University System of Maryland

         Job Class Specification




TITLE: LABORATORY ANIMAL TECHNICIAN ASSISTANT  JOB CODE: N06LYA
FLSA: NONEXEMPT                                JOB TYPE: SYSTEMWIDE
EEO6:  H50                                     JOB FAMILY/SERIES: VET     
IPED-SOC: 29-2056
APPROVED BY: Assistant Vice Chancellor JoAnn Goedert    EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/06/2010

JOB SUMMARY

Under direct supervision, provides basic technical support to the research and teaching functions of a laboratory animal facility and performs animal husbandry practices. This position may be used in one or all types of Biosafety Laboratories (BLS) ranging from level 1 to 3 environments.

PRIMARY DUTIES

1. Observes, identifies, and reports animal health related problems.

2. Administers special diets, medication, and experimental drugs.

3. Assists higher level personnel during medical treatments or experimental procedures.

4. Performs routine research related activities such as collecting, measuring and analyzing specimens, transporting and weighing animals.

5. Coordinates animal care activities with other staff.

6. Assists with the evaluation, maintenance, and monitoring of the health of laboratory animals. Assists with the breeding of animals and other activities to maintain animal room stock and various crosses.

7. Provides husbandry support as required by standard operating procedures such as ensuring appropriate feeding and watering of animals, cleaning and changing cages, preparing special diets and maintaining proper temperature, light, and humidity levels.

8. Handles animal carcasses, tissues, and wastes following established policies and procedures.

9. Maintains husbandry records pertaining to animal census, animal breeding, dietary studies, infectious disease studies, etc.

10. Receives, inspects, and stocks supplies such as animal feed and bedding. Assists in maintaining inventory.

11. Coordinates with general maintenance for repairs and regulates the lighting, ventilation, temperature and humidity levels of the animal room environment.

12. Sterilizes glassware, syringes, instruments and equipment.

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED.

EXPERIENCE: Six months in a laboratory animal facility supporting a research project similar to the type being recruited for.

OTHER: Biosafety Laboratories Level 3 (BLS3) requires successful completion of Department of Justice security clearance for work with Select Agents and Toxins, as required by Federal regulation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Working knowledge of husbandry practices as routinely required in a laboratory animal environment. Ability to operate standard laboratory animal equipment including scales, autoclaves, pressure washers, cage washers, steam cleaners, etc.; to lift bags of feed and bedding; to follow standard operating procedures; to move heavy stainless steel racks, clean cages, etc.; to wear and work in personal protective equipment; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

OTHER: Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job. Certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) as an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician may be required. Biosafety Laboratory Level 3 have additional guidelines specific to working in BLS3 environments requiring the receipt of BLS3 training, ability to demonstrated proficiency in BLS3 practice and techniques, and participate in medical surveillance. May be required to have current tetanus and/or diphtheria shots.