within relevant laboratory and fieldwork.
- Familiarity with domain-specific software sufficient to document research activities and animal care.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- Active Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) or AALAS Laboratory Animal Technologist is strongly preferred.
- An undergraduate degree is preferred.
About Colgate University
Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development.
The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws or Executive Orders.
