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.