Animal Care Technician

Job Position: Lab Animal Technician

Facility Address: Ridgefield, CT

Contract : 6 Months

Shift: 09:00 to 17:00

Pay Rate: $29/hr

Job Summary:

This position functions under general guidance/supervision of AR management or designee to perform functions in support of AR operations in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, guidelines, and policies on the use of laboratory animals. This position may include rotational assignment to various animal and/or support areas. In addition, this position functions as a member of a work team, actively promotes a team-oriented work environment, and may be expected to assist in the training of others and quality review of records.

Key Responsibilities:

• Primary responsibility for animal care and enrichment of routine and specialized animal colonies.

• Cleaning and maintenance of associated facilities and equipment including cage sanitization and preparation for use.

• Animal handling, animal observations, reporting of abnormal findings, adherence to veterinary directives, and monitoring of room conditions.

• Maintain functional knowledge and ability to operate and maintain animal facility equipment including but not limited to cage/rack washers, environmental monitoring equipment, etc.

• May be assigned to specialized tasks or roles as a primary responsibility under the direction of a more senior technician or AR management.

• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of task completion; may assist in quality review of records.

• Assist in training of team members in AR operations and procedures.

• Identify and assist in the evaluation of new technologies, equipment, and methodologies aimed at animal program improvement or advancement.

• Function as a team member; display behaviors and attributes required to complete inter-dependent and cross-functional tasks within a highly dynamic work environment.

• Verification of training proficiency in general husbandry, facility maintenance, and use of associated equipment.

• Documentation of task completion related to animal husbandry, facility maintenance, equipment use, and maintenance according to SOPs and as directed by AR Management.

• Identify quality deficiencies during visual inspections of the animals and the animal facility including safety standards.

• Demonstrate ability to work effectively and positively in a team environment.

• Maintain current LOS training records and AALAS registry standing.

• Identify and evaluate novel approaches aimed at program improvement.

• Comply with applicable company policies and guidances, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and Federal, State, and local regulations (e.g., USDA, FDA GLPs) and perform work in a safe manner.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent plus 2 years experience in an animal research facility or veterinary practice required.

• Strict attention to detail and follow-up skills are essential.

• Strong verbal and written communications skills are required.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to perform in a team environment.

• No known allergies to animals.

• High degree of physical work effort including but not limited to: bending, lifting (up to 50 lbs), squatting, pushing/pulling, reaching, and long periods of standing, in addition to handling and restraint of small and large laboratory animals.

• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including uniforms, respiratory, eye, hearing, hand, and foot protection.

• Required to work on scheduled weekends and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in animal science or equivalent preferred.