University System of Maryland

            Job Class Specification




TITLE: VETERINARY FACILITY ASSISTANT           JOB CODE: N03VFA
FLSA: NONEXEMPT                                JOB TYPE: SYSTEMWIDE
EEO6:  H70                                     JOB FAMILY/SERIES: VET
IPED-SOC: 31-9096
APPROVED BY: Chancellor Donald N. Langenberg  EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/01/1996

JOB SUMMARY

Under direct supervision, provides specialized husbandry for laboratory animals requiring more advanced care.

PRIMARY DUTIES

1. Assists with the evaluation, maintenance, and monitoring of the health of laboratory animals.

2. Assists with the breeding of animals or other types of activities to maintain animal room stock and various crosses.

3. 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.

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

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

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

7. Coordinates with general maintenance for repairs as well as regulating lighting, ventilation, temperature, and humidity levels of the animal room environment.

8. Maintains animal facility according to standard facility operating procedures.

9. 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: Three months related experience in a laboratory animal facility.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Working knowledge of and ability to handle laboratory animals. 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.

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.