Animal Care Technician I

Job Overview:

This entry-level position reports to the Animal Resources Manager, and is responsible for the daily care of research animals, including feeding, watering, cage changing, maintaining a clean work environment, and monitoring the overall health of the animals. This role requires a passion for animal welfare, dedication to providing clean living spaces, and flexibility in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. You will function as part of a team, and your contribution will be valued.

This technician level includes basic animal care tasks with primary duties focused on husbandry and supporting animal welfare daily. Technicians have little to no prior experience or training.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follows existing SOPs and policy standards to monitor, observe, and record animal health and welfare daily, as well as complete various standard animal husbandry duties
• Perform routine animal husbandry (cage change, providing adequate food/water, and reporting health monitoring)
• Perform daily health checks and report conditions
• Observes and monitors animals for signs of illness, trauma or social instability.
• Prepare and submit records using digital colony maintenance software; including creating cage cards, receiving and/or creating animals, and reporting health assessments as needed.
• Follow room and/or facility entry order and biosafety procedures.
• Follow SOPs and safety protocols, including biohazard containment (BSL I & II).
• Maintains accurate daily records pertaining to animal care such as completing daily census sheets, filling out room logs, and reporting inventories count to management.
• Sanitize and decontaminate facility areas
• Dispose of waste following appropriate SOPs and waste streams.
• Receive, identify, and properly house incoming animal shipments according to SOPs.
• Maintain racks and equipment; assist with supply inventory.
• May perform basic health treatments under Manager or Veterinary direction.
• Humanely euthanize animals as requested or required.
• May assist in animal restraint and manipulation of various rodent species to include mice and rats.
• Understands and conveys simple messages and instructions verbally
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Animal husbandry experience preferred.
• Experience in animal care and/or research involving mammals
• Manual dexterity, ability to write legibly and ability to operate a computer (Office, Gmail) and telephone.
• Ability to perform duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to understand light to moderately complex SOPs and protocols.
• Must be able to lift a maximum of 50lbs; bend, stoop, climb, and stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Be able to wear full Personal Protective Equipment for several hours per day (face mask, coveralls, gloves)
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize shifting demands and workload.
• Must be able to work on weekend/holiday schedule for vivarium coverage.
• Passionate about animal welfare.

Work Schedule:

• Weekend and holiday work is required in this position; in addition to, extra hours during emergency situations and for study related activities.
• Schedules will be: Sunday – Thursday or Tuesday – Saturday; unless otherwise noted