Lead Animal Care Technician

Position Summary

Under guidance, assists in the supervision and training of junior staff This role also provides direct care and maintenance for various species of laboratory animals, including feeding, general husbandry and cleaning of caging and related equipment

Job Responsibilities

• Dirty Side Cage Wash : Dissembles, washes and sterilizes caging and related equipment utilizing automated cage washing equipment and sterilizers.
• Clean Side Cage Wash : Re-assembles and prepares clean caging, equipment, animal feed and bedding.
• Responsible for general animal husbandry, including changing holding areas, feed and water utilizing specialized techniques and equipment.
• Recognizes and reports conditions of animal health and welfare that are at variance from normal for the species. Escalates any issues to supervisor.
• Ensures and monitors the proper maintenance of laboratory facilities, including animal holding areas, cage wash areas and associate corridors. Assesses conditions of caging equipment and makes recommendations for equipment replacement and / or repair.
• Assists with distributing and monitoring staff assignments.
• Assists with monitoring staff performance and recommends corrective action when necessary.
• Ensures that staff is trained in the safety, operation and appropriate maintenance of equipment.
• Performs census scans as needed. Inputs census in a database and reviews census reports for accuracy. Follows up on non-compliant cages as required.
• As needed, oversees the operations of specialized animal holding suites.
• Euthanizes small laboratory animals and ensures animal care staff euthanize rodents in compliance with standard operating procedures.
• Assists Research Animal Care Technicians and investigators in restraining animals.
• Implements policies and procedures including animal health checks, sentinel animal, environmental monitoring, inadequate cage card, overcrowded cages and dead animal protocols.
• Maintains inventory of supplies, equipment and / or reagents. May order supplies / equipment / reagents as authorized or ensure that needs are escalated appropriately. Receives supply orders and confirms accuracy of delivery. May assist with cost control.

Education

Experience

Approximately 2 years of animal care experience or LAT certified with demonstrated proficiency and approximately 1 year of animal care experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Licenses and Certifications

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

This position requires full mobility and the ability to regularly lift or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds; This role requires standing for extended periods of time and the ability to climb and work from ladders and platforms; This role may be exposed to dust, dirt, unpleasant odors, laboratory animals, animal excreta, and hot and humid surroundings There is potential exposure to animal bites and scratches, needles and other sharp instruments, infectious agents, radioisotopes, toxic chemicals, and radiation; Protective equipment including uniforms, steel-toe shoes, masks, aprons, gloves and head covers are provided and required for specific activities.

Flexibility in availability is required. Work assignments may include weekends and holidays; work shifts can be assigned between the hours of 6am - 8pm.

Salary : $28 - $30