What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Technician II -RBL position at The University of Pittsburgh?
Animal Care Technician II -RBL
The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) Animal Care Technician II will provide husbandry and care of laboratory animals with a commitment to animal welfare and well-being. The candidate will:
- provide food, water and enrichment
- perform cage changes including cleaning and sanitizing animal housing enclosures, equipment and rooms
- complete daily health observations and administer basic medical treatments, procedures and unique diets and
- maintain logs documenting animal care activities and verification of environmental parameters and equipment function
- assist with training and mentoring
- manage inventory including tracking and ordering supplies
- learn/use the electronic animal management system to properly receive animals, take census and document animal records
- give facility tours and review operation manuals with new researchers
- oversee completion of facility tasks
- assist with the oversight of room and rack sanitization
- provide facility support tasks including laundering scrubs, performing general cleaning, sweeping, mopping, stocking supply areas and assisting with cagewash operations
Due to the nature of biohazard research, the candidate must be capable of adequately performing all duties outlined while wearing respiratory protection and other personal protective equipment required to enter Biosafety Level 3 facilities.
The successful candidate must have lab animal experience; consistently demonstrate positive interpersonal and customer service skills; be proficient with technology in order to use common applications (e.g. email, Microsoft Office, Zoom) and to learn CAMS (DLAR business application software); be available to work occasional weekends and holidays; stand for extended periods of time; lift 50 pounds; push/pull heavy equipment; and pass the mandatory criminal and social background checks.
Candidate must be able to complete and pass SRA Approval (Department of Justice background check), Suitability assessment and a health screening required by Federal regulation. Preferred candidate will have completed criteria in the DLAR Career Development Program. Vaccinations and TB testing may be required.
Provides animal care to laboratory animals, including feeding, watering, enrichment, health observations and basic medical treatments. Performs cage cleaning and facility sanitization procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures and maintains timely and accurate documentation. Manages research support requests, facility repairs, equipment sanitization schedules, and animal and supply deliveries. Conducts facility tours and trains staff. Assists with animal and supply inventory functions using electronic data management.
The employee must be able to:
- read, understand, and follow DLAR and other institutional guidance documents (SOPs, policies), including IACUC approved animal protocols when applicable
- follow written and verbal instructions
- demonstrate sufficient fine motor skill to manipulate animals and equipment; negotiate around equipment within close quarters; move between rooms and workspaces
- have sufficient visual acuity to observe animal behavior and recognize animals inadvertently left in cages as well as automated equipment notifications and printouts
- have sufficient audible acuity to hear equipment alarms and other warnings.
• wear facility specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods of time required by the job duties based on risk assessment from EH&S • work directly with live or dead animals and clean or soiled bedding and caging with reasonable accommodations. if necessary
- accurately and legibly document written information in English in a timely manner, including electronic formats and applications (e.g., PRISM, CAMS)
- effective written and verbal communication in English, including the use of email
- successfully enroll in University of Pittsburgh Animal Exposure Surveillance Program (AESP) and other medical surveillance/immunization programs as dictated by current research activities
- receive vaccinations and health assessments, including TB testing, required to work in some animal holding or procedure areas in accordance with DLAR and/or EH&S policies and practices.
The employee must be able to:
- stand for extended periods of time for the majority of the workday
- lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds including, but not limited to, caging and equipment, bags or boxes of animal diet and animal bedding
- operate flatbed hand trucks or pallet jacks to push/pull heavier objects or weights exceeding 50 pounds
- perform repetitive motion tasks that involve pushing, pulling, twisting, reaching, and/or bending
- physically handle and restrain a variety of small and large laboratory animals and
- negotiate and navigate around animal facility caging, equipment, and the physical plant.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
